Veneer Cost and How to Care for Them

Many people in need of dental veneers will often ask, how much do veneers cost? Another common question is, how do you care for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells made from tooth-colored materials used for covering the front surface of damaged, discolored, or decayed teeth to restore their cosmetic appeal. In this article, we explore the cost of veneers and how to care for them to ensure you get your money’s worth. If you are looking for veneers that are both immaculately crafted and cost effective, give Oxford Dental Care a call today.

The Cost of Dental Veneers

The cost of dental veneers depends on various factors, such as the type of veneers and the extent of your procedure. There are several types of veneers available today. The most common and most aesthetically appealing is porcelain.

Other veneers are resin composites, which are more prone to chipping, breaking, and discoloration. Porcelain veneers normally cost between $900 and $2,500 per tooth.  Composite veneers, on the other hand, cost about $250 to $1,500 per tooth.

Other factors that may affect the cost of dental veneers include the following:

• The experience of the dentist – Highly qualified cosmetic dentists usually charge more to apply veneers compared to their less-experienced
• The number of teeth being restored – The more teeth you want to treat the more money you’ll need to spend.
• Geographic location – The cost of dental veneers also varies depending on the location where the procedure is performed. If you get your veneers in a major metropolitan area on the east or the west coast, you’ll normally pay more than you would in a less populated region in the middle of the United States.

It’s also worth noting that dental insurance normally doesn’t cover veneers since they’re considered a cosmetic procedure. However, there are some situations where a health care plan will cover the cost at least partially.

How to Care for Your Veneers

Veneers don’t last forever, so you’ll need to replace them at some point regardless of how well you care for them. Nonetheless, you want to take good care of your veneers to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are a few tips:

Uphold good oral hygiene

You should care for your veneers just the way you do for your natural teeth. Namely, you should brush with non-abrasive toothpaste at least twice a day, floss regularly, and rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash once a day.

It’s advisable to use an alcohol-free mouthwash. With excessive exposure to alcohol, the bonding agent holding the veneers to your teeth may become soft, making the veneers more susceptible to staining and discoloration.

Limit tooth-staining foods

Due to the fact that veneers are susceptible to staining, it’s advisable to limit foods that normally cause discoloration, such as coffee, soda, berries, red wine, and pasta sauce. Tobacco products are also notorious for causing tooth staining, thanks to their nicotine content. So, it’s advisable to quit smoking if you smoke.

Avoid chewing on non-food items

Biting your nails or chewing on pens and other non-food items can cause damage to your dental veneers over time. Therefore, try to keep non-edible items out of your mouth if you want your veneers to last longer.

Get your veneers polished

Getting your veneers polished at least once every three months can help prolong their lifespan. Polishing involves the use of specialized solutions and equipment geared to make your veneers and natural teeth sparkling clean.

In Summary

Dental veneers are an excellent way to restore your smile if your teeth are stained, cracked, or have unsightly gaps. The cost of veneers ranges from $250 to $2,500 depending on factors such as the type of veneer, the experience of the cosmetic dentist, and the location where the procedure is performed. You should uphold proper dental care to ensure your veneers last longer.