Veneers – Fairfax, VA

Veneers vs. Other Cosmetic Dentistry Services: Comparing the Costs

In this day and age, you have more options than ever before for fixing aesthetic issues in your smile. Each of our cosmetic dentistry services can accomplish different things in terms of improving your appearance, and they come at different price points. Before moving forward with any dental treatment, including veneers, it’s important to weigh all of your options, which include:

• Orthodontics – Whether you choose traditional braces or a more modern treatment like Invisalign, orthodontics can bring crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth into the proper alignment. They come with many drawbacks, though. For example, they tend to cost several thousands of dollars, and it can take upwards of a year to achieve your desired results. They also can’t do anything about the color, size, or shape of your teeth; they can only correct misalignment.
• Teeth whitening – One of the least expensive cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening is relatively fast. It can be completed in a single appointment with in-office whitening, or just a couple of weeks with take-home kits. Keep in mind that, like orthodontics, teeth whitening can only fix one aspect of your teeth: their color.
• Cosmetic dental bonding – If you’re looking for a cheap, quick fix for one or two small flaws in your smile, then dental bonding is a great choice. This treatment typically only takes a single appointment. However, it only works for minor imperfections, and the results don’t last for very long. You’ll have to get the procedure redone every five to ten years at most.
• Veneers – While veneers are far from the cheapest cosmetic dentistry option, they’re the most effective way to completely transform every aspect of your smile (tooth shape, positioning, size, color, and more) and give you a set of picture-perfect pearly whites in just a few short weeks. Plus, you can expect your results to last for 10-15 years and possibly even longer with the right care. All in all, veneers are a smile investment worth making!

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Very rarely are veneers covered by dental insurance. In most cases, this treatment isn’t viewed as medically necessary. The only exception might be if you’re getting a veneer to repair a broken tooth, but even then, insurance is unlikely to provide coverage. Our team can look over the details of your plan just in case and make sure you’re not missing out on any coverage you’re entitled to.

Besides dental insurance, we have another way of providing affordable veneers in Fairfax: CareCredit financing. This third-party company has helped millions of Americans split up the costs of their medical and dental care into smaller monthly chunks. Qualified patients can choose between one of many flexible payment plans, most of which have extremely low or even no interest rates!

Ultimately, the best way to find out how much your veneers will cost is to schedule a consultation here at MJM Family Dentistry. We look forward to helping you transform your look in a way that fits into your budget!

What happens to the teeth underneath veneers?

Before we place veneers, we’ll remove a small portion of the enamel that’s about the thickness of a contact lens. This is necessary to allow the veneer to lay flush with the surrounding teeth and look natural once it is cemented in place. Because this is a permanent alteration of your tooth, you’ll always need to have a veneer over it once your teeth have been prepped.

Are there any foods I can’t eat with veneers?

When you’re wearing your temporary veneers, right after your teeth are prepared, you’ll need to be mindful of eating hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, like ice and raw fruits and vegetables. Your temporary veneers aren’t built to stand the test of time, so it’s important to be mindful of them.

Once your permanent veneers are placed by your cosmetic dentist in Fairfax, you should be able to use them as you would your regular teeth; however, we recommend minimizing your consumption of foods that have tannins (like red wine and coffee) to preserve their new, bright appearance for longer.

Can veneers be used to correct my bite?

Unfortunately, even though veneers can address slight dental misalignment, they’re not made to be a solution to orthodontic issues like bite problems. Instead, we may recommend Invisalign aligners, which can address mild to moderate overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

How long do veneers last?

With the proper maintenance, veneers can last for up to 25 years or longer. It all depends on how diligent you are about caring for them. You’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth daily and remember to schedule your bi-annual checkups and cleanings to make sure that there aren’t any oral health problems developing.

Can I whiten my veneers?

Unfortunately, you can’t whiten your veneers because they’re made of a minimally porous material called dental porcelain. That’s why we recommend that our patients be mindful of consuming dark-colored foods and beverages.

How are veneers different from crowns?

Dental veneers differ from crowns because they’re only made to fit over the front, visible portion of the teeth; whereas crowns are made to fit over the entire structure that lies above the gumline. Dental crowns are able to offer both functional and aesthetic benefits as well, while veneers are typically suggested to make cosmetic improvements.