Dental veneers do come at a higher price point than some other cosmetic dental procedures. But when you compare pros and cons, for your health and your smile, they are definitely worth it.
Dental technology has advanced substantially in recent years, which gives patients like you many more options for correcting any worn, cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth. Dental veneers are quickly becoming the cosmetic option of choice over dental crowns and implants for those who want to enhance the aesthetic and function of their smiles. If you are considering talking to a cosmetic dentist in Little Rock about dental veneers, evaluate the pros and cons first to see if their value matches your needs.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Self-consciousness about discolored or broken teeth can have a significant impact on how you interact with others, affecting both your professional and personal life. While professional teeth whitening treatments and restorative dental care can definitely make an impact on your smile, sometimes cosmetic dentistry is a better option if aesthetics are a concern for you.
Because veneers can be placed over individual teeth or all of your teeth, they can mask any teeth you want to hide. Different veneer shapes are available to fill in gaps or give shape to smaller teeth. Your dental veneers can also be customized to match your other teeth, so you are encouraged to take an active role in the decision-making process concerning shade and shape to ensure you get the results you want.
The Procedure
The process of applying dental veneers generally requires three visits to your Little Rock dentist’s office. The first step is a preliminary consultation that determines whether you are a good candidate for dental veneers. The next visit prepares your teeth for the installation process, and the final visit actually applies of the veneers.
The entire process usually takes less than six weeks, and in certain cases, the three visits may be condensed into only two. A minimal amount of anesthesia or another form of sedation may be available if you are nervous.
The Cost of Dental Veneers in Little Rock
Because costs vary among cosmetic dental care professionals, discuss the potential costs with your dentist prior to the onset of the procedure. Although dental veneers usually cost more than crowns or implants, they generally offer more long-term value. Costs will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- The amount of teeth needing veneers. A full set of dental veneers will cost more than individuals.
- The materials used. Porcelain is more expensive than composite resin, but they may last significantly longer.
Although many insurance policies do not cover cosmetic dental procedures, financing options are available through your Little Rock dentist at Arkansas Family Dental or through a third-party lender. The cost of dental veneers ranges between $400 per tooth to $1,000, depending on whether porcelain or a composite material is used. Although porcelain veneers cost more, they typically last at least twice as long as their composite counterparts do (about 15 years).
Your Dental Care Routine
Caring for dental veneers is not very different from the dental care routine for natural teeth. It is essential that you brush and floss twice per day. However, you should avoid biting into hard foods such as certain types of candy, apples, and whole nuts. Instead, cut the desired food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth. When it is time to have regularly scheduled teeth cleanings, your dental hygienist will use a nonabrasive paste specially formulated for cleaning veneers.
Although porcelain veneers are fairly stain-resistant, surface stains can develop as a result of smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, and eating heavily pigmented foods such as dark berries. Make sure you schedule regular appointments with your Little Rock dentist to keep your dental veneers shining.
If you would like to find out more about dental veneers, talk to your dentist at Arkansas Family Dental about cosmetic dental care options. Call 501.683.8886 to schedule a consultation.
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