While not everyone is born with a perfect smile, the number is actually much larger than you’d think. In fact, just about every person on TV and in the movies has used veneers to enhance their smile to make it red-carpet ready. The difference is you don’t need to be a movie star or model to have the smile of one. Get in touch with our dentists at Legacy Dentistry to learn how we create beautiful smiles that are built to last. We look forward to joining you on your smile journey at your next consultation!
A porcelain veneer is minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that’s designed to cover a wide array of imperfections in teeth all at the same time. This is done through personalized ceramic sheaths that are customized to your exact specifications. That means problems like gaps, chips, stains, cracks, and other imperfections can be hidden instantly with a single treatment.
Veneers are particularly useful for those that have dark discolorations in teeth that don’t respond to traditional whitening solutions. And, thanks to the structural makeup of porcelain, veneers can be specifically crafted to be incredibly thin. That means less of your natural tooth needs to be removed to ensure they sit flush against your enamel.
When you arrive for your initial consultation, we’ll perform a thorough exam of your smile to make sure veneers are the best cosmetic option for you (as well as confirm no dental disease is present). Any gum disease or tooth decay will need to be handled before cosmetic dentistry can be performed.
Before receiving veneers, you’ll have your teeth cleaned and a small amount of enamel etched away to make room for the eventual restoration. We’ll capture digital impressions of your teeth, which will be used to design your permanent veneers. In the meantime, you’ll be given a set of temporary veneers to protect your teeth and help you get acquainted to your new smile.
After about two weeks, you’ll come back to our office to have the permanent veneers bonded to your teeth. You’ll have an opportunity to address any concerns you have about your new restorations before you leave.
Veneers are considered one of the most popular cosmetic treatments today (outside of teeth whitening) for a few different reasons. For example, veneers:
Veneers are a great way to completely transform multiple details about your smile all at once. However, veneers are quite an investment, so it is understandable to have concerns about the cost. You want to know for certain that you are making the right decision for your smile. We won’t be able to tell you the exact cost of your treatment till you see us for a consultation. In the meantime, here are some things for you to take into consideration.
Veneers may seem like the best option upfront, but there are several different cosmetic options that you might want to consider as well. They are all at different price points. Here are the most common:
Dental insurance doesn’t generally cover cosmetic treatments because they are considered to be elective, but this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We work with several third-party financing companies that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments, often with little to no interest. To learn more about your financing options, talk to one of our friendly team members.
To find out exactly how much your veneers will cost, schedule a consultation with us. We’re eager to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
Whether you’ve been researching veneers for a few weeks or several years, you may have questions about this cosmetic dental treatment before committing. Can I still drink coffee? How long do veneers last? What happens to the teeth underneath the veneers? Don’t worry – we’ve dedicated this next section to answering popular questions like these. Of course, you’re also welcome to get in touch with our team directly if your question isn’t listed below!
Yes, you will! Veneers don’t come with any dietary restrictions, and the materials used to craft them (like porcelain) are stain resistant. With that being said, we still encourage our patients to take proactive measures to keep their smile in tip-top shape, including using a straw when drinking coffee and keeping additives, such as sugar, to a minimum.
The lifespan of your veneers will largely depend on how well you care for them. Smoking, skipping your biannual checkups and cleanings, and not brushing consistently can cause them to chip, become loose, or fall off entirely. Good oral hygiene habits, on the other hand, can help keep your teeth, gums, and any dental work you have in pristine condition.
As for the average lifespan of veneers, it’s between 10 to 15 years. However, it’s worth noting that they can last upwards of 30 years, and one study found that 83% of patients enjoyed theirs for 20 years or more. This means that (although veneers have a higher upfront cost), they can end up being one of the most cost-effective options in the long run.
No, whitening treatments don’t affect the color of your veneers. The best way to keep your teeth stain-free is by implementing good habits, like using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages and brushing consistently.
Note: if you’ve had your veneers for several years and you want them to be whiter, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. At this appointment, we can learn more about your cosmetic concerns before reviewing all of the available treatment options, including replacing your veneers.
Since a small portion of your enamel is removed in the preparation process, you may be wondering what happens once your veneers are bonded to your teeth. Simply put, you still need to take good care of your smile since the underlying tooth can decay and your gums can still get infected. If oral health problems like these arise, there is a chance your veneers will have to be removed in the treatment process, which is not ideal. So, make sure to implement a solid oral hygiene routine at home and visit us every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
That’s a good question, and one we will seek to answer at your consultation! If you’re relatively happy with your smile but there is one tooth that is chipped or stained, then you may only need a single veneer to transform your grin. However, many patients choose to get 6-12 veneers so the teeth that show when they smile are uniformly bright, balanced, and beautiful.
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