Things to Keep in Mind Before Getting Veneers
These days, there are a lot of dental products and procedures available to make your smile the best that it could possibly be. One popular example is dental veneers. Put simply, when you get veneers, porcelain in the color of your teeth is applied permanently to the front of your pearly whites, giving them a perfect appearance.
Want to instantly and easily whiten your teeth? Do you have enamel that’s been damaged over the years, or perhaps some cosmetic imperfections, and you want to restore the exterior of your teeth? Veneers might be the ideal solution that you’ve been hoping for!
But, before you dive in and tell your dentist that you want to undergo this procedure, read on to learn about a few things that you should consider first.
1. Veneers Are Permanent, So Choose Your Dentist Wisely
In order to put veneers onto your teeth, your dentist will need to remove some of the outer enamel first. Then, once in place, the veneers will be permanent, and there’s no way to undo what has been done. Therefore, it’s wise to take your time when searching for a dental pro who will do this for you. You want to be absolutely sure the dentist you choose has loads of experience, along with plenty of evidence in the form of photos of other patients, to prove his or her expertise.
Ask the dentist about all of the materials that he or she plans on using, as well as how long you should anticipate the veneers will last once they’re set in place. And be upfront about any issues that you’ve been experiencing, such as clenching, grinding, or sensitivity. A reputable dentist will want to ensure you’re the right candidate for veneers, and part of that involves checking your overall oral health, including whether or not you have tooth decay or gum disease that needs to be addressed.
If you have gum disease, cavities, large fillings, or fractured teeth, or if you don’t have enough enamel or you clench and grind your teeth, you likely won’t be the right candidate for veneers. Although there are solutions to some of those problems, be wary of a dentist who tells you that you can just go ahead and get veneers without resolving those concerns first.
2. They Will Eventually Need to Be Replaced
Over time, your veneers will experience some wear and tear, so your dentist will have to either repair or replace them. Therefore, this is another cost that should be considered.
More expensive porcelain veneers might last upwards of 15 years. That’s pretty sweet, right? On the other hand, if you go the more affordable route and opt for composite, you might only get up to seven years out of them.
3. Be Prepared to Get a Big Bill
The cost of your veneers will depend upon a few factors, such as the location of the dentist that you’re using, how many teeth will be worked on, and which dental professional you select.
No matter what, though, you should expect the bill to be rather high, typically ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with composite being a more affordable option than porcelain. Talk about sticker shock!
Tip: It’s a good idea to ask, in advance, if there might be any additional costs that would be applied before or after the procedure is done.
4. Your Teeth and Gums Might Be Sensitive After the Procedure
Be aware that there is a risk of increased sensitivity after veneers are put in place. Your chompers might look great right away, but it might take some time before they aren’t sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. Also, your gums might be sore as they adjust as well.
5. They’re as Easy to Clean as Your Actual Teeth
A viable alternative to crowns and bonding, once the veneers are set, all you have to do is take care of your teeth and gums like you always have, by brushing, flossing, and making regular trips to the dentist. Yes, even with veneers, your teeth can decay if not cared for properly.
Veneers: A Great Option for Improving the Look of Your Smile!
Overall, veneers are a fabulous choice for a lot of people who want to beautify and brighten their smile, especially since the porcelain is stain resistant. So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to see if this cosmetic procedure is right for you, consult with a dental professional to get the answers you need.
Sources:
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons
- https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/veneer-procedure/
- https://www.jonfrankeldentistry.com/blog/be-sure-to-ask-these-questions-before-getting-veneers/
- https://www.billdorfmandds.com/blog/3-questions-to-ask-before-getting-dental-veneers/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/how-long-do-veneers-last
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13051650/what-are-veneers/
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1