Veneers – Sweeny, TX

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

Besides dental veneers, Dr. Funk offers several other cosmetic treatments. Each one, however, has a distinct price and differing results. Before settling on care, then, you should compare their costs and effects. To that end, consider the choices below:

• Gum Recontouring – Gum recontouring fixes what people call a “gummy smile.” Put another way, it removes excess gum tissue so your grin looks balanced and pleasing. The process is cheap and offers permanent results, though recovery can take days or weeks.
• Cosmetic Dental Bonding – Cosmetic bonding uses tooth-colored resin to hide smile flaws, including tooth stains and chips. Aside from that feature, its strengths are its speed and low cost. Unfortunately, the bonding’s effects aren’t long-lasting; it needs redoing every few years.
• Opalescence® Teeth Whitening – Opalescence® teeth whitening removes stubborn tooth stains, either through in-office work or an at-home kit. That said, it has a moderate price and only affects tooth color.
• Metal-Free Crowns – Porcelain crowns both protect teeth from decay and help them look nicer. Even so, this dual ability makes them a tad pricey.
• Porcelain Veneers – – Veneers are small, porcelain shells placed on the fronts of teeth. Dentists use them to hide a wide range of smile flaws – chips, cracks, stains, dental misalignment, etc. Consequently, they’re known for their versatility and positive effect on tooth color, shape, and position. On the other hand, veneers’ high effectiveness also makes them expensive.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Most dental plans don’t cover veneers, viewing the shells as “medically unnecessary” and purely cosmetic. Even so, exceptions exist – some policies will cover veneers if they protect a damaged tooth. You’ll thus want to discuss your benefits with your insurance provider before treatment. Should you need help with that step, our office could happily assist.

Thankfully, other ways do exist to make veneers affordable. Sweeny Family Dental, for instance, provides flexible financing through CareCredit. This option would let you pay for veneers in low-interest, monthly installments. That way, you could gradually cover your transformed grin’s cost; no more stressing out about paying all at once.

If you’d like to know more about veneer pricing, book a consult visit with our office. Dr. Funk and the team would love to help brighten your smile while keeping within your budget.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers aren't permanent because they need to be replaced, eventually. However, they aren't reversible, either. The preparation process requires a small amount of your enamel to be removed to ensure your veneers are flush with your teeth. Although this doesn't harm your teeth, your enamel won't grow back if your veneers are removed. Your teeth must always be covered by restorations to prevent damaging them.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

A veneer can be attached to a single tooth, like to fix a chip or crack. However, the overall goal of the procedure is to enhance the entire smile. As a result, veneers are often bonded to the teeth visible when smiling. Since everyone's mouth differs, there's no way to know how many veneers you'll need until after having your consultation. Some patients may need 4 or 6, while other patients may require 8 or more. After examining your mouth, your cosmetic dentist in Sweeny will determine how many veneers it will take to create a picture-perfect smile.

Do Veneers Feel Natural?

It may take a few days to get used to wearing veneers, but you may soon forget they are there. Porcelain is lightweight, so your teeth won't feel heavy or bulky. Etching your enamel allows veneers to fit your teeth like gloves, so you don't have to worry about any uncomfortable ridges or ledges. Your teeth will feel smooth and sleek when running your tongue across them. Since porcelain closely mimics enamel, your results will look natural. Only a trained dental professional will know they are there.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The average lifespan of a veneer is about 10 to 15 years, but many factors affect how long they last. You can get the most from your investment by committing to good oral hygiene at home. Besides brushing and flossing, break any habits that can damage your veneers, like chewing on your fingernails or using your teeth as tools. Eat nutritious foods that are limited in sugars and starches. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They will keep your mouth clean and healthy while checking your restorations at each appointment to ensure they are undamaged and functioning as they should.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance to Pay for Veneers?

Dental insurance companies classify veneers as elective. You can use your benefits for certain aspects of your treatment plan, like your consultation or any preparatory procedures. If veneers are medically necessary, like when needing replacements, your dental insurance may cover a portion of the expenses. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage to keep your dazzling smile within your budget. If there's any remaining balance, we accept many payment methods, like CareCredit.