Do you dislike the way your teeth look? Often, patients come to us who have no serious oral health problems but wish their teeth had a more attractive appearance. In such cases, we may recommend cosmetic treatments that can address a range of aesthetic flaws, such as veneers. This procedure is able to make your teeth’s aesthetic flaws disappear and create a smile that you will be proud to show off for many years to come.
Veneers are custom-made, very thin pieces of porcelain that your dentist permanently attaches to the fronts of your teeth. Thus, they can disguise a number of imperfections, including:
Once your veneers are in place, you can expect to enjoy natural-looking results that stand the test of time. The porcelain used to make veneers is highly resistant to stains and bears a strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel, so onlookers should never have any idea that you got your smile enhanced!
The process of placing veneers starts with a consultation, wherein we will learn about your oral health and your goals for treatment.
Once the procedure begins, you can expect to make at least two trips to our Abington dental office. During the first appointment, we must prepare your teeth by removing a sliver of enamel from them. This step ensures that the treatment does not make your smile look bulky. Then, we take images and impressions of your teeth. We send that data, along with specific design instructions, to the dental laboratory that will create your veneers.
You will wear temporary veneers until your permanent ones are ready. Them, you will return to our office so we can make any necessary final adjustments to your veneers before we permanently attach them to your teeth.
Veneers offer a number of significant advantages, including:
The cost of veneers is somewhat higher than that of many other cosmetic dentistry options. However, you can rightly view them as an investment in your smile and your confidence due to the many benefits they offer. Plus, our team will do all we can to help you afford your desired new look, including assist you as you compare various treatment possibilities.
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:
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:
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.
If you are ready to transform your smile with veneers, our team is eager to assist you. However, we understand that veneers are a big commitment, and you may want more information before you book your cosmetic consultation. To help you out, we have put together the following list of frequently asked questions about veneers, along with succinct answers. If you would like further explanation on anything you discover here, feel free to give us a call.
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.
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.
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.
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.