Veneers – Glenpool, OK

The Cost of Veneers vs. Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Whether you’re dissatisfied with the color, shape, size, or positions of your teeth, it’s important to be sure that you’re selecting the right cosmetic dentistry service that will make the changes you’d like. With that being said, veneers are one of the most versatile and cost-effective ways to transform your pearly whites. Let’s take a closer look at how the cost of veneers in Glenpool measures up against some of the other cosmetic dentistry treatments we offer.

• Braces – Whether you choose traditional braces, Invisalign, or some other form of orthodontic treatment, you’re looking at a process that likely costs several thousands of dollars and can take well over a year to deliver results. Those results will also only have changed the alignment of your teeth. If you’d also like to improve the shade, size, or shape of your teeth, then you’ll need to complete one or more additional treatments.
• Teeth whitening – One of our most popular cosmetic dentistry services is teeth whitening, which can drastically brighten your teeth without making a huge dent in most patients’ budgets. Our in-office whitening can give you a stain-free smile after a single visit, but the results rarely last for more than a few months to a year. Like braces, whitening can also only correct one aspect of your teeth.
• Dental bonding – A relatively inexpensive procedure, dental bonding can make multiple changes to your teeth, from closing gaps to covering chips and cracks, in one appointment. Bonding does come with one major drawback, though; the results tend not to last for more than five years or so. This means the procedure must be redone periodically, which can rack up costs over time.
• Veneers – Although veneers may not have the cheapest up-front cost, they’re arguably the most effective way to give your smile a complete makeover. In just two visits, your cosmetic dentist in Glenpool can beautify virtually everything about your teeth with a lifelike solution that can easily last for 15+ years. For a truly high-quality solution, veneers are worth the investment! 

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Since veneers aren’t often covered by dental insurance, many patients assume the treatment can’t fit into the budget. But that’s not always true!

At 918 Dentist of Glenpool, we gladly work with CareCredit to help patients split up their treatment costs into monthly chunks. Qualified patients can choose from a wide selection of payment plans, many of which don’t come with high (or even any) interest rates. Our team can even help you with the application process!

For patients with insurance, our 918 Dentist Loyalty Plan presents a great alternative. In exchange for a measly $24 per month, your routine preventive care (checkups, cleanings, etc.) are FREE, and you get a 50% discount on most of our other services, including veneers. Give our practice a call today to learn more!

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

The “right” number of veneers varies depending on each person’s unique smile needs. The goal of this treatment is for all your visible teeth to match. Many people get 6-8 veneers to create a beautiful, symmetrical smile. Others might need as many as 10-12. Also, veneers can often benefit people who need to just cover a single cracked or broken tooth.

What Can I Eat with Veneers?

At the end of your initial visit with your cosmetic dentist in Glenpool, you’ll receive temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth while you wait for your permanent ones to be made. During this period, you’ll need to avoid hard foods like ice, raw fruits and vegetables, or candy because they can damage your temporary restorations. The good news is once your permanent veneers are in place, you won’t need to be quite as cautious anymore. However, it’s still a good idea to be careful when eating sticky, dark-colored, crunchy, hot, or cold foods and drinks. Plus, you’ll want to drink alcohol sparingly because it can weaken the bonding material holding your restorations in place.

How Are Veneers Different Than Crowns?

While veneers only attach to the front of teeth, crowns cover an entire tooth. Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes or minor shape corrections when the tooth is mostly intact. In contrast, crowns protect worn or cracked teeth, or restore those that have undergone a root canal. Also, veneers are only about one millimeter in thickness while crowns are usually twice as thick. Finally, veneers typically don’t show a gum margin after several years the way crowns often do.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Since veneers eventually require replacement, they’re not considered permanent. However, the process of getting them is irreversible. In preparation, our cosmetic dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel to ensure successful treatment. But unlike hair and nails, removed enamel will never grow back. That’s why when teeth are prepared this way, they will always need to be covered with veneers or crowns.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

Veneers are a safe and minimally invasive dental cosmetic procedure. Only a small amount of enamel is removed during the process, and the bonding material used is entirely safe. Because the veneer covers the enamel, it doesn't increase the risk of cavities. However, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to prevent decay beneath the veneers. Fortunately, the same practices that protect natural teeth apply to veneers. Brush twice a day, floss daily, limit sugar intake, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure your results last as long as possible.

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

Temporary lisps may occur for some patients when they first get veneers. This is mainly due to muscle memory, as the tongue is not used to the presence of veneers while talking. The slight difference in thickness affects tongue movement, especially when pronouncing "s" and "v" sounds. Fortunately, the tongue naturally adjusts over time, but practicing specific sounds can speed up the process. In some cases, we can make adjustments by slightly reducing the thickness of veneers in specific areas to minimize lisping. Overall, any initial speech challenges associated with veneers are typically temporary, and with time and practice, pronunciation improves.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Correction?

Veneers are not designed for significant bite corrections as they don't alter the actual position of the teeth or jaw. Their effectiveness in treating bite issues depends on the severity of the problem. For mild open bites, veneers can create the illusion of properly aligned teeth by making them look longer and wider. They are also useful for hiding small gaps between teeth. However, veneers are recommended only for bite issues that don't pose significant oral health problems but impact appearance.

If orthodontic correction is needed for a bite problem, it's recommended to wait until after the correction before considering veneers. Veneers are primarily cosmetic and may not be suitable for major bite adjustments.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Professional whitening treatments do not have any impact on veneers, even if they are stained. If your veneers have discoloration, the best solution is to have them replaced or shaded. It's important to note that while the whitening treatment won't affect the veneers, it will still affect the natural teeth around them. This can lead to an uneven tone in your smile. If you plan to undergo both whitening and veneer procedures, it's recommended to start with whitening. This ensures that your veneers can be color-matched to the current shade of your teeth, providing a uniform appearance to your smile.