When we glimpse ourselves in the mirror, a photo, or a passing windowpane, our eyes tend to focus on what we view as flaws in our appearance rather than our positive attributes. Whether it’s a bad haircut, tired eyes from a sleepless night, or a noticeable pimple, these imperfections can dominate our thoughts and diminish our self-confidence. For many patients, their smile is a significant source of this negative feeling. In fact, recent studies show that 3 in 5 Americans hate how their smile looks—if you fall in that group, it’s time to do something about it. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we offer several cosmetic dentistry options to enhance your smile, including porcelain veneers. But what do veneers really cost, and what benefits do they provide?
Dental Veneers Explained
Getting dental veneers is one of the most dramatic ways to quickly and reliably change your smile. The procedure consists of covering blemishes, cracks, gaps, and discolorations with thin dental shells, creating a brilliant, uniform smile on top of your teeth. To make room for the veneers, we must shave some enamel off your natural tooth, making this a non-reversible process.
Veneers can be made from porcelain, which is more durable, or composite material, which is more budget-friendly.
If you’ve ever envied the dazzling smiles celebrities flaunt on the red carpet, here’s a Hollywood secret: many of them owe their perfect smiles to veneers. But veneers aren’t just about helping you look better; they’re really about helping you feel better and live life without the constant worry about your smile. Imagine the freedom to smile brightly in every photo, feel confident in social situations, and know you’re making a great first impression on everyone you meet. Dental veneers can give you all that and more.
The Process for Getting Veneers
While the process of placing veneers has multiple steps, it usually takes place over two visits:
- Initial consultation: If you’re considering veneers, the first step is a complimentary exam with Dr. Zirakian. He’ll assess your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explain the cost and benefits of veneers. Before getting veneers, it’s essential to resolve any oral health problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. This ensures your mouth is healthy, helping your veneers last for many years.
- Enamel removal and impressions: Before we place the veneer, a small portion of your tooth’s enamel will be painlessly removed to make space for the shell. We will then take impressions of your teeth so that dental lab technicians can craft your custom smile.
- Temporary veneers: While the lab creates your final set of veneers, we’ll give you a temporary set to protect your prepared teeth. This “trial smile” will allow you to experience some of what life will be like with your new teeth.
- Final veneers: Your custom veneers will be ready in just a few weeks. At this time, Dr. Zirakian will remove your temporary veneers and carefully cement the final veneers onto your teeth.
Taking Care of Your New Veneers
With proper care, good oral hygiene, and a mindful diet, porcelain veneers can last a lifetime. Maintenance is pretty straightforward. Just continue your regular dental routine—brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting East Longmeadow Family Dental Center for regular dental cleanings every six months. Remember, while porcelain veneers resist staining, infection, and decay, the natural teeth underneath and your surrounding gums don’t. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is key to ensuring your beautiful new smile lasts.
If you grind your teeth, we encourage you to invest in a mouthguard or nightguard to protect your veneers and natural teeth. At your routine visits, Dr. Zirakian will monitor your teeth and address small issues so they don’t cause larger problems.
The Financial Aspect: What Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers depends on several factors, such as the number of veneers you need, the material used, the fees charged by the dental lab, and any additional treatments required beforehand. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we believe that everyone deserves a stunning smile without breaking the bank.
While insurance companies don’t often cover cosmetic procedures like veneers, yours might. However, we also offer alternative payment pathways. Our practice works closely with various financing companies, ensuring that payment options are affordable for every budget. We can more accurately determine the final cost of veneers at your initial consultation when Dr. Zirakian evaluates your needs.
Learn More About the Cost of Veneers Today
If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about your smile, now’s the time to make a change. With porcelain veneers, you’re not just getting a new smile but boosting your confidence, self-image, and quality of life. If you’ve been thinking about veneers but are worried about the cost or any other aspect, let’s talk. Schedule your consultation today!
