We have discussed dental veneers here in brevity, however, it is time to get a more in-depth look into this procedure. Dental veneers can be either thin layers of porcelain or a composite material applied to the tooth surface. They can serve multiple purposes, from covering an unsightly tooth gap to repairing that tooth chip which you sustained as a child. For veneers to be long-lasting and have an aesthetic quality, the dentist must properly prepare the teeth before bonding. This preparation technique involves removing some degree of tooth enamel. The specific amount slated for removal can vary depending on the degree of damage involved as well as the specific types of veneers the patient chooses to get outfitted. In most cases, the amount of enamel removed impedes the patient from having the veneers removed if they ever decide the look is not for them.
The cost of dental veneers can be astronomical, even for a single tooth. Generally, you can expect to pay well over $1,000 per tooth, and that’s on the lower end of things. For composite veneers, which are installed during a procedure known as tooth bonding, you can pay as much as half less than you would for porcelain veneers. If durability is a concern, keep in mind that composite veneers are far less durable than their porcelain counterparts. They will have to be replaced after 5, maybe 10 years. While the upfront investment may be less, you can expect to pay more in maintenance than you would for traditional porcelain veneers.
A popular variant of the dental veneers procedure which has surged in popularity is Lumineers. These are far thinner layers of porcelain that are bonded to the teeth. The advantage with Lumineers is that enamel removal is not always necessary, and when it is, only miniscule amounts need to be removed. This means you can go back to your regular teeth if you are not happy with the results. Not all cosmetic dentists provide Lumineers, so you will have to conduct some research to track down a provider. If you want to avoid a more bulky look, that Lumineers may not be the best way to go. Limited amounts of tooth structure removal can infringe upon the aesthetic quality of veneers.
If you think it’s time for a new look, then you should start looking into dental veneers or Lumineers today. If you don’t have money to pay upfront, remember that many dental offices offer financing. You can arrange a flexible payment schedule with your local office so you don’t have to wait several more months for that flashy new smile. Be sure to take your time and decide which veneers route is right for you. Rushing into things to find that the look does not suit you is not something you want to do. Talk to your general dentists as well if you would like some input. He or she should be more than familiar with your dental history and will provide solid advice as to whether or not the procedure is for you.
Cosmetic dentistry is an evolving branch of dentistry that's seeing new developments by the day. There are a number of innovative procedures available under this branch of dentistry that can transform even the most disfigured smiles into works of art. Cost can always be an issue with any sort of medical procedure, however, they are many ways in which patient's can reduce, delay, or otherwise offset the cost of such procedures. Whatever your circumstances may be, cosmetic surgery may still be well within your reach. So take a step in the right direction today and begin exploring what procedures are available to you and how they can be covered.