Veneers – Federal Way, WA

The Cost of Veneers vs. Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Because there are so many ways that teeth can be flawed, there are multiple cosmetic dental services designed to correct them. Each of these treatments comes with its own advantages, purposes, and price ranges. Let’s compare the costs of some of the ways that Dr. Beaty, your cosmetic dentist in Federal Way, can transform your smile:

• Teeth whitening – As one of the fastest, most dramatic, and most cost-effective ways to brighten discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening is quite popular. However, whitening can only change the shade of your teeth, not their shape or size.
• Direct bonding – By sculpting a tooth-colored composite resin onto your tooth, Dr. Beaty can easily erase chips, cracks, stains, and more with an affordable solution. Keep in mind, though, that the results of direct bonding do not last very long and will have to be redone every few years.
• Dental crowns – Like veneers, dental crowns are also made of lifelike porcelain. The main difference is that crowns cover the entire visible part of a tooth, not just the front-facing surface. As a result, they require more enamel removal and are usually more expensive.
• Veneers – Veneers are far from the cheapest cosmetic dental treatment, but depending on the issues you wish to treat, veneers may offer the best value. For example, they’re more versatile than teeth whitening, provide more durable results than direct bonding, and are less invasive than dental crowns.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

As with most other cosmetic treatments, veneers typically don’t qualify for dental insurance coverage. Don’t let that deter you, though! We have ways of providing affordable veneers in Federal Way.

Our in-house dental savings plan, for example, is a great alternative to traditional insurance. Rather than having to deal with waiting periods, deductibles, annual maximums, and all of those other inconveniences, our plan is very simple. All you have to do is pay a flat annual fee and you get access to the free preventive care that insurance covers, plus so much more – you get a 15% discount on all services, including veneers.

Another option for paying for veneers is CareCredit, a third-party financier that has helped countless Americans afford their medical and dental care. Based on credit approval, you can split up your treatment costs into smaller monthly installments. Most of these plans have very low or even zero interest rates!

Are veneers permanent?

The process of applying veneers to your teeth requires a small amount of enamel to be removed. Since the enamel can’t regenerate, your teeth will be permanently altered, so veneers aren’t reversible. However, they aren’t considered permanent either. Removing some of the outer layer of your teeth will leave them vulnerable. As a result, they will always need to be covered by restorations, whether veneers or crowns.

Is there anything I can’t eat with veneers?

Don’t worry, you won’t have to skip eating your favorite foods. Although veneers are thinner than ever, they are very durable, so you don’t need to worry about any dietary restrictions. While you wait for the dental lab to finish your restorations, your cosmetic dentist in Federal Way will attach temporary ones. Unfortunately, they aren’t as durable as your permanent veneers, so you’ll need to watch what you eat for a couple of weeks. It’s best to avoid hard and sticky foods, as well as those that are darkly pigmented. Although temporary veneers can discolor, your final restorations will be made of porcelain, which is stain-resistant. While you won’t need to avoid darkly pigmented foods and drinks, it’s best to remain cautious when eating anything hard or sticky because your permanent veneers can break or fracture. You’ll also want to limit your consumption of alcohol, which can cause your veneers to lose their bond with your teeth.

How many veneers will I need?

A veneer can be placed on a single tooth; however, the overall goal of the procedure is to improve all aspects of your smile. Therefore, your cosmetic dentist will likely recommend more than one, depending on your treatment plan. This also allows several aesthetic issues to be resolved using one treatment instead of requiring multiple procedures. Generally, they suggest bonding them to the teeth most visible when smiling. You can expect to need 6 to 8, but some patients require 10 to 12, depending on their goals. After assessing your smile and learning more about your concerns, your cosmetic dentist will discuss the number of veneers it will take to revitalize your smile.

Do veneers feel natural?

Modern veneers are thinner than ever, so they won’t feel bulky on your teeth. Although it may take a few days to adjust to them, many patients say they feel completely natural when eating and speaking. Your veneers are custom-made to meet your exact specifications to fit your teeth like a glove. Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel to ensure they sit flush. You don’t need to worry about feeling anything protruding to enjoy a smooth, comfortable fit.

Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?

The process of applying veneers in Federal Way requires a small amount of enamel to be removed. Since your enamel can't grow back, it's normal to have concerns about it damaging your teeth, but there's no reason to worry. Etching your teeth will not ruin them, but they must always be covered by restorations or they can be vulnerable to sensitivity, bacteria, or decay. Thankfully, veneers can last for 10 years or more, so you won't have to worry about budgeting for replacements often.

Can Veneers Get Cavities?

Veneers can't get cavities, but that doesn't mean you can stop brushing or flossing. The exposed surfaces of your teeth are still vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. Decay can also occur underneath your veneers. You can keep tooth decay at bay with good oral hygiene at home and regular dental care. It's best to limit your consumption of sugars and starches to reduce your risk of cavities.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Veneers?

Veneers are made of porcelain, which is stain-resistant, so you shouldn't have to worry about discoloration. However, your underlying teeth can still change color. Teeth whitening is not recommended for people with veneers. It won't have any effect on the color of your restorations and it can weaken the bonding material holding them in place. Your teeth will get whiter, which can cause color inconsistencies that make your veneers more noticeable. Your cosmetic dentist can create a personalized treatment plan to ensure a bright, beautiful smile without damaging your investment.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The average lifespan of a veneer is about 10 years. However, it's not unusual for them to last for more than a decade with the correct care. Your cosmetic dentist in Federal Way will explain how to get the most from your investment. Use not abrasive dental products to avoid scratching your veneers. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss between each tooth daily. Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist every 6 months. They'll keep your teeth and gums healthy while checking your veneers at each appointment to ensure they are functioning as intended. Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports to protect your pearly whites. Ask your dentist for a nightguard if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will recommend breaking any bad habits that can damage your veneers, like using your teeth in place of scissors or other tools. With the right care, your dazzling results can last for many years.