Porcelain Veneers – Bergenfield, NJ

Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right for Me?

Cosmetic dentistry offers an array of benefits to individuals looking to enhance and change the look of their smiles. Of course, the cost is something to consider. Below are some of the available services you will find at Washington Dental Associates. Reviewing them will you help you determine if veneers in Bergenfield are right for you:

• Veneers: These thin, shell coverings fit over the front surfaces of your teeth and conceal flaws. Customized to change the size, shape, and color of your teeth, they are placed in two appointments and can last a decade or longer with proper care. They are, however, one of the more expensive cosmetic solutions.
• Lumineers: Similar to veneers, these customized restorations are not permanent and do not require the removal of tooth enamel before placement. They are thinner than veneers and can be easily removed. They are less expensive and great if you only have a few minor flaws.
• Metal-Free Restorations : Custom dental crowns are solutions if you want to pursue this route; however, it is far more expensive to have individual crowns placed on each tooth.
• Direct Bonding : Considerably less expensive, direct bonding uses composite resin that is color-matched to your existing teeth. Although less invasive and more affordable, direct bonding does require replacement more frequently than veneers.
• Teeth Whitening: Whether you choose in-office or at-home whitening, this is a popular way to brighten your smile. However, it can only change the color of your smile, not the size or shape of your teeth.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

When meeting with your cosmetic dentist in Bergenfield, we will discuss your available payment options. Typically, dental insurance will not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry, so finding a solution to keep treatment affordable is essential. Fortunately, at Washington Dental Associates, we offer our patients two options:

• Smile Savings Club: This allows uninsured individuals to enroll in our in-house plan. With affordable and easily accessible dental care, you can receive discounts on various services as well as access to preventive care.
• CareCredit: With flexible financing, you can avoid surprise fees and sign up for a plan that offers low- and no-interest payment plans. Depending on your needs, you can apply for what you need and avoid the high upfront costs.

Who is not an eligible candidate for veneers?

You will discover that most individuals looking to transform their smile are eligible for veneers; however, a thorough consultation with a qualified dentist is necessary. The reason is there are instances where a person may not be an ideal candidate and should seek alternative ways to improve the aesthetics of their smile. These situations include:

• Persons with severe tooth decay or cavities. This oral health problem should be treated first before ever receiving veneers, as it will only cost more and require additional care if the veneers must be removed and put back into place.
• Persons who grind their teeth. Bruxism is damaging to real and artificial teeth. If an individual is wearing veneers, they can break down quickly and cause chips, cracks, and other damages to occur.
• Persons with gum disease and who experience gum recession. This common occurrence can create a gap between the veneer and the gum line, causing the artificial teeth to become more visible, eliminating the natural look a patient desires.

Can I drink coffee with veneers?

It is possible to still indulge in your favorite morning beverage; however, you’ll need to be mindful of how much and how often. Although veneers are not porous like regular tooth enamel, they can become discolored over time if overexposed to stain-causing foods and beverages. It is best if you avoid coffee, soda, tea, red wine, berries, soy sauce, and other darkly colored items altogether, but if you simply cannot go without your cup of joe, use a straw. This will limit the exposure between your teeth and beverage.

Can you whiten veneers?

Whitening any type of restoration is not possible. They are not real teeth, so they cannot absorb the whitening agent as real teeth can. It is advised if you want your smile to be uniform in color that you have your teeth whitened by your cosmetic dentist in Bergenfield before receiving veneers. This will create a brighter base for the entire smile and allow your new veneers to ideally match and blend in seamlessly.

What happens to teeth underneath veneers?

Some patients assume that once veneers are put into place, the natural teeth are safe from any outside elements or bacteria that may try to penetrate. This is not true. Veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth (the enamel). This leaves the sides and backs of a person’s teeth exposed and vulnerable. If you neglect proper oral hygiene, you’ll run the risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. This is why it is so important that you maintain optimal oral hygiene at home, keep up with your regular dental appointments, stay away from unhealthy habits (i.e., smoking, chewing on ice, etc.), and adopt healthy foods into your diet.