Do you have a stained tooth that just will not respond to whitening? What about a scuffed, crooked or chipped one? Yes, there are procedures that can be done, but the best one might be a dental veneer. It’s hardy and can withstand a lot – within reason, mind you. Manhattan is a place with many people with beautiful teeth… and you can join them with veneers. You might want to ask your dentist about it.
Of course, you want to do some research first. It’s best to not go in blind. Just make sure that you look at reputable sources beforehand. Otherwise, you might be setting yourself up for false expectations before you even head to the dentist’s office.
Here is everything that you need to know about veneers.
The Process
First off, you will come in for a consultation with the cosmetic dentist. Here is where you want to listen to your gut. See what work they have done and also see what the results look like in 10 years. You want to make sure that this dentist has done MANY veneers and have a lot of satisfied patients. Do not be afraid to ask questions – you’re going to have something done on your mouth that will last a long time.
Once you have satisfied yourself in that regard, you will see images of what the veneer will look like in your mouth. If everything looks great, then the next steps are taken. This will involve having molds of your mouth made, X-rays and, in a separate visit, having a very minimal amount of your enamel shaved off – roughly .5 millimeters – to accommodate the bonding cement material for the veneer. You can either have a full veneer or a partial one.
Afterwards
When you have your veneers made, initially the dentist will start off by having you wear temporary ones for roughly a week to 10 days. This way you will get to see what you will look like with the final ones in a few weeks. Sometimes the dentist will offer a very quick turnaround time on the veneers, but you will likely be paying a hefty fee. Usually it’s better to wait.
The process is not a short one – it can take up to several hours depending on how many teeth are done. This will require a local anesthetic. Oftentimes they will color the veneer so that they match the rest of your teeth – but they avoid making them blindingly white since having them look too perfect takes away from the natural look that they are striving for.
There will be some initial soreness and discomfort with both your teeth and gums, but you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Sometimes the bonding material causes sensitivity, so have the pain relievers ready for that as well. The pain goes away fairly quickly and people report feeling like they have natural teeth again within a month of the procedure.
Other Things to Think About
One reason to think about individual veneers is that they can be pretty expensive. Getting a single veneer can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $4,000. Dental insurance companies view these as cosmetic (which they are) and will only pay a little bit, if any, of the cost. The rest will fall on you. Also, the rest of your teeth may look great – you may just have one or two problem teeth.
Not everyone is a candidate – people who have poor oral hygiene or gum disease will have to rectify that before proceeding. The same goes for those who grind their teeth. Doing this can also lengthen the healing process.
With proper care, you can expect to keep these veneers for about 20 years before needing to have them replaced. That initial investment will pay off with your not being self-conscious about your smile and the added confidence boost can help you in the long run with many other aspects of your life. You still need to keep your twice-yearly dental visits to ensure that you are in great oral health.
When it comes to veneers, the staff at Esthetix Dental Spa are quite knowledgeable. After a consultation, they will make sure that you get the proper ones that give though the best smile for your face and your teeth. Give them a call today at 212-795-9675 to make an appointment!
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Esthetix Dental Spa
285 Fort Washington Ave,
New York, NY 10032
Phone: (212) 795-9675
Website: http://esthetixdentalspa.com/