Veneers – Raleigh, NC

Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What's Right For Me?

As we touched on above, a portion of your consultation will be dedicated to learning more about your current concerns with your teeth as well as what your dream smile looks like. That way, we can review all of the available treatment options! After all, at-home teeth whitening, cosmetic dental bonding, and veneers can all be used to address stubborn stains. Plus, cosmetic dental bonding and veneers can effectively conceal gaps, cracks, and other common dental imperfections. With all of that said, veneers continue to be one of the most sought-after treatments because they are custom-made, they can fix multiple imperfections at once, and they can last for more than a decade if you care for them properly.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

We’re happy to offer our patients several financial solutions, and one of the most popular ones we offer is our Dental Concierge Membership Plan! When you join, not only will you enjoy significant savings on preventive dentistry, but you’ll also gain access to 10% off additional treatments. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the annoying red tape that comes with dental insurance, like waiting periods and yearly deductibles. If you are interested in learning more about this financial solution as well as other ways to make the cost of veneers more affordable, then give us a call – we’re here to help you get the smile of your dreams at a price you can afford.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers aren't permanent because they need to be replaced, eventually. However, they aren't reversible because your cosmetic dentist must remove a small amount of enamel during the preparation process. Although this doesn't harm your teeth, your enamel will not grow back if your veneers are removed. Therefore, your teeth can be vulnerable to sensitivity, bacteria, and damage if they aren't always covered by restorations. Thankfully, you won't have to budget for replacements often with the right aftercare routine, like brushing and flossing.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

A veneer can be applied to a single tooth to enhance its color, size, and shape. The overall goal of the procedure is to improve your entire smile. Your cosmetic dentist in Raleigh may recommend bonding them to the teeth visible when smiling to create seamless results. Since every mouth is unique, there's no way to determine how many veneers you'll need until after your consultation. Some patients may require 4 or 6, while others may need 8 or more.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The average lifespan of a veneer is about 10 years, it’s not uncommon for them to last for a decade or more with the correct care. Use non-abrasive dental products to avoid scratching your restorations, which can make them look discolored and damage them over time. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Don't forget to floss every day and finish your oral hygiene routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Veneers are durable, but limit how often you eat hard or sticky foods to prevent wear and tear. Besides caring for your new smile at home, schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Your dentist will keep your teeth and gums healthy to get the most from your investment.

Do Veneers Feel Natural?

Veneers are made of porcelain, which not only looks like your enamel but also allows your restorations to be ultra-thin. They will feel lightweight, so you may forget they are there. Each veneer is crafted to fit like a glove. There won't be any uncomfortable ridges or ledges, so there’s no irritation to the inside of your lips or cheeks. Your teeth will feel smooth and sleep when running your tongue across them. Although it may take a few days to get used to them, they will feel like part of your teeth in no time at all.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

This answer can vary based on whether you’re currently fitted with temporary veneers or permanent ones. Our team will need to remove some of your enamel for the shells to line up flush against your gums, and then we’ll make impressions that will be sent to a special lab to create your prosthetics. In the meantime, we’ll provide a temporary set to safeguard your smile. These aren’t intended to last long, so you should avoid overly sticky foods that might yank them off. Also, hard foods like raw fruits and veggies, ice, or candy could dislodge or damage them.

Your permanent veneers are much more durable and can resist a certain amount of chipping and staining. However, they’re not entirely invincible, so to keep them in good shape, you might want to steer clear of darkly pigmented foods or anything that might crack them.

Can I Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Your prosthetics are made from durable porcelain that’s less porous than your enamel. That means they won’t stain as easily, so when you drink coffee, you’re less likely to develop discoloration. However, they’re not entirely stain-proof. With enough time and exposure, they could start to appear dark and dingy. Traditional teeth whitening won’t work on them, so if the stains leave you feeling self-conscious, you might need to consider replacing them.

To keep them looking clean and bright, try drinking coffee and other dark beverages in moderation and rinse them down with a glass of water.

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

Thanks to advancements in dental technology and materials, veneers are thinner and more durable than ever. However, they do impact the surface area of your teeth once they’re bonded in place. It can take a while for your tongue and other supporting muscles in your mouth to adjust to working around them. You might develop some temporary challenges enunciating certain sounds or words that contain an “s” or a “v.”

Typically, it only takes a couple of weeks to acclimate to wearing them. By then, most patients have overcome any issues with their speech patterns.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

Veneers are a topical treatment that masks imperfections but doesn’t fix the underlying problem. If you have a malocclusion (bite misalignment), it may be possible to address it this way, but it depends on the severity of your condition. For example, if you have a mildly open bite, meaning that your front teeth don’t touch or overlap when you bite down, these covers can be placed to make your teeth look longer and wider.

In this way, they act as “instant orthodontics” that can enhance your appearance, but they don’t exert any pressure to shift your teeth or jaw to their correct positions. If you’re not sure whether your circumstances require orthodontics, contact us to schedule a consultation, and our team can make recommendations based on your dental condition.