While scrolling through Instagram or flipping through glossy magazine pages, do you ever wonder why all those beautiful, famous people have perfectly aligned, white teeth? Did they hit the genetic lottery, or is it something else? Sometimes nicknamed a “tooth veneer,” dental veneers are the secret behind many celebrity smiles.
If you’re self-conscious about how your teeth look, Dr. Helen Ragsdale can help you achieve a high wattage smile with dental veneers when you book your next cosmetic dentistry consultation in Austin, TX. Are you curious if dental veneers would work for you? Continue reading to find out.
What exactly is a tooth veneer?
A tooth veneer and dental veneers are the same things. They are a thin layer of ceramic cemented to the front of the teeth. Veneers can be used to close small gaps, correct minor misalignment, and hide discoloration, fractures, and chips.
Do dental veneers look unnatural?
Before cosmetic dentistry procedures, some patients worry about their teeth looking too boxy, bright, or generally fake-looking. Dr. Ragsdale takes her time to ensure that your porcelain veneers match your natural teeth as closely as possible. She considers the color, shape, size, and composition of your natural teeth so that your veneers blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.
What should you expect after your tooth veneer procedure?
With any dental procedure, you might wonder what to expect during recovery. In a nutshell, tooth veneer recovery is pretty simple. While you might feel slight soreness or sensitivity, it should be mild and disappear within a week.
How long do dental veneers last?
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding on veneers is their lifespan. Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting fix that stays put in your mouth. With proper care, regular dental visits, and good hygiene, you can expect your dental veneers to last about 10-15 years (and some last even longer). Generally speaking, the better you take care of your teeth, the longer your veneers remain healthy-looking and intact.
Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?
In many cases, people who generally have healthy gums, teeth, and jawbones should qualify for dental veneers. If your oral health is not up-to-par, Dr. Ragsdale can work with you to develop a plan to address your oral health problems before tackling cosmetic flaws.
After Dr. Ragsdale decides that you are a good candidate for dental veneers, she can install them in about two visits. During the primary veneer visit, she (1) applies local anesthetic, (2) preps the teeth by shaving a very thin layer of enamel (less than the thickness of a fingernail), (3) makes impressions, and (4) fits a temporary veneer. At the second visit, Dr. Ragsdale removes the temporary veneer and bonds the permanent veneer into place.
Are dental veneers expensive?
The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. Because cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance, some patients wonder if they can afford them. So, Austin Laser Dentist offers customized, in-house dental plans to cover some costs associated with porcelain veneers, other cosmetic dentistry procedures, and other aspects of dentistry.
Schedule a Consultation for Tooth Veneer (Dental Veneers) for a More Stunning Smile
Are you considering improving the way your smile looks? Consider dental veneers for a whiter, straighter picture-perfect smile. Contact Austin Laser Dentist today by calling (512) 346-4690 or sending a short message online.
