Handsome is as handsome does. While this is true in principle, in reality, one’s appearance can directly impact self-esteem and confidence. We’ve often encountered patients who report that they refrain from smiling because of their crooked, stained or chipped teeth.
Self-acceptance is necessary for mental health, but at Hamilton Dental, we’d also like to encourage you by telling you that if your teeth are causing you unhappiness, stress or embarrassment, you don’t have to suffer in silence. With the plethora of cosmetic dentistry options available to you today, you can achieve the smile you want.
We are going to talk about one of these options today, namely veneer dentistry.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin, customized shells made of material that closely mimic your teeth in colour and shape. They cover the front surface of the teeth and function like natural enamel, improving the appearance, strength and resilience of your teeth.
Two popular types of dental veneers are porcelain veneers and resin composite veneers. Customized to fit your mouth and teeth, they can be bonded to the original enamel during an in-office procedure.
How Much Do Teeth Veneers Cost?
The price of the veneer dentistry procedure will depend on many factors, such as the brand that the clinic uses, the expertise of the doctor carrying out the procedure, the prep work that is required, and your geographical location. The number of teeth you choose to replace will also have a significant bearing on the overall cost. Yet another factor to take into consideration is the material being used for the veneer.
Typically, veneers are made from two types of material: composite resin and porcelain. Composite veneers cost half of porcelain veneers. However, the high cost of porcelain veneers is justified since they last twice as long as composite resin veneers.
At Hamilton Dental, we follow the ODA cost guidelines for all our veneer dentistry procedures, so you’ll find that we are among the most reasonable options in Hamilton. Broadly speaking, depending on the criteria mentioned above, the cost of veneers per tooth can be anywhere in the range of $800 to $2,000. A full set of veneers costs over $17000. It’s important to understand here that you may not need to replace all teeth. Most patients opt to have their frontal 4-8 teeth, depending on their smile.
What Problems Can Dental Veneers Address?
Dental veneers can solve most or even all your cosmetic dental issues, including:
- Damage to the Enamel: Exposure to various chemicals wears down the natural enamel over time. Soft drinks, smoking, and certain medications can also affect the enamel. Veneers are a great way to conceal enamel damage and add sparkle to a dull smile.
- Ageing: Our teeth naturally wear down as we age. Chips, cracks, and general unevenness are common symptoms of ageing teeth. Veneers can restore the original, youthful appearance of your teeth.
- Irregularities in Spacing: Some people find that the spacing between their teeth widens with age (diastema) for various reasons. Veneers are a great way to mask these irregularities.
- Uneven Teeth: Grinding and gnashing of teeth can lead to uneven teeth. It can also result in bite problems (malocclusions).
- Stubborn Discolouration: Teeth whitening may not entirely correct stubborn teeth discolouration. Veneers can prove to be a simple cosmetic solution.
Advantages Over Other Options
Veneers are less-invasive compared to crowns and braces. It is ideal for correcting minor misalignments, straightening your smile, and enhancing the brightness of the teeth.
During the first part of the veneer process, many dentists use some form of a numbing agent, which will keep you from feeling any pain. Two to four veneers usually result in little to no pain for most patients. Patients who have had eight or more veneers may experience some soreness in the gums and jaw. The discomfort is usually mild and can be relieved by over-the-counter medications.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Veneer Dentistry?
Since veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance will not generally cover the cost of treatment. However, this may change depending on the type of insurance package you have, the insurance provider’s terms and conditions, and your reason for requiring veneers. For instance, if you need veneers because of tooth decay or injury, your insurance may cover some of the cost. Make sure to check in with your insurance provider.
Some employers offer a Healthcare Spending Account as part of an employee insurance package, which can help offset some of the costs.
Your dentist’s office may offer promotional discounts or special discounts for patients who aren’t covered. So do make sure that you check in with them on how best to finance your treatment. Dental loans, payment plans through third-party lenders and low-interest credit cards are some ways by which you can fund your veneers.
Are There Any Accruing Costs?
Once your veneer has been bonded into place, you will be advised on how best to maintain them so you can extend their life and prevent decay. Maintenance appointments may be required every year to check in on your oral health.
If maintained well, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while composite resin veneers can last about 4 to 8 years.
Are You an Ideal Candidate for Veneers?
Call our dental clinic in Hamilton if you’d like to understand whether veneers are a suitable option for you. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate your overall oral health and advise you on whether you need veneers or another option like Zoom! Teeth Whitening.