Veneers Buckhead Atlanta, GA

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

While Dr. Puskas and her team offer excellent veneers, they do have other cosmetic options. Each of these procedures, furthermore, has a different price and effect. It’d thus be wise to compare them before settling on anything. By doing so, you’ll ensure treatment meets your needs. That said, consider the services below:

• At-Home Teeth Whitening – At-home whitening relies on oral trays you wear from home. By doing so for a set time each day, you’ll see visible results within a few weeks. In exchange for this longer treatment time, the cost is lower than for in-office options.

• In-Office Laser Whitening – With this option, we use high-grade whitening gel and a special laser to amplify the teeth whitening process. It’s also fast enough that it only takes one appointment. However, this treatment only affects tooth color and has a moderate price.

• Tooth-Colored Fillings – Unlike amalgam types, tooth-colored fillings blend with your smile seamlessly. They thus protect teeth and improve your looks. Best of all, they usually aren’t that expensive.  
• Porcelain Veneers – Veneers are thin, porcelain shells placed on the fronts of teeth. Their function is to hide various smile flaws – chips, cracks, stains, dental misalignment, etc. Due to their high versatility, though, the shells can be a tad pricy.
• Invisalign® Clear Aligners – Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to align your smile gradually and effectively. At the same time, it’s a sizable investment – treatment can cost several thousand dollars.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

In truth, dental insurance usually won’t cover veneers. Most plans view the shells as cosmetic and medically unnecessary. Still, there are occasional exceptions; some policies will cover veneers if they protect damaged teeth. It’s a good idea, then, to confirm your benefits before treatment. Our staff will happily assist if you need help with that step.

Alternatively, there are ways besides insurance to make veneers affordable. We at Dr. Puskas’ office, for instance, offer flexible financing for our patients. That way, you can cover a procedure’s cost with installments over time. Veneers wouldn’t have to “break the bank” anymore.

As you can see, our office will work with you on making veneers budget-friendly. Therefore, go ahead and book a consultation visit to our office!

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

You’ll be happy to hear that your mouth will be numbed when you receive veneers, so pain isn’t something you should be concerned about at all! That said, it’s not unheard of for patients to feel some mild discomfort after their veneers have been placed. Some patients experience what’s referred to as “bonding sensitivity” which is characterized by sharp pain when biting into something hot or cold. However, this sensitivity is normally temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses.

Are Veneers Permanent?

In short, veneers are not technically permanent. Their average lifespan is around 10 or so years, depending on the patient’s oral health and habits. Whether they become worn, damaged, tarnished, or fall off, they’ll eventually need to be replaced. However, the process for receiving veneers is considered irreversible, since a small amount of enamel needs to be removed from teeth that are being treated. This ensures that the veneers lay flush and blend in with your natural smile once they’ve been placed, meaning that teeth treated in this manner will always need to be covered with veneers for their protection.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

After receiving your veneers, you’ll still need to show some caution when it comes to your diet. Prior to getting your permanent veneers, temporary ones will be bonded to your teeth, which serve as a “test drive” of sorts. These veneers are meant to protect your prepped teeth while your permanent veneers are being fabricated; however, they come with some important dietary restrictions. You need to be mindful of particularly hard or crunchy foods, as well as sticky foods that might damage or dislodge your veneers. It’s also wise to avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause staining. Once your permanent veneers have been placed, you’ll be able to enjoy most foods again, but it’s still sensible to show caution. You should also be mindful of your alcohol consumption, as these beverages can actually weaken the bonding material holding your veneers in place.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?

As great as veneers are, they’re not for everyone; the only way to determine if they’re a viable solution for your smile is to come see us for a consultation! You should not get veneers if the tooth in question has a cavity or is otherwise suffering from decay, as the problem would likely worsen underneath the veneers. Gum disease can also interfere with the veneers process, as can bruxism. In any case, existing oral health issues that might compromise your veneers will need to be treated accordingly before moving forward with the process.