Porcelain veneers are an increasingly popular way to improve the appearance of your teeth, but they come with one significant drawback that many people don’t think about: they cost thousands of dollars. So while porcelain veneers can provide you with better teeth and potentially boost your self-confidence, porcelain veneers before and after they may be right for everyone. If you’re thinking about getting porcelain veneers and want to know if they’re worth the price, read on to find out more about them so you can make an informed decision.
Is cosmetic dentistry worth it?
A study found that 33 percent of patients spent over $3,000 on dental veneers, with an average cost of about $4,900. While most insurance companies will cover basic procedures like dental implants and root canals, it’s rare that they’ll pay for cosmetic dentistry. Even if you have a high-deductible plan, it could be a good idea to put off cosmetic procedures in favor of saving up or finding some kind of payment plan through your dentist’s office. The key is being able to afford it—and being sure you want to do it.
Fact check – what are porcelain veneers made of?
Porcelain veneers are made from ceramic and fired to temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They bond directly to your teeth, so if you take good care of them they can last for many years. However, porcelain veneers are very delicate and require special maintenance in order to protect their longevity. Keeping up with a twice-daily brushing routine (along with regular professional cleanings) is crucial.
What do porcelain veneers look like?
If you’ve been considering getting porcelain veneers for your teeth, it’s only natural to be curious about what they look like. Are they just a thin layer of porcelain covering your teeth? Do they alter your smile dramatically? The short answer is that there are no two identical porcelain veneers. An experienced cosmetic dentist will use their expertise and creativity to determine what color, shape, thickness and size your veneers need to be in order to maximize their benefits for you. It all depends on what changes you’re looking for and how you’d like them to affect your smile as a whole.
What can be improved with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, or porcelain laminates as they are sometimes called, are a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve your smile. A lot of people wonder whether or not they would benefit from these procedures and if they’re worth it. Let’s take a look at some of their advantages and disadvantages. Benefits • Can cover up unsightly stains in your teeth; repairs chipped or broken teeth that can be painful. • Can be used to re-contour tooth shape for a much more natural look, whether you have misshapen teeth or wide gaps between them. • Improve aesthetic concerns by changing color (whitening) and correcting misalignment of your teeth.
How long does getting porcelain veneers take?
In some cases, porcelain veneers can be applied and completed in one visit. But in most cases, an appointment is made for two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to create a blank canvas on which to apply your new veneer. The second visit will include placing and affixing your porcelain veneer, which typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on how many new veneers you are getting. The entire process could take anywhere from 1-3 hours per tooth depending on how much preparation work is required and if you need additional steps like whitening your teeth or resetting any bonding done previously.
Can you get dental insurance to pay for them?
Yes. Dental insurance is becoming more common, and if you visit a dentist who accepts your insurance, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get some or all of your veneer costs covered. If you don’t have dental insurance, consider paying out-of-pocket for your veneers in order to save on tax savings (dentists offer several financing options). Your best bet is to talk with your dentist about all of your available payment options before making a decision.
Is it painless to get veneers put on my teeth?
The good news is that porcelain veneers are very thin. In fact, they’re so thin that when they’re first applied to your teeth, you won’t even notice them! At most, you might feel some slight pressure from your dentist pushing them into place. Getting porcelain veneers is a very quick and easy process. In total, it will only take about an hour for your dentist to lay down one layer of porcelain on each tooth and then put some light on top to harden it! This means you don’t have to stay in dental chair for hours at a time.
Do I need special dental hygiene practices after getting them put on my teeth?
No. You can enjoy eating and drinking as you always have, whether your veneers are made of porcelain or not. The only major thing to keep in mind is that you should avoid biting into hard foods such as ice cubes and corn on the cob. Some people with porcelain veneers do experience some sensitivity after getting them put on, but if it persists then it might be a good idea to check in with your dentist to make sure there’s nothing that they can do for you.
How much will they cost me in total, including payments over time?
Typically, porcelain veneers cost $2,000 to $5,000 per tooth. The price varies from dentist to dentist and depends on a number of factors: how many teeth are being covered; whether an anaesthetic or sedation is needed for your appointment; if you’re getting other dental work at the same time (e.g., whitening); etc. Some clinics offer payment plans, where you can spread out your payments over a period of time—sometimes even as long as two years. Look into them to see if they fit within your budget. If not, consider saving up for your veneer treatment so that you don’t end up taking on any high-interest debt. Your health should be worth it!
Who is a qualified cosmetic dentist in my area to do the procedure at an affordable price?
In order to find a qualified cosmetic dentist, you will want to first search on sites like Yelp, Google, and Facebook for dentists in your area. If you are currently seeing a dentist, it is important that they are licensed and experienced in dental procedures such as porcelain veneers. Also make sure that they have a portfolio of patients who can provide references and insight into their work. The last thing you want is for your teeth to look beautiful for two years, then begin showing issues because there were other underlying health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease present prior to getting veneers. It is also important to make sure that when you search online you go with reviews that have been posted recently.
