Are you thinking about enhancing your smile with veneers? Before making this significant investment, it’s essential to understand all aspects of this permanent cosmetic dental treatment. While veneers can create dramatic smile transformations that boost your confidence, they require careful consideration of several important factors, such as your oral health, smile goals, and budget, that will affect your immediate experience and long-term results.
At SmileWorks, our experienced professionals guide you through the veneer process and what to consider when deciding to get them. This helps you make an informed decision and ensures the veneer treatments align with their expectations, lifestyle, and dental health needs. With our trusted team’s comprehensive support, you can achieve your dream smile with the treatment that’s right for you.
8 Factors to Consider Before Getting Veneers
If you have discolored, cracked, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth, you may think about getting veneers to transform your smile. This increasingly popular treatment uses custom-made shells that fit over the front surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections and create a bright, balanced smile. However, before you pursue this treatment, we will help you consider the following factors to make the best decision for your oral health:
You Must Have Good Oral Health
Before considering veneers, your teeth and gums should be in optimal condition. Underlying issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, must be addressed first to create a healthy foundation for your cosmetic treatment. We conduct thorough examinations to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for veneer placement.
Irreversible Treatment
Perhaps the most critical consideration is that veneer placement is not reversible. The process involves removing a small amount of your natural tooth enamel (approximately 0.5mm) to create space for the veneers. Once this enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced, meaning your teeth will always need some form of protection going forward.
Budget Planning
Veneers are a significant investment that can cost thousands, so when planning your budget, consider the total cost based on how many teeth will receive veneers, your insurance benefits, and what flexible financing option we offer will work best for you. Having a clear financial plan before beginning treatment helps prevent unexpected financial stress later.
Multiple Appointments
The veneers process takes multiple appointments, including an initial consultation and planning appointment, at least one preparation appointment where teeth are reshaped, a placement appointment for your permanent veneers, and possibly follow-up appointments for adjustments. This can take several weeks, as you have to wait for your veneers to be fabricated between your preparation and placement appointments. Understanding this timeline can help you plan the best time to get your veneers.
Maintenance Requirements
While veneers are durable and relatively easy to maintain by brushing, flossing, and getting regular professional cleanings, certain behaviors, such as biting nails, chewing ice, or opening packages with your teeth, can damage veneers.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, we may recommend wearing a custom nightguard to protect your investment. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more, making the maintenance effort worthwhile for the continued enjoyment of your enhanced smile.
Your Natural Bite and Habits
Your existing bite alignment and oral habits can significantly impact the success of your veneers. Common risk factors include the following:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Nail biting, opening packages with teeth, or chewing ice
- Certain bite alignments that create excessive pressure
Our SmileWorks dentists thoroughly evaluate these factors during your consultation. In some cases, we may recommend addressing underlying bite issues or breaking problematic habits before proceeding with veneer placement. This comprehensive assessment helps ensure your veneer treatment has the best chance for long-term success at our Manhattan practice.
Alternative Treatments
Based on our discussion about your smile goals, health history, and preferences during your first consultation, you may discover that other treatments might better meet your needs or provide a more suitable solution. Options to consider include the following:
- Dental bonding for minor repairs (less invasive, though less durable)
- Professional whitening for color concerns only
- Orthodontics for alignment issues
- Crowns for teeth with significant structural damage
Our team at SmileWorks will candidly discuss all viable options for your specific situation during your consultation. We’re committed to helping you find the treatment that best aligns with your oral health needs and cosmetic goals, even if that means recommending an alternative to veneers.
Learn More About Veneers at SmileWorks in Manhattan
At SmileWorks, we believe educated patients make the best decisions about their dental care. Our Manhattan team is committed to providing comprehensive information about veneer treatments so you can confidently determine if this procedure aligns with your smile goals and lifestyle.
If you’re considering veneers, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at our Central Park South office. During this appointment, we’ll thoroughly discuss these important considerations and help you decide if veneers are the right choice for your smile transformation. Contact our office today at (646) 722-1177 or through our contact form to start your smile transformation journey.
