Dental veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth, but before you make the decision to have them applied, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Here’s a short rundown of what you can expect as you prepare for brighter, whiter teeth with veneers.
Cost
Until you consult with a dentist about getting veneers for yourself, it’s impossible to know exactly how much it will cost. However, there are some estimates for the procedure that can serve as useful guidelines.
Cost will vary depending on whether you choose porcelain veneers or composite resin ones. Porcelain tends to be more expensive initially, with costs ranging around $1000 to $2500 per tooth. One the other hand, composite veneers will range from $250 to $1500 per tooth. While composite seems to be the cheaper option, keep in mind that composite veneers will not last as long as porcelain ones, which means that you’ll be spending more money to replace them in the future.
Before the Procedure
Your dentist will probably recommend one or more consultations before the veneers are actually applied. During these meetings, he or she will evaluate your situation to ensure you’re a good candidate and take impressions of your teeth so that your veneers can be custom-made. In addition, your dentist may provide you with temporary veneers to give you an idea of what to expect when your permanent ones are applied.
During the Procedure
To successfully attach dental veneers to your existing teeth, your dentist will need to etch their surface. This provides the veneer adhesive with a rough surface to more easily cling to. Some patients experience anxiety during this process, so ask your dentist if there are any sedation options he or she can offer you.
Aftercare
Dental veneers require routine in-home dental care in order to keep them looking nice. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, as you would with normal teeth. In addition to this, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure that they do not crack or deteriorate. This includes avoiding overly-hard foods and using your back teeth more to prevent excess pressure on the veneers. In addition, most dentists will recommend that you avoid sticky candies or other high-sugar products, which can erode the veneers or loosen their bonding material.
