Veneers – Mount Pleasant, SC

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

At first look, veneers may seem like the most ideal option out there, but you should take a look at the other treatments available to learn how each one can affect your smile. They are all different cost points and are able to help patients achieve different, beautiful results. Here are just some of the more common cosmetic options out there so you can confirm which one can best help you attain the smile of your dreams:

• Invisalign – If you’re unhappy with your smile thanks to misalignment issues, you may find that Invisalign can straighten your smile and benefit your oral health best. This treatment will cost several thousands of dollars overall, but it is an excellent choice when it comes to aligning your smile. However, Invisalign doesn’t help with recoloring or reshaping of the teeth.
• Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is a quick and effective solution to surface discoloration and staining. This treatment is considerably more affordable than other cosmetic options, but it’s unable to address aesthetic flaws other than discoloration. Results will last anywhere from a couple month to a few years depending on how well you care for them. Touch-up treatments can help you to maintain your beautiful pearly whites.
• Direct Bonding – This minimally invasive procedure can usually be completed in a single appointment and is one of the most affordable cosmetic options out there. If your flaws are minor, like small chips and stains, this cold be the simple solution you’ve been hoping for. Bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years or longer before needing to be touched up or replaced.
• Veneers – Veneers certainly aren’t the cheapest cosmetic service available, but it is the easiest way to transform most aspects of your smile, include the shape, color, and minor misalignment issues. This can all be completed in just a few appointments and can last for over two decades with proper maintenance.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Veneers aren’t usually covered by dental insurance because they are a cosmetic treatment. However, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out-of-luck. We work with CareCredit , a third-party financer, to help make paying for your treatment easier. A low to no interest CareCredit plan allows you to pay for dental care in smaller monthly installments. This way, you can make over your smile without stressing over the cost.

Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about what veneers will cost for your unique case. We are looking forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!

How many veneers will I need?

It’s possible to receive a veneer on a single tooth if it has a significant flaw and you’re fine with the way that the rest of your teeth look. However, Dr. Gregory highly recommends getting an even number of veneers. In her decades of experience, she has noticed that patients are generally more satisfied with their results when they receive enough veneers to cover all of the teeth that are noticeable in the smile. Most patients require six or eight veneers to meet this goal, while some may need as many as 10 or 12. Dr. Gregory will discuss your concerns and evaluate your grin to determine the ideal number of veneers you need to make your dream smile within reach.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t get veneers?

As versatile as the treatment is, not everyone makes a good candidate for veneers. Certain issues can interfere with the veneers process:

• If the tooth in question is suffering from decay or other structural damage, it should not have a veneer placed on it until the problem is treated. Otherwise, the issue could worsen underneath the veneer and become more difficult to treat.
• If the gums are swollen or bleeding due to gum disease, the impressions won’t be accurate, and the veneers won’t fit correctly. Receding gums could also expose the veneer’s margins.
• Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) should be addressed before placing veneers, as the force could cause the veneers to crack, weaken, or fall off.

How long do veneers last?

The average lifespan of veneers is 10 to 15 years, but they can last for 20+ years with excellent oral health and hygiene. Veneer failure most often occurs as a result of the underlying tooth becoming weak, fractured, or decayed. In order for your veneers to last as long as possible, the teeth supporting them must remain strong and healthy. To that end, avoid biting down on hard objects and grinding your teeth. Also, make sure to regularly brush, floss, and visit Dr. Gregory for checkups!

Is it painful to get veneers?

Typically, we’ll numb your mouth before placing veneers, so you shouldn’t have to worry about pain during the procedure. You may, however, experience mild sensitivity and/or soreness for a few days after your veneers are placed, particularly if you received a large number of veneers at the same time. Keep in mind that this discomfort is only temporary. Until it subsides, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen as needed.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers can vary, which is why we usually don’t provide an estimate until your consultation. With that said, many patients want to have a general idea beforehand to save time and get a better understanding of their financial investment. Typically, it’s anywhere from $2,200 to $2,500 per tooth. However, it’s important to remember that there are also several financial solutions available, so we still recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Gregory. That way, she can provide you with a more detailed estimate and review how to make your smile transformation fit into your budget.

What happens at the first veneers appointment?

We will cover a lot of ground during your first appointment! Of course, we will talk about what you want to change about your smile as well as your expectations for veneers. From there, we will conduct an examination, take radiographs (if necessary), digitally scan your teeth, photograph your teeth and smile, talk about a treatment plan and sequence, discuss the cost and possible financing options, and schedule your next appointments.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers can last a lifetime! In fact, we have many patients who have had veneers for over twenty years with no problems and no need to replace them.

What type of material do you use?

We use the most aesthetic material in dental technology today: Emax. It is a special dental porcelain that is extremely strong and durable, as well as being beautifully translucent and natural looking.

How many appointments does it take?

We typically need two appointments. At the first one, we will prep the teeth as conservatively as possible, take impressions, and make temporary veneers. Two weeks later, we will remove the temporary restorations and place the porcelain veneers in place. We never proceed without the patient’s full consent and approval of the permanent restorations.

Am I a candidate for veneers?

Whether whitening, Invisalign braces, or porcelain veneers, we want our patients to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. So, if you are unhappy with yours due to the size, shade, shape, or position of your teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. For some patients, veneers are the best choice to get that gorgeous smile they desire!

What is Dr. Gregory’s idea for shade? Will Dr. Gregory accept photos of other people’s teeth?

We realize there is no “one size fits all” in dentistry. We listen to our patient’s desires for their smile and seek to provide that. Many times, patients will bring in photos of their smile when they were younger, or of photos of others in magazines. Those are very helpful in the design of the smile, and we welcome that input. We use various shade tabs to help our patients visualize the final shade of their veneers.