Porcelain Veneers in Ocala
Are you satisfied with your smile? There have been many polls in which the majority of people reported that the first thing they notice about someone is their smile. At Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala, we are dedicated to maintaining the oral health of Ocala and surrounding communities. In addition, we recognize that esthetics play a large part in the satisfaction of the oral environment. Veneers are a terrific treatment for many different esthetic issues.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of ceramic or composite resin material that are bonded to the teeth. A veneer can be used to fix misshapen, discolored, twisted, chipped, or cracked teeth. The finished product can appear just like a natural white healthy tooth and can truly transform a smile. They can be utilized anywhere from a single tooth to the entire mouth to create a beautiful, dazzling smile.
Why do I need Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are often a terrific alternative to crowns. They are a much more conservative treatment utilized to change the color, size, or shape of a tooth. To crown a tooth, often a significant amount of natural tooth structure must be removed. By contrast, veneers usually are only used for the visible part of the tooth so less structure can be removed. Veneers can hide displeasing defects, like heavy staining from tetracycline or excessive fluoride ingestion, damage due to an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure. Unsightly gaps between teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn can benefit from this treatment. Many people are born with irregularly shaped teeth. Veneers can mask these teeth and provide a healthy looking smile. Although the shell is extremely thin, bonded veneers are extremely strong and can last for many years.
What is the Porcelain Veneers Procedure?
Treatment planning, preparation, and bonding are the three major steps in placing veneers. The treatment plan will consist of you and your dentist discussing the desired outcome. The joint effort allows for you to properly convey your desires and for the dentist to utilize his/her expertise to properly attain the expected results. The teeth are then prepared by removing a small amount of enamel (usually one half of a millimeter) to allow for the thickness of the veneer. From there, the dentist will bond the veneer onto the tooth structure.
Are There Specific Maintenance Requirements for Veneers?
There may be a short period of adjustment to your “new” teeth, especially if the procedure was done to fix irregularly shaped teeth. It is important to care for veneers just as you would care for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing should be exercised. Veneers are stain resistant but it is important to avoid foods, drinks, and behaviors (like smoking) that can stain the teeth.
Veneers share some of the same indications as crowns and restorations. Because of this, each situation is considered separately. If you would like to discuss treatment options with Dr. Weldon, we would be happy to schedule you for a consultation electronically or by calling us at (352) 622-3236.
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
Veneers are an excellent options if you’re looking for a more dramatic smile makeover, but they aren’t the perfect option for every patient. Before you’re able to determine whether or not they are the best cosmetic solution for you, you need to consider their cost. By choosing a trusted dentist and investing in high-quality veneers, you can work on achieving your dream smile, but they aren’t your only option. Continue reading so you can make an informed decision on the future of your smile.
Cost VS Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right for Me?
A lot of the time, patients believe that veneers are the perfect option right up front, but it’s important to take a look at other options as well to see how they will affect your smile. They all have different price points and can help to achieve a variety of different goals. Here are a few of the more common options out there:
- Invisalign – If you’re dealing with misalignment, you may find that Invisalign is the best way for you to work towards a more uniform smile and optimal oral health. This type of treatment costs several thousands of dollars and is highly effective for straightening teeth.
- Teeth Whitening – Professional teeth whitening is a quick solution for surface discoloration, it is a lot more affordable than many other cosmetic options. However, it doesn’t address any cosmetic flaws other than staining. Results last anywhere between a couple months to a few years depending on how well you care for them.
- Direct Bonding – This minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in just a single visit. It’s one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments out there and excellent for correcting minor flaws, like small chips and stains. Bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years or even longer when cared for properly.
- Veneers – This definitely isn’t the cheapest cosmetic procedure out there, but it is the easiest way to transform numerous aspects of your smile at once. This includes the shape, color, and minor crookedness. The whole process can be completed in as little as two appointments and lasts up to 15 years or even longer with optimal maintenance.
How to Make Veneers Affordable
Veneers aren’t usually covered by dental insurance plans since they are considered an elective treatment, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can make paying for your treatments easier by splitting your bill up into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest.
To learn exactly how much veneers will cost for your unique smile needs, schedule a consultation with us. We’re looking forward to helping you get those pearly whites you’ve always hoped for!
Veneers FAQs
If you’re looking for a more dramatic smile makeover, veneers could be the perfect solution for you! However, they are quite an investment, so it pays to be well informed about the procedure. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about veneers in Ocala. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.
Are Veneers Permanent?
No, veneers are not technically permanent because they will eventually need to be replaced. However, they are considered to be irreversible. To ensure that veneers fit properly on the teeth, small amounts of enamel need to be filed away, and removed enamel does not grow back. Because of this, teeth that are prepared in this way will always need to be covered with crowns or veneers.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Veneers that are made of porcelain are stain-resistant. Porcelain is a nonporous material, so the particles in dark-colored foods and beverages have a harder time slipping beneath the surface. Ultimately, you should be able to enjoy your morning cup of coffee without worrying too much about staining your veneers. Just remember that veneers are not stain-proof, so excessive consumption of coffee and other dark-colored beverages can still have a negative impact over time. Moderation is key!
Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?
Some people have trouble pronouncing certain words when they first get veneers, resulting in a temporary lisp. This is partially due to muscle memory, as the tongue is not used to accounting for the presence of veneers in the mouth when you speak. This tiny difference in thickness affects the way that the tongue moves. Fortunately, the tongue will eventually adjust on its own, but practicing the pronunciation of certain sounds can help to speed this process along.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
The goal of veneers is for all of your visible teeth to match, so you’ll receive an appropriate number of veneers to accomplish this goal. Some patients opt for one veneer to cover a single pesky tooth while others get anywhere from 6 to 12 for a more complete smile makeover. During your initial consultation with us, we will determine what the right number is to meet your smile goals.