Veneers – Rockwall, TX

Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right For Me?

Compared to many other cosmetic procedures, veneers tend to be the most expensive. Some patients may be able to take advantage of these more cost-effective options and still enjoy a flawless smile. For other patients, veneers are the best option for achieving the desired results.

• Braces: Although veneers can correct minor gaps or crooked teeth, braces may be a wiser investment if your bite is also misaligned. However, keep in mind that braces require much longer treatment, whereas veneers usually involve only two appointments.
• Teeth Whitening: If you want veneers just to cover up your yellow or discolored teeth, you may benefit more from teeth whitening. After all, veneers are a permanent procedure, and most cases of discoloration can be addressed with whitening.
• Direct Bonding: Less expensive than veneers, direct bonding works for many of the same problems, but the composite resin doesn’t last nearly as long as the porcelain.
• Veneers: These durable ceramic coverings may be the perfect solution for your smile if your teeth are resistant to whitening, if you want a treatment with long-lasting results, or if you are on a tight schedule.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

At Spillman Family Dental, we do everything we can to help our patients reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, when it comes to cosmetic work, dental insurance companies rarely cover these expenses because it is often viewed as unnecessary or non-essential. Even though cosmetic procedures may be elective, you can still take advantage of CareCredit, which is third-party financing for medical and dental costs. We can walk you through the application process, and if you qualify, you could get a low or even 0 percent interest rate. If you have questions about CareCredit or any other financial questions, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Since veneers eventually require replacement, they’re not considered permanent. However, the process for getting them is irreversible. In preparation for veneers, our cosmetic dentist in Rockwall will remove a thin layer of enamel to ensure successful treatment. But unlike hair and nails, removed enamel will never grow back. That’s why when teeth are prepared this way, they will always need to be covered with veneers or crowns.

What Can You Eat with Veneers?

At the end of your initial visit, you’ll receive temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth while you wait for your permanent ones to be made. During this waiting period, you’ll need to avoid hard foods like ice, raw fruits and vegetables, or candy as they can damage your temporary restorations. The good news is that once your permanent veneers are in place, you won’t need to exercise as much caution anymore. However, it’s still a good idea to be careful when eating sticky, dark-colored, crunchy, hot, or cold foods and drinks. Additionally, you’ll want to drink alcohol sparingly as it can weaken the bonding material holding your restorations in place.

Do Veneers Feel Natural?

Most patients claim that properly placed veneers feel extremely natural inside their mouths. After some time, they reportedly don’t even notice them while eating or speaking! Since the restorations are custom-made to fit your smile perfectly, the likelihood of them feeling unnatural is very slim. The removed enamel helps keep the veneers from protruding uncomfortably. Also, because the porcelain material is very smooth, it does not irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

When it comes to any type of dental work, many people are concerned about whether or not the procedure will be painful. Luckily, the veneer process is much more comfortable than you might think! Our cosmetic dentist in Rockwall will numb you for veneer placement, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself. However, it’s normal to feel slight pain and sensitivity post-treatment. Of course, the level of discomfort you feel depends heavily on the number of veneers placed. Two to four usually cause little to no pain, while eight or more veneers can lead to soreness in the gums and the jaw. Luckily, these effects are temporary and can be managed with painkillers and saltwater rinses.

Can You Still Get Cavities If You Have Veneers?

Cavity-causing plaque won’t be able to penetrate your veneers, but remember, veneers only cover the front-facing surface of your teeth! The back of the teeth are still just as vulnerable to decay as they were before you got veneers. If a cavity develops and goes unnoticed, we may need to remove your veneer in order to treat it effectively, so it’s essential for both your oral health and your veneers that you practice great oral hygiene to keep those cavities at bay!

Will Coffee Stain Your Veneers?

Veneers are stain-resistant, so you can sip on your coffee and still show off a sparkling smile! The dental porcelain that veneers are made of is non-porous, which makes it difficult for dark-colored, staining particles to stick to them. However, it’s important to remember that veneers are not stain-proof, and drinking far too many staining beverages like coffee can discolor your veneers. You should also keep in mind that the adhesive used to keep your veneers in place can become stained overtime, and eventually this may shine through the veneers. So, when you’re drinking your coffee, make sure to have a big glass of water with it as well to keep your smile shining.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With the right care, you can count on your veneers to last for many years to come. Recent studies have found that around 95% of veneers last 10-11 years, and many stay in great condition for 15, 17, or even 20 years! The main cause of veneer failure is damage in the form of fractures, chips, and cracks that occur as a result of not protecting the teeth. So, to extend the lifespan of your veneers, make sure to wear a sports mouthguard when needed, a nightguard for bruxism if your dentist recommends it, and avoid chewing on hard foods and objects.

How Many Veneers Will You Need?

Veneers are individually made, so you can get one, two, or more at a time. A single veneer may be a good choice if your teeth are in good shape and you’re only interested in improving the appearance of one pearly white. However, we’ve found that getting veneers in pairs typically gives the most uniform and seamless results, such as on the front two, four, six, or eight teeth. During your consultation, we’ll sit down and discuss your goals for your smile and your budget to help you determine how many veneers will be needed to achieve your desired results.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

Did you know that veneers are sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics?” This is because veneers can lengthen short teeth and close gaps between teeth to give you the appearance of a straighter, more aligned smile! However, despite their nickname, veneers cannot be used to correct orthodontic issues. Remember, this cosmetic treatment only changes the appearance of teeth, not their position. Bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite need to be addressed with orthodontics such as Invisalign or traditional braces. During your consultation, we will evaluate your teeth and bite before recommending which treatment we suggest moving forward with.