Why Veneers?
Before we jump into the cost of veneers, let’s first understand what they are. Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front, sides and top surface of teeth to improve their appearance and shape. They’re often made from porcelain, glass-ceramic or resin-composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth.
Veneers can be used to treat a number of different cosmetic concerns, including misshapen, broken, chipped, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth.
Some people may only get one veneer in the case of a broken or chipped tooth, but many get between six to eight veneers in order to create an even, symmetrical smile. The top front eight teeth are the most commonly applied veneers.
Cost
Now let’s get to the cost. Veneers aren’t often covered by insurance, as they’re considered a cosmetic procedure and fall to the responsibility of the patient to pay for the service. Traditional veneers can cost an average of $1150 per tooth and can last 10 to 15 years or longer depending on the patient’s habits and oral hygiene. No-prep veneers cost around the same cost per tooth and last between 5 to 7 years. In the long term, traditional veneers are often the most cost-effective option. When properly cared for we have seen our patients have great smiles with their original veneers for decades.
Benefits
The biggest benefit to veneers is improving the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more even smile. Dental veneers are often used to treat the following cosmetic occurrences:
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Discoloration that can’t be fixed with whitening
- Gaps between teeth
- Small teeth
Basically, anything you don’t like about your smile is worth having a conversation about. There may be something simple that can be done or there may need to be a more complex solution. No matter what, we are here to make your smile the way you want it. It’s truly amazing to see a patient’s confidence and demeanor change because they finally have a smile they can be proud of.
Veneers can last for more than a decade, depending on the type of veneer you choose, making them a semipermanent investment that can make you more confident in your smile.
Consultation
Prior to getting your veneers, you’ll have an initial consultation appointment to discuss which options are right for you. In some cases, if teeth are crooked or uneven, you may need to have other dental treatments before we can place the veneers.
Dr. Spear will often take X-rays at this stage to evaluate your teeth’ health. He’ll look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for root canals. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be a candidate for veneers, at least initially.
To get accurate sizing for your veneers, at the next appointment, your dentist trims down a portion of a millimeter of your tooth (removing the enamel and possibly dentin using a dental handpiece) before the mold is taken (impression) of your teeth. This mold is then sent off to the lab for the creation of your veneers.
Application
This second appointment (where veneers are placed) typically doesn’t last longer than two hours, though it might be an extra thirty minutes if a local anesthetic is used.
It typically takes between three and four weeks after we create your mold to get your veneers back from the lab. Once your veneers arrive at the office, you will schedule an appointment to have them placed. At this appointment, Dr. Spear evaluates the fit, shape, and coloration of the veneers to make sure they’re perfect for you.
Next, we will thoroughly clean your teeth. This is important, as it keeps bacteria from being trapped under the veneer and causing decay.
Dr. Spear then uses a dental bonding agent to lute the veneer to the tooth. They’ll use blue light to activate this bond, and once you leave the office, your new smile is ready to go!
Veneer Care
Once the veneers are cemented on and any anesthetics wear off, you can eat and chew as you normally would. In some cases, immediately after the veneers are applied, you may notice that they feel a little rough. These rough spots (usually from extra cement that can adhere to the veneer) CAN wear down after several days of normal eating and teeth brushing but often don’t; if they don’t, we can smooth them out very easily with a follow-up visit.
- The lifespan of veneers is variable. This is due to how they might be cared for.
- Don’t chew on hard objects (Jolly ranchers, block ice, etc.) of any kind.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, utilize a night guard.
- If playing sports, wear a mouth guard.
- Regular dental visits to obtain an exam and pick up counsel on how you might care for them best.
If you are interested in coming into the office for a consultation about how you may want to change your smile and what the cost might be please call our office at 817-920-1488. We look forward to hearing from you.