Porcelain Veneers – Sunnyside, NY

Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What's Right For Me?

Depending on what traits you want to improve in your smile, the cosmetic procedure will be unique to you. Various issues can be resolved through these procedures, and you need to determine the right one to help you accomplish your goals.

• Invisalign: If alignment is your main problem, Invisalign can shift teeth where they should be. Just keep in mind that this treatment usually takes between 6 and 18 months to complete.
• Teeth Whitening: As the least expensive cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening can go a long way to making your smile appear brighter and younger, but there are situations where whitening doesn’t work, such as discoloration from medication. It also doesn’t last as long as veneers, so you’ll have to repeat it in a few years.
• Direct Bonding: Compared to veneers, direct bonding is a more affordable version, but it isn’t as durable and stain resistant. In fact, this option usually has to be replaced about every 5 years or so.
• Veneers: Although veneers are among the more expensive treatments for cosmetic flaws, they can address many types of imperfections, tend to last for decades, and look completely lifelike. In addition, the entire process usually only takes two appointments!

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Did you know that you don’t have to pay for veneers all upfront? You can actually divide the total cost into smaller monthly payments through flexible financing. We can assist with your application, and with a good credit score, you can enjoy very low interest and make payments over time. As a result, you may find that veneers are possible within your budget!

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers treatment is not technically permanent but it is considered irreversible. To make sure that the veneers fit properly on the teeth, small amounts of enamel have to be filed away. Removed enamel does not grow back. So, once your teeth have been prepared for veneers, they will always need to be covered. Fortunately, this cosmetic solution can last for many years with proper care. A 2012 study by Beier found that 94% of veneers lasted 10 years, and 83% lasted 20 years!

How Are Veneers Different Than Crowns?

Veneers and crowns differ in both shape and size. Veneers are thin shells that are about 1 millimeter in thickness. In contrast, crowns are shaped like the entire tooth and are about double the thickness (2 millimeters). In addition, veneers attach to the front of teeth while crowns cover the whole thing. Cosmetic dentists in Sunnyside recommend veneers and crowns for different reasons. Crowns protect worn or cracked teeth, or restore the tooth after a root canal. Veneers, on the other hand, are usually only used for cosmetic purposes or minor shape corrections when the tooth is mostly intact. Finally, veneers in Sunnyside require far less trimming of the enamel to place compared to crowns.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

You will likely have to make slight adjustments to your diet when wearing veneers. For instance, you will need to avoid foods like ice, raw fruits and vegetables, and candy while waiting for your permanent veneers. These hard items could break your temporary restoration. Temporary veneers also stain more easily, so be wary of darkly pigmented foods and beverages. Once your permanent veneers are in place, you will be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods again. However, you’ll still want to avoid sticky foods, extremely hard or crunchy foods, as well as dark beverages that can cause stains. Furthermore, you’ll want to drink alcohol sparingly, as it can weaken the bonding material holding your veneers in place.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Yes, you can drink coffee without worrying too much about staining your veneers. In fact, veneers that are made of porcelain are actually stain-resistant. Porcelain is a nonporous material, so the particles in dark-colored foods and beverages have a harder time slipping beneath the surface. However, stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Excessive consumption of coffee could still have a negative impact. Only drink dark-colored beverages in moderation if you want your veneers to last as long as possible.

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

Some people have trouble pronouncing certain words when they first get veneers, resulting in a temporary lisp. This is partially due to muscle memory. The tongue is not used to accounting for the presence of veneers when you talk. The tiny difference in thickness affects the way the tongue moves. Eventually, however, the tongue will adjust on its own. If you have trouble pronouncing the “s” and “v” sounds with veneers, try practicing by reading a book or newspaper out loud.