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When a tooth becomes damaged, there are plenty of options at your disposal to help fix the look and function of your mouth. One of the most popular are veneers, which are a cosmetic procedure that doubles as a protective shield to prevent further damage later on.
Let’s take a look at everything there is to know about dental veneers, as well as how you can find some affordable options in an area near you.
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front of the tooth’s surface to improve their appearance. Some people might get one veneer in the case of a broken or chipped tooth, but many people get multiple veneers to create a more symmetrical smile. The teeth on the upper portion of the mouth are most commonly covered with veneers.
After your dentist creates a mold of your mouth and your veneers are created in a lab, you can schedule an appointment to have them placed. First, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth so that it doesn’t lead to bacterial growth underneath the veneers.
Next, a grinding tool is used to make a rougher texture on your teeth that makes it easier for the veneer to bond. Then, rubber cement is used to bond the veneer to the tooth, and ultraviolet light is used to harden that cement quickly.
Veneer placement is an irreversible procedure, so it’s important that you get the right ones from the get-go.
These are some of the more common types of veneers:
Porcelain veneers are made of a porcelain resin that attaches to the front of your tooth. One of the main benefits of these types of veneers over others is that they are stronger and more stain-resistant compared to resin-based options.
With that said, they are more expensive and might require more than one visit to the dentist. These veneers are custom-made to fit your unique teeth.
Especially since dental insurance plans don’t always cover veneers, it’s important to find inexpensive options when you can.
Composite resin veneers are engineered resin that affixes to the outer surface. They are both used to match or whiten the appearance of your overall smile.
You can choose between direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers. Direct composite veneers are applied right onto the tooth in a same-day appointment. Indirect composite veneers may take a little longer to make. First, patients wear temporary veneers until the lab is finished making their new indirect veneers.
The benefits of resin veneers are that they are less expensive, can be applied faster, and are easier to fix if damaged. With that said, composite resin veneers damage more easily and don’t last as long as porcelain alternatives.
No prep veneers are specific types of porcelain veneers that take less time and are less invasive to apply. These only affect the enamel and do not require the outer layers of the tooth to be removed. In general, these can last between five to seven years.
Many of the reasons that people get veneers have to do with cosmetics. In other words, individuals looking to improve the appearance of their mouth may choose to undergo this procedure.
While teeth whitening procedures are usually enough to help revamp the color of your teeth, you may need just a little extra support. Veneers can perfectly re-whiten your smile, especially when you choose porcelain veneers instead of composite resin.
Teeth can become discolored over time from certain foods and drinks, like coffee and tea. Your veneers can still become stained as well, so be sure you’re still cutting back on these staining foods even after your procedure.
Certain people can be born with abnormal tooth spacing or other dental abnormalities. If your teeth are abnormally spaced, these gaps can widen with age. However, veneers can work to correct this alignment and restore your smile.
Your enamel is the outer protective layer of your tooth. While we brush and floss to protect this layer, it can become worn down or dulled over time from consuming certain foods or using certain medications.
Veneers are a go-to method for correcting yellowed or dulled smiles due to affected enamel, as they completely cover this outer layer of teeth to restore its appearance.
Trauma, poor dental hygiene, or accidents happen — and they might cause some damage to your teeth. Chips, cracks, and dents can be fixed with veneers. Not only can they restore the appearance of a broken tooth, but they can also restore the strength to make sure your mouth is usable in the same way as it once was.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you have a higher risk of developing an uneven smile. The good news is that veneers can be used to fix that. Veneers used to fix uneven teeth have the dual benefit of improving your smile while also working to prevent malocclusion or bite issues.
While they’re very similar, veneers are not the same thing as dental crowns. While veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth, crowns cover the entire tooth, sort of like a little hat.
With a crown, your tooth needs to be filed down excessively for the crown to fit. But with a veneer, you only need to ground down a little bit more of the top layer of the tooth in order to adhere the device.
Since dental veneers are often considered a cosmetic procedure, many insurance companies do not cover the cost. This can be frustrating, considering the average cost of veneers can range from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.
But you don’t need to break the bank to get the dental procedures you need, even without insurance. Flossy is the pay-as-you-go service that can save you up to 50% on veneers, cleanings, root canals, and everything in between.
With no annual premiums or monthly fees, you can start getting the care you need without a waiting period. And our dentists are rigorously vetted to ensure that they meet certain criteria before being able to offer you their services.
No insurance? No problem. Reach out to a dentist in the Tucson area today and get the help you’ve been waiting for.
Porcelain veneers are just one of many options for restoring the look of your smile due to discoloration, damage, or anything in between. Veneers are essentially shields that go over the front of your teeth to help restore their appearance.
Veneers can be made out of porcelain or a composite resin. Porcelain veneers are whiter, more stain resistant, and stronger overall, but composite veneers are more inexpensive and more easily fixed if broken.
Regardless, veneers are often considered a cosmetic procedure, so dental insurance often does not cover these expenses. And since veneers can run upwards of $1,500 for just a single tooth, it’s important to try to find affordable alternatives.
Flossy is the pay-as-you-go service that can save you up to 50% on common dental procedures. Find a dentist in the Tucson area today to start towards a happier, healthier smile.
Sources:
Veneers | Oral Health Foundation
Tooth Discoloration: Causes, Treatment & Prevention | Cleveland Clinic
What is a Root Canal? | American Association of Endodontists
No-Prep Veneers: Benefits, Precautions, and Alternative Treatments | Healthline
Composite Veneers Pros & Cons, Procedure, Cost, and Alternatives | Healthline
Have you ever noticed that dental insurance doesn't cover much anyway? Avoid deductibles, maximum caps, wait periods, and other fine print.
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