Veneers – Ellicott City, MD

Cost VS Cosmetic Dentistry: What's Right for Me?

Before committing to veneers, it’s important to learn about the other options available to boost your smile. We offer a range of cosmetic treatments with different benefits and price points. Here is a brief overview of our cosmetic services:

• Teeth Whitening – If you are most concerned with the color of your smile, professional teeth whitening can help.At My Dentist Ellicott City, we will utilize Zoom! whitening to improve your teeth by 6-8 shades in a single visit.Custom take-home trays that use high-grade Zoom! bleaching gel are also available if you want to brighten your teeth gradually.
• Cosmetic Bonding – Bonding treatment is a fast and affordable way to conceal minor dental flaws.In just one visit, a Dr. Aziz and Dr. Jimenez-Wolf can make cracks, chips, stains and even gaps disappear!One thing to keep in mind, however, is that bonding must be touched up every few years.
• Braces – Orthodontic treatment may be the best option if you havebadly misaligned teeth. Braces are very effective at straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. However, they will not address cosmetic concerns like cracked or stained teeth. In addition, braces can be expensive, costing around $5,000 to $6,000.
• Veneers – Veneers in Ellicott City are the easiest way to transform every aspect of your smile. In just a few short appointments, veneers can upgrade the color, shape, and position of your teeth! While veneers usually cost more than bonding, they are more versatile and longer lasting.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Veneers typically are not covered by dental insurance. However, there are other ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for this cosmetic treatment. For instance, you could join our in-house membership club! For one flat annual fee, all your routine oral care for the year is covered, plus you will receive a 15% discount on almost all other services. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of deductibles, co-payments, or an annual maximum!

In addition, qualified patients can also apply for third-party financing through CareCredit. With CareCredit, you can break down the cost of veneers in Ellicott City into monthly payments that fit comfortably within your budget. CareCredit plans involve little or no interest. Ask our staff for details on how to apply!

At My Ellicott City Dentist, we are committed to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you have always wanted without breaking the bank. To learn more about the benefits and cost of veneers, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Aziz and Dr. Jimenez-Wolf.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers aren’t technically permanent because they will eventually need to be replaced. However, they are considered to be irreversible. This is because a small amount of enamel must be removed to make room for the veneers. Teeth that have been prepared in this manner must always be covered with either crowns or veneers.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Veneers are made from porcelain which is stain resistant. Unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain is a nonporous material, so the particles in dark-colored foods and beverages have a hard time slipping beneath the surface. You should be able to drink coffee without worrying too much about staining your veneers. Just keep in mind that veneers are not “stain-proof,” so excessive consumption of coffee can still have a negative impact. Moderation is key!

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

Some people have trouble pronouncing certain words when they first get veneers and end up with a temporary lisp. This is partially due to muscle memory, as the tongue isn’t used to accounting for the presence of veneers when you speak. The tongue will eventually adjust on its own, but practice makes perfect! The more you talk, the faster your mouth will be able to adjust to speaking just like you used to before you got your veneers.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

Your mouth will typically be numbed for the veneer placement itself. You may experience some sensitivity when your temporary veneers are first attached. Post-treatment discomfort is more likely for patients who are having multiple veneers placed. Some people experience bonding sensitivity, which is when you bite into something that is particularly hot or cold. Fortunately, this is all temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, and saltwater rinses.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Whitening procedures don’t have any effect on veneers even if they’ve been stained. You will need to have them either shaded or replaced instead. However, whitening treatments still affect the teeth surrounding the veneers, and can result in an uneven tone of your smile. If you are planning on having both veneers and whitening, you should start with whitening so your veneers can be color matched to the rest of your smile.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

After your consultation and before your final veneers arrive, we need to “prep” your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. It’s important to know, however, that even once your veneers are securely in place you need to continue to take care of your smile. Not only will this prolong the lifespan of your results, but it will also prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems from developing. So, don’t deviate from brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting us every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

There aren’t technically any dietary restrictions with veneers. With that said, there are a few things we recommend avoiding or at least indulging in sparingly. Caramel candies, raw nuts, and other crunchy and sticky foods are a great example because they can tug on or crack a veneer. We also recommend not consuming alcohol regularly since it can weaken the bonding material.

Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?

Yes! There are a few reasons for this, starting with the fact that each veneer is custom-made just for you. As a result, they won’t feel bulky or protrude unnaturally. It’s also worth mentioning that porcelain is incredibly smooth, which means that it won’t irritate your tongue, lips, or the soft tissue in your mouth. In short, your veneers won’t just look great; they will feel great as well!

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Of course, the longevity of your veneers depends largely on how well you care for your smile. For example, if you neglect to floss consistently or skip your biannual visits to our office, then a serious oral health problem can develop, requiring your veneers to be removed. Additionally, if you consume sticky and chewy sweets in excess, then a veneer can get tugged out of place, requiring a new one to be made. With all of that said, a study by Layton and another one by Beier found that over 90% of veneers lasted 10 years and over 70% lasted 15+ years.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

To be honest, the answer is different from patient to patient! While one patient may visit our Ellicott City dental team because they are unhappy with a small chip, the next may visit us to transform the size, shape, and shade of several teeth. That’s one of the reasons your initial consultation is so important. After learning all about your aesthetic goals, we can determine how many veneers are needed to give you the final result you desire.

How are Veneers Different Than Crowns?

Although veneers and dental crowns both are made from durable materials and come in a wide range of lifelike shades, they are completely different. One of the most significant differences between the two is that a dental crown is a “cap” that covers your tooth entirely while a veneer is adhered to only the front-facing surface. There are also significant differences in the thickness and dental insurance coverage. Ultimately, if you are unsure about whether veneers or dental crowns are right for you, you can get in touch with us – we’re here to answer any questions you have!