Veneers – Abington, MA

Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Veneers are just one of several cosmetic treatment options available to our patients. During your consultation, we will help you compare the pros, cons, and cost of any service that you are thinking about undergoing.

Here is an overview of some popular procedures, along with generalized information about how much they cost:

• Invisalign. Invisalign usually costs thousands of dollars. It is an excellent choice for patients whose dental misalignment is adversely affecting their oral health. However, start-to-finish treatment can take several months or longer. Additionally, Invisalign does nothing to enhance the size or color of teeth.
• Teeth whitening. If you are looking to get rid of dental discoloration, a professional whitening treatment might be right for you. A take-home kit may be just a few hundred dollars, and in-office treatments are also relatively affordable. Depending on how you care for your teeth, the results may last for months or years.
• Dental bonding. This affordable and fast service uses a tooth-colored resin to hide flaws in teeth. At first, it looks quite similar to veneers. However, bonding is not particularly durable; it may last for just 3 – 5 years or so. It is also rather vulnerable to stains.
• Veneers. Veneers are sort of an “all in one” cosmetic treatment. They can address issues with coloration, minor misalignment, chips, and more. They also tend to last for 10 years or longer before they need to be replaced. Although you may pay several thousand dollars upfront for a set, you can view this treatment as an excellent monetary value.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Veneers are usually considered to be a purely cosmetic treatment. Therefore, insurance policies almost never cover them.

However, there may be other provisions you can use to make it easier to afford your new look. For example, you might take advantage of:

• Financing. CareCredit is a third-party company that provides low-interest financing for dental and medical treatments — cosmetic services are not excluded. The application process is fast, and you may be able to choose a monthly payment amount that fits within your budget.
• Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan provides reduced fees on virtually all the services available at Abington Family Dental Care. Signing up is quick and easy, and you can use your benefits, not just to enhance your smile, but also to maintain it.

Are you eager to learn more about veneers and their cost? Our team is ready to assist you. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step on your journey toward your ideal smile.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Although a set of veneers will not last forever, the treatment is considered to be permanent. During the procedure, a portion of your tooth enamel will be removed. The enamel will not grow back on its own. Because of this, your teeth will always need veneers or another type of restoration to protect them.

Do not let the long-term nature of veneers scare you. The vast majority of patients who get them are happy with their decision, even many years after their initial treatment.

Is There Anything I Cannot Eat with Veneers?

During your treatment process, you will wear temporary veneers for a time. They are somewhat fragile, so you should be careful to avoid hard foods that might break them, as well as sticky foods that might pull them off your teeth. It would also be wise to avoid anything that is highly pigmented.

When you get your permanent veneers, you can enjoy virtually any food or drink. However, moderation is in order. Hard foods still run the risk of damaging your veneers. Plus, although veneers are highly resistant to stains, they may become discolored over time if you smoke or overindulge in things like coffee and red wine.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

No, veneers cannot correct a malocclusion (bad bite). This is because they do not actually move the teeth. Rather, they simply change their outward-facing appearance. If you have a significant bite problem, it would be wise to undergo orthodontic treatment before you move forward with veneers.

However, veneers might be able to disguise certain bite imperfections. For example, if you have an open bite, veneers can make you teeth appear longer so there is no gap between your upper and lower arches when your mouth is at rest.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

A 2012 study found that 95% of veneers lasted for 5 years and 83% lasted for 20 years. Some patients have even reported that their veneers lasted upwards of 30 years. The key to helping your veneers stand the test of time is diligent oral care. You should stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine, avoid smoking, routinely visit your dentist, and consume a reasonable diet.

Of course, the quality of your original treatment is also a factor in how long your results last. You should choose an experienced and detail-oriented dental team to makeover your smile.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

We will numb your mouth when we prepare your teeth for veneers, so even though you might experience some pressure, you should not notice any real pain during the procedure itself.

After the local anesthetic wears off, you may notice that your teeth are extra sensitive. Any increased sensitivity is usually temporary. In the meantime, you may be able to decrease your discomfort by avoiding hot and cold foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help.

Is There Anyone Who Should Not Get Veneers?

Veneers are a great option for many people, but they are not right for everyone. For example, you should not get them if you have active gum disease, or if the tooth that will receive a veneer has any untreated spots of decay. If your tooth enamel is unusually thin, that might also have a negative effect on your candidacy.

Another consideration is whether or not you grind your teeth. Bruxism can increase the chances of your veneers falling off your teeth, so it should be addressed before you move forward with this cosmetic treatment.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

In order to place veneers, we usually have to remove a bit of enamel from the teeth. In most cases, we remove just half a millimeter or so, meaning that this process does not cause any real harm to the teeth. Veneers protect teeth with thinned enamel, so there is no need to worry about an increased risk of cavities or other issues.

Of course, you still need to take good care of the teeth beneath your veneers. A thorough routine of brushing and flossing can reduce the risk that they will develop decay. A balanced diet and regular dental visits are also important.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made of stain-resistant porcelain, meaning that Abington patients do not need to fret about stains from coffee. You can feel free to continue enjoying your favorite morning beverage.

However, keep in mind that while veneers are resistant to stains, they are not totally invulnerable to discoloration. Try to drink coffee only in moderation. You can also consume it through a straw so it has less contact with your teeth.

Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?

If you ask someone who already has veneers, they are likely to tell you that veneers do feel like natural teeth. In fact, many people do not even notice their veneers when they are speaking and eating.

The natural feel of veneers stems from the fact that they are carefully designed to fit on your unique teeth and work with your overall anatomy. If you experience any issues, it might be because the veneers are not quite the right size; a skilled dentist should do all they can to avoid this issue.