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Your smile is an attribute that makes an impression on everyone you meet. For something that’s so universal, it might be startling to see that 51% of people are unhappy with their smiles, according to a recent survey. There are many reasons why someone is reluctant to smile. It could be because of stains or discolorations on the surface of the teeth, spaces between teeth, chips in the enamel, or even misshapen teeth. Regardless of the reason behind your reluctance to share your smile, veneers can solve many cosmetic problems.
Dental veneers are an excellent option if you’re looking to refresh your smile. And, they don’t just enhance your smile in photos—veneers come with several additional benefits as well.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that involves placing a custom-made shell over the front-facing surface of your teeth. Made of durable materials like porcelain or tooth-colored composite, they can help correct or conceal a number of dental imperfections, such as:
- Significantly discolored or stained teeth
- Worn down or chipped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Teeth that appear too small
- Misshapen teeth
- Spaces between teeth
Simply put, veneers give you a uniform set of teeth, helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
While the enamel shell does cover part of your tooth, it does not protect against issues like gum disease or cavities, so to be a good candidate, you need to have strong oral health. At Aspire Dental Group, we can address any lingering oral health concerns so your teeth are ready for this transformative procedure.
The Benefits of Veneers
Quick Transformation
A key benefit of veneers is how quickly and fully they transform your smile. After all, a procedure that can be completed in just two easy visits provides you with a major upgrade to your smile. While many people think that veneers are meant only for celebrities and movie stars, the reality is that these cosmetic enhancements are accessible to individuals from all walks of life who want to transform their smiles with a touch of Hollywood-style glamour. We all know how good it feels to get a great haircut, show off a stylish new outfit, or repaint a room in your house, and veneers offer that same feeling, with the benefit of improving your oral health as well.
Natural Look and Feel
If you have concerns about veneers feeling or appearing unnatural, you can put those worries aside. Modern dental veneers are designed to look and feel like your original teeth, and they are customized to match your tooth shape and achieve your desired shade of white. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile confidently, and you won’t feel any discomfort after we place the veneers. Most patients forget they even have them—until they look in the mirror, that is.
Their seamless appearance is due, in part, to their personalization. Veneers are expertly crafted to fit your teeth perfectly and require less tooth alteration than other options like dental crowns. The reduced enamel removal contributes to their natural look and feel. First, it allows more of your natural tooth structure to remain intact, preserving the tooth’s natural strength. Second, the minimal alteration of the enamel helps create a smoother transition between the veneer and the original tooth, resulting in a seamless, more lifelike blend.
Easy Maintenance
An underrated benefit of veneers is how low-maintenance they are. There’s no need for special products or appointments to make sure they stay looking their best. The porcelain variety, in particular, resists stains better than natural teeth, and your normal daily dental hygiene is enough to keep them pristine. With proper care, your new smile can stay radiant for 10-15 years or more.
The Process of Getting Veneers
Once you’ve decided to improve your smile, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harvey or Dr. McNair. Here, they will evaluate your oral health and determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure. It’s important to note that getting veneers is a non-reversible procedure. Tooth enamel is one element in the body that does not regenerate like other cell structures, so this is a permanent choice. We will help you decide if veneers or another cosmetic procedure is best so that you are confident in your treatment plan.
At your consultation, we invite you to ask any questions you might have. We will also discuss procedure details and costs, explaining the flexible financing payment options we offer to help defray treatment expenses.
If you’re a good candidate for veneers, the process begins by preparing the treatment area. We may or may not use a local anesthetic, depending on your needs and preferences. We will then shave away a small amount of tooth enamel to create space for the shells. Next, we take an impression of your teeth and send it to a lab. Experienced lab technicians will then start crafting your custom shells. After your teeth are prepared, we will place a temporary set of veneers for you to wear while waiting for your final version.
When the customized veneers are finished, you’ll return to the office to have the temporary veneers removed. We will bond your new veneers to your teeth, thus completing the process. After discussing instructions for how to care for your veneers, you’ll be ready to show off your brand-new smile to the world.
Aftercare Measures
Although veneers are durable and stain-resistant, it’s important to protect them like your natural teeth. This will keep their sparkling appearance looking new for many years, maximizing their lifespan. While porcelain veneers are incredibly stain resistant, composite veneers can stain with excessive exposure to known culprits like coffee, wine, or tobacco. It’s also a good idea to avoid biting fingernails, hard candy, or ice chips, and avoid consumption of extremely chewy or sticky foods. In rare cases, enough pressure can dislodge the veneers.
To maintain the appearance of your new smile, it is crucial to continue your regular brushing and flossing routine. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Mouthwash is also helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria. However, please avoid using teeth-whitening products on your veneers. Whitening treatments don’t work on veneers the way they do with natural teeth. Instead, they can scratch or damage the veneers.
As always, regular check-ups and cleanings at Aspire Dental Group will help maintain your veneers and overall oral health. Dr. Harvey or Dr. McNair can catch any problems before they grow into something worse and will make sure your veneers keep looking and working the way they should.
The Cost of Veneers
A common question patients ask about any dental procedure is how much the treatment will cost. The cost of veneers depends on several factors, including the material used, the number of teeth treated, and whether your insurance will cover any of the treatment costs. While every policy is different, many providers will not cover a procedure that is deemed purely cosmetic.
At Aspire Dental Group, we’ll make sure that you understand what role your insurance will play in covering the cost of treatment and help you get the most from your coverage. If you are interested in financing your veneers, we partner with CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and other third-party lenders to provide a payment structure that suits your budget. We believe everyone should have access to affordable, quality dental care, and we’ll help you find a plan that works for you.
Transform Your Smile
Veneers offer the chance to have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. A smile that’s free from imperfections isn’t just a cosmetic improvement. It’s a major confidence booster and a way to improve your self-image.
If you’re ready to bring out your best smile, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation at Aspire Dental Group today and start your journey to your best smile.