Porcelain Veneers – Westchase, FL

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Option is Right For Me?

There’s often more than one way to enhance your smile. Before you commit to veneers or any other form of treatment, it’s important to consider what options are available and the pros and cons of each. At our office, the following cosmetic dentistry options are available:

• Teeth Whitening: This procedure is recommended for anyone who has stains or discolored spots on their teeth. Cost-wise, this treatment is much cheaper than other cosmetic options, and it can be completed in just one visit in less than an hour. However, compared to veneers, teeth whitening is very limited in the kinds of improvements it can make. It only alters the color of your teeth; it cannot change their shape or position, and it can’t be used to hide cracks or other forms of damage. As such, whitening is only really recommended for a very specific improvement.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is somewhat similar to veneers in that it’s used to correct a variety of flaws. It’s generally the more cost-effective option and only takes one visit, which makes it a good choice if you have some minor dental flaws on just a few teeth to correct. That said, dental bonding may not be a viable option if you have more extensive corrections to make or have multiple teeth that you want to improve.
• Veneers: Veneers are more costly than the cosmetic procedures listed above, but they are also capable of correcting a wide range of imperfections such as stains, minor gaps, chips, and cracks all at once. Also, they can last a decade or more with proper maintenance, which can help balance out the cost over the long term.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

After you decide that veneers are right for you, your next step is to figure out how to pay for them. Remember that veneers are a cosmetic treatment and are not considered “medically necessary” most of the time. In other words, you can’t rely on dental insurance to help pay for them. The good news is that you have other options for saving money on veneers at Happy Smiles:

• You can apply for CareCredit third-party financing, which can divide the cost of veneers into smaller monthly installments with little to no interest.
• You can also contact our office to ask about in-house financing. We can discuss your current financial situation and help you put together a plan regarding veneers and other services you plan on using in the near future.

Is it painful to get veneers?

No one wants to undergo a painful procedure, but you don’t need to stress about any discomfort when choosing veneers. We will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before preparing your teeth. You may have some slight sensitivity after we’ve applied your temporary veneers, which is more common to occur if you require several restorations. Some people report “bonding sensitivity.” It is a sharp, sudden pain that happens when eating or drinking something hot or cold. Any discomfort you experience will subside within a couple of days. You can manage it using an over-the-counter pain reliever and a saltwater rinse.

Are veneers permanent?

Technically, veneers aren’t permanent because they will need to be replaced eventually; however, they aren’t considered reversible. We’ll need to etch the surface of your teeth to remove a small amount of enamel to allow the veneers to fit snuggly. Unfortunately, your enamel will not grow back if your veneers are taken off, so your teeth will always need to be covered with a restoration.

Are there any dietary restrictions?

Although veneers are thinner than ever, they are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. It is best to take a few precautions to protect your veneers from damage, especially while your temporary ones are in place. We recommend avoiding hard foods, like raw fruits and vegetables, which can break your veneers. It’s also a good idea to skip any sticky foods that may pull your veneers off your teeth. Your temporary veneers will be susceptible to stains, so you may want to avoid any darkly pigmented foods and drinks. Once you have received your permanent veneers, you can enjoy most of your favorite foods; however, we still suggest avoiding those that are extremely hard or crunchy. If your teeth are sensitive after your treatment, stay away from hot or cold foods and drinks. If you drink alcohol, consume it in moderation to prevent weakening the bonding material that holds your veneers to your teeth.

How many veneers will I need?

There isn’t any way to determine how many veneers you’ll need without first performing a consultation to assess your smile and learn more about your goals. A veneer can be bonded to a single tooth to fix a chip or crack, but we often recommend applying them to the teeth most visible when you smile. As a result, it is not uncommon to need 6 to 8 veneers. Some patients may need as many as 10 or 12. Multiple veneers will help ensure your smile looks natural and symmetrical.