Name one person you know who likes going to the dentist. That’s exactly right. No one likes a trip to the dentist office even when you know that the pain, discomfort or embarrassment you’ve been suffering through will come to an end. There are the needles, the Valium, the poking and prodding, pinching, squeezing and that’s all before the pain stops. Even the word extraction conjures up painful images.
Thankfully porcelain veneers aren’t anywhere near as uncomfortable and irritating as an emergency visit or even your regular dental checkups. To help you decide whether porcelain veneers are a good choice for you we’ll examine the facts and discuss some options for getting that perfect smile.
Porcelain Veneers Are Permanent
It’s true. Because the process of applying porcelain veneers to your teeth destroys some of your natural tooth enamel, the process is permanent and can’t be undone once it’s started. Another reason they are a permanent solution is because they are custom created to fit your teeth. Whether you want two or twenty, porcelain veneers are made to last.
Veneers Are Custom Made
If you’ve never seen one or had a veneer put on it might not be common knowledge that they are individual applications. Sort of like a made to order, piece-by-piece fixture that creates a brand-new smile as you go. As previously stated, whether you want two veneers or twenty, you can create the smile you’ve been dreaming of by talking to your dentist about porcelain veneer options.
Veneers Are Made to Last
Porcelain veneers are made to last up to 15-20 years. Created from a porcelain resin, they are made for individual teeth and can are constructed to withstand the rigorous task of chewing over the days and nights and years that will create wear and tear on them. Because porcelain is such a strong and durable material, can be matched to the shade of your existing teeth and can be fitted to the teeth you already have; porcelain veneers are a fantastic choice is you need help with your smile.
Porcelain Veneers Are Pricey
Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers are considerably pricey. The cost of porcelain veneers ranges anywhere from $350 to $18000 with an average cost running around $6800. Because the cost is considerable, it’s a good idea to discuss the pros and cons of both porcelain and composite veneers with your dental professional before you commit to the process, because once you start, you must see the procedure through.
Porcelain Vs. Composite
If you’re on a budget that doesn’t allow for larger expenditures, composite veneers are a great option for getting your teeth fixed. While they don’t last nearly as long, only 4-8 years, they are still a nice option. These veneers can usually be applied in one visit to your dental specialist.
However, if you’re wanting something a little nicer that will last you twice as long, if not more, porcelain veneers are the better option. They’ll run you considerably more in the short term, but they’ll provide up to twenty years of a great smile in the end. If money isn’t a problem, this is certainly the better package. While these veneers last longer, they also take longer to apply, however, usually they are completed within three trips to your local dental specialist.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
If you’re looking for an alternative to veneers, there are a couple of options that don’t have the same expense. The first is dental bonding. It’s a procedure that uses a composite resin to fill in cracks, chips in damaged teeth or to fill in gaps between teeth.
Dental Crowns are a tooth-shaped sort of “cap” that conceals the entire part of the visible tooth to help improve the look, feel and functionality of the tooth or teeth they’re be placed on. Cheaper and more cost effective than porcelain veneers or even composites.
Beyond the need for simple cosmetic reconstruction, crowns are perfect for repairing weak teeth, teeth that are broken or teeth that have a considerable filling when most of the tooth is missing. It allows for dentists to provide patients with support for teeth that would normally just get extracted and helps those patients keep more of their original teeth.
While no one likes trips to the dentist, there are times when it is a necessary evil. We trudge through the x-rays, the initial exams and wait patiently for the prognosis all in hopes of fixing our smiles. Thankfully porcelain veneers are a near painless way to make that happen in a very short amount of time.
By choosing to discuss porcelain veneer, composite and bonding options with your dentist, you’ll be one step closer to the smile you’ve always wanted to have. No more hiding behind a fake smile or keeping a prop in your hand to hide your beautiful laugh. And always remember, because most dental procedures are at least partially covered by insurance to some degree; always check with your insurance provider to see what coverage options are available and whether or not prior approval is needed for a procedure like dental reconstruction, crowns, bonding or veneers.
Your dental professional will know more about the specific needs you’ll have once you’ve had your initial checkups, which is usually covered by insurance. If you don’t have dental coverage, most dentists offer a sliding fee payment scale to help those who might not have the funds available at one time and can also offer financing options for any or all of what your insurance doesn’t cover.
Whatever your financial status, if you’re hurting or if your teeth just aren’t what they used to be, consulting a dental professional can ease some of your concerns and can offer support and hope for those who’ve been suffering for months or even years. There is no time like the present, as they say, to find out just how amazing your smile can look with the help of porcelain veneers, composites or even crowns and dental bonding.
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