Teeth Whitening Kits

This over-the-counter option for whitening teeth is one of the cheapest options for getting glowing teeth. Such teeth-bleaching kits can be bought from the stores which comprises a bleaching gel. This is tad different from the professional ones in terms of peroxide concentration. With the help of whitening strips and fit-all trays, the gel is smeared on the teeth for a certain period. This brings about the whiteness on the teeth. These kits may cost you around $25 to $100.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening is basically done by a skilled dentist that guarantees amazing whiteness in a short span of time. This is an expensive process but the satisfaction derived from the final execution is terrific. A peroxide gel of quite high concentration is applied after protecting the gums with a rubber-dam. Several sessions might be required for patients with tough stains on their teeth. It can be availed at around $650 on every visit to the medical practitioner. Britesmile is one such teeth whitening product which comes at around $400.

Medically Prescribed Kits

Dentists consider this process to be time consuming yet effective. These can be applied at home according to the instructions. Usually, you can apply the gel overnight or just for an hour. It is a safe procedure as the concentration of the chemical is much lower and does not affect adversely. It can be obtained from certified medical practitioners at $100 to a maximum of $400.

Laser Teeth Whitening Cost

If you are seeking a permanent solution for teeth whitening, laser procedure is most viable. The average cost for this method can vary from $500 to $ 1500. Despite being expensive, it ensures complete comfort and ease of the patients.

How Much Does Tooth Whitening Cost Without Insurance?

Teeth whitening come under cosmetic dentistry hence it is often not considered by dental insurance plans. Though there are some dental insurance plans which effectively include dental whitening under its domain. Check out the internet for more information on this or consult your insurance agent and plan it accordingly. It is mostly not included by some insurance companies as this process is considered to be merely cosmetic.

Other Teeth Whitening Options

Apart from professional bleaching systems, some mouthwashes and toothpastes too claim to have tooth whitening properties. They might be available between $20 and $35, but the effect might not be as satisfying as the professional ones. For removing plaque, which is a result of consuming tea or smoking, an age old remedy is baking soda. It contains no bleaching agent and can be bought in $2, which is absolutely cheap.

Teeth Whitening Cost Globally

Teeth Whitening In UK

You can visit the dentist for a professional teeth whitening which can be availed at a price of £650 while the kits can be bought at a minimum price of around £250. However, basic treatments can be opted for as low as £50, which can be easily purchased from the stores. Laser teeth whitening in the UK might cost you around £750 minimum and a maximum of £1,300. Gel-tray whitening and deep bleaching treatments come between £300 and £700.

Teeth Whitening In USA

Like in many other places, the cost of teeth whitening largely depends on the doctor or the services being applied for the purpose. It is generally limited within $2000, with an average of $500 in Chicago. If you are looking for cheap solutions, there are over-the-counter kits with price tags of $15 or $20 but the value of in-the-office and kits differs in quality. Safe methods which don’t harm the gums and teeth in the long run are best suited for you.

Teeth Whitening Cost In India

Going to a dentist for teeth whitening in India? You have a number of options to choose from, including laser, Zoom 2, Crystal White, Radii Whitening, Brite Smile and Cool white at varied price range. Home teeth whitening can cost you around Rs 4,000 and laser treatment can cost about Rs 5000 and more. Brite Smile’s approximate value is around Rs 18,000 and Zoom 2 is around Rs 14,000 and more.

Teeth Whitening Cost In Dubai

Top notch dental care clinics in Dubai offer best teeth whitening systems for people wanting to bring the sparkle back in their smile. In-the office whitening systems consume around one hour and are best for people who are busy and want fast solutions. They use Zoom2 Advanced system for this purpose, which is considered to be one of the best solutions in teeth whitening in the world. It might cost you around 3000 DH. While the ones which can be done at home on your own by following the instruction manual can come approximately at 2500 Dh.

Choose the best option for teeth whitening as there are some risks associated with the procedure if not done under supervision. To avoid disturbing repercussions, plan and research well before opting for it. It can be obtained at varied prices since according to quality the prices are determined. It is always wise to choose the one which harms the least.

Why Smile Makeovers?

Cosmetic dental solutions are helpful in many ways. It is used to correct smile by implementing certain procedures. It can address minor incongruities in the teeth, discolored teeth as well as help in total makeover of the mouth. Makeovers also include lengthening of the tooth if it is malformed or irregular with the others in the line. Some of the causes for smile makeovers and the remedies can be listed as:

Jagged or cracked Teeth

Veneers are basically applied on the frontal teeth for hiding chipped or undulating teeth. On the outside of the tooth a shell is put which aligns them and endows you with a beautiful stunning smile.

Stained teeth

With the help of whitening or bleaching, tinted teeth can be given a new fresh color which might as well be whiter than the natural shade. It is one of the components of smile makeover applied on teeth which has yellowed or darkened due to consumption of tea, cold drinks, food or tobacco. If the damage is more, porcelain veneer is the best option.

Tooth size

To improve the quality of smile, it is important to enhance the tooth quality by reshaping or structuring. To get your teeth in correct proportions, your doctor will prepare a treatment plan which will help you achieve a balanced smile.

Lost tooth

Another restorative procedure in smile makeover is replacing a lost tooth. Missing teeth can be replaced using dental bridges or implants which improve the smile even more. This is also important for oral health and aesthetics.

Natural dental fillings

Smile makeover also takes into consideration the dental fillings which are often done with silver or any other substance. In this case too, it can be done with compounds which assume the color of natural tooth.

Unmatched smile

If you want to get a smile which conforms to your facial structure, smile makeover is your next destination. When the doctor designs your smile, he considers your facial shape and chooses the ideal one.

Space between teeth

A beautiful smile is marred due to gaps between teeth which can be perfected using these makeovers.

Gummy smile

If your gum makes you uncomfortable while smiling, you can get it contoured with the help of an experienced cosmetic dental expert.  This is not an expensive smile makeover but if it is done on the whole set then it will cost a bit more.

Damaged tooth

If you have damages on your teeth brought upon by decay, it can be corrected putting porcelain crowns over the surface of the teeth. It completely attains the shade of the natural teeth which gives you a dazzling flawless smile.

Cost of Smile Makeovers

Smile makeovers can be of different types. Accordingly, the cost of the services also varies. The cost of the treatment depends on some factors which can be listed as:

• Type of treatment sought by the patient
• Quality of treatment offered
• Whether anesthesia is required or not
• Whether being treated by a general dentist or prosthodentist
• Facilities offered by the clinic
• Your dental insurance covers a apart of the treatment or not

In the UK, a normal smile makeover might cost you less, around £3,000 while if you are undergoing an extensive smile reconstruction then it will amount to more than £40,000. In USA too the cost varies according to treatment. Price range for composite or tooth colored fillings is between $200 and $350, while for composite bonding it might exceed to $400.

Gum contouring is an inexpensive smile makeover which might amount to $200 minimum. Teeth whitening procedures might range from $500 to $1000, if it is done by a reputed practitioner. Getting porcelain crowns for each tooth can also be little expensive as they come at $1000 on an average. For a year-long treatment to get your teeth in correct alignment, you might need to pay around $5000, however this is just an approximate estimate.

Pictures

Here are some before and after images of smile makeovers which might interest you.

Overview of the Tooth Bonding Cost

The plastic composite applied on the tooth may come at varied cost. Given below is a brief about the expenses incurred for this process.

In case of broken or chipped teeth, dental bonding will cost around $600, while some treatments are available at $300 as well. This is only meant for an individual tooth. Here too, the complexity of the procedure and the type of bonding required on the tooth will determine the cost. In special cases it might as well cost you around $1000 for every tooth.

An average of $90 to $400 might have to be paid for filling in cavities, but that too varies with the percentage of cavity. If the existing silver amalgam breaks, it can be substituted with a cheaper composite filling and it just works fine.

Tooth Bonding Without Insurance

Only some insurance companies may cover such cosmetic dental procedures as they do not include this in the dental plans. Only reconstructive treatments have more possibilities to get coverage from the insurance agents. It is always wise to determine beforehand whether you are eligible to get a complete coverage of the costs of dental bonding with the insurance company.

If you have no insurance you can still cut down on the costs by opting for special discounts offered by some sites with just a minimum yearly payment. Dental School in your area is another option which you can avail since the students and teachers over there treat patients by charging minimum fee. Good medical institutes offer specialized care like the private clinics and there is no lacuna in the treatment.

To avail services from skilled dentists, you can even negotiate the payment with them. By extending the treatment for a certain period, you can also save on the amount required for further treatment. As it is a gap is required in between to heal the gum and tooth.

It is not just enough to avail the treatment because in the aftermath of the treatment, a lot of care is required to keep it in good condition. You have to maintain proper oral hygiene to keep it in perfect condition. Brushing and flossing at regular intervals and following up with the doctor ensures much advantage to the patient. It enhances the longevity of the treatment. Hence it can be concluded that dental condition, place of treatment and quality professional affects cost of dental bonding.

Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants do not look artificial and they can successfully bring back the confidence in a person. Let us glance through the different price tags of the dental implants:

Single Dental Implant:

If you are planning to undergo one implant, it might cost you around $1,000 on an average with the maximum of $3,000. But there can also be additional services which may get included like bone grafts, tooth extractions, sinus lifts and tissue grafts.

Dentures and Implants:

It gets expensive when you want to get dentures as well as implants on both the upper and lower jaws. The price ranges from $7,000 to $90,000, sometimes even exceeding this range.

Mini Implants:

Implant type also plays a role in deciding the cost. Mini implants are tad cheaper and one can get up to 6 implants done within the range of $30,000.

Dental Bridge:

Similarly for dental bridge covering the entire mouth, 2 to 6 implants can be priced between $4,000 and $30,000 approximately. It might get costlier with the materials along with bridge size.

Abutment and Implant:

Between $1,500 and $13,000 is required for a single implant coupled with dental crown and abutment. Abutment is the extension made with a metal which is linked with the implant. This is a long process, done in stages incurring huge expenses. Sometimes abutment charges are curtailed from the overall expense saving you some money.

Factor Influencing Dental Implants

Brands charge on the same products variedly. A closer look on the products will reveal that it is made with same material yet priced much higher. Titanium implants appear to be costlier than cobalt-chromium alloy rods. In order to derive best results it is better to go with the expensive one to avoid unsatisfactory results.

Another vital factor influencing the cost of dental implant is the dimension of the implant. Bigger implants are expensive as it needs more materials and coatings for obtaining best results. A lot depend on your dentist as he/she can ascertain the expenses to some extent. If products are bought from manufacturers based in some other nations, the cost can be much lesser. This is because suppliers in the US sell products at a higher cost.

Dental implants done at difficult positions like the lower jaw’s rear end, might incur more expenses from your end. This demands more expertise and skill, which is definitely going to be expensive. Cost is also increased by tests like CT scans and X-Ray which are necessary to determine the oath of the treatment.

Considering the factors which influence the cost of dental implants, it is finally concluded how place, treatment type and number of implants matter. Dental implants become very necessary when patient is unable to chew, talk or lead life with confidence. The physician determines whether or not the patient is capable of undergoing this treatment.

Silver amalgam fillings have been a very popular dental restoration for over 150 years. They are compromised of a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. Amalgam fillings have enjoyed widespread use because they are fairly strong and last quite a few years before they need to be replaced. Luckily, modern dental technologies offer us many tooth-colored alternatives to the dark silver amalgam filling material.

Do My Silver Fillings Need to be Replaced?

Before we look at the alternatives to amalgam fillings, a discussion about when and how these fillings should be replaced is warranted. All dental restorative materials wear out at some point, just like a roof wears out on your house after so many years. There are some things to look for when deciding if a silver filling needs to be replaced. Some of these things will only be visible to a dentist under magnification or with x-rays. Other symptoms can be picked out by the patient. Here is a short list of these signs and symptoms:

- When there are cracks in the filling material or chips around the edges of the filling, that means bacteria can get under the amalgam.

- If the dentist sees shadows of a cavity under the silver filling on an x-ray, it is time to replace it.

- If the patient notices sudden cold or sweet sensitivity on the tooth with an amalgam filling, that generally indicates leakage of the filling.

- Sometimes the filling will loosen and shift around in the tooth.

- Noticing redness of the gum tissue, cheeks or tongue near the filling could indicate a sensitivity or allergy to one of the metals in the filling material.

- There are times when a whole chunk of tooth near the filling, or a large piece of the filling will just break out. This is a clear sign to get this old filling fixed.

All of these events would present a good opportunity to get the old amalgam filling out to protect the health of the tooth. Many times patients will just go ahead and have their old silver fillings removed to improve the aesthetics of their teeth, or for environmental and holistic health reasons. These are valid reasons also. It is the patient’s mouth, and they can decide which materials they want in their own mouths to fill their cavities.

What Precautions Should be Taken?

When it is time to actually remove the old amalgam fillings, there are several precautions the patient and dentist may want to consider. To get the old fillings out, the dentist needs to drill out the amalgam metal. This creates little pieces of filling debris and filling dust. To keep the pieces from going down your throat, a device called a “rubber dam” can be used. It is a thin sheet of latex that isolates the tooth or teeth that the dentist is fixing keeping all debris on one side of the rubber dam. A high volume suction is used to suck up all the debris and water as the dentist works. The patient should consider safety glasses to keep any flying pieces from getting in their eyes.

When the fillings are being drilled, this can generate heat and create a mercury vapor. To eliminate this, the dentist should use lots of water spray to keep the metal filling cool, and to keep the dust down. Patients can take their amalgam filling removal precautions to one more level with chelation therapy. This is a process of detoxing or cleansing the body to help remove mercury from the system. There are not really any large studies that show the effectiveness of this treatment, but patients can do some research and decide if this is something for them.

Aesthetic Options for Replacement

As mentioned earlier, there are numerous aesthetic and highly durable options for replacing old amalgam fillings. Here is a list of some of them, sorted by increasing cost:

- Composite fillings – These tooth colored synthetic resins are the most common option for replacing small to medium sized silver fillings. They are placed directly into the tooth and hardened with a special light. This bonds the material to the tooth making it strong enough to last on average 10-15 years using the newer materials. The cost of a composite filling ranges from about $100 to several hundred dollars. In this same category, there are indirect composite fillings. An impression is made of your mouth so that the composite filling can created in the lab under ideal conditions. Then it is bonded back into the tooth. The advantage here is some added strength. The disadvantage is a little more cost than the regular composite, and it take a couple of appointments.

- Porcelain inlays – These white fillings tend to be stronger than composites, and they can look very natural. They work best to replace small to medium sized fillings and can last on average 15 – 20 years. They usually take two appointments like the indirect composites, because they are made in a lab and are bonded into the tooth at another appointment. They can range in cost from several hundred dollars up to almost $1000.

- Porcelain onlays and crowns – As we get older, our teeth get more brittle and are more susceptible to cracking. This tends to be more noticeable in back teeth with larger silver fillings. Instead of just filling the same area with white material, it is better to cover the cracked parts of the tooth at the same time to prevent breakage of the tooth down the road. The porcelain covers over the weak parts and strengthens the whole tooth. They can last 15-25 years and they can cost from several hundred dollars to over $1000.

Talk with your dentist to see what is best for your situation. Provided good planning, your teeth can last a lifetime.

A dental crown, also referred to as a fixed prosthodontic or “cap” is a cast (metal) or porcelain restoration that is cemented into place to become a permanent part of the dental arch. Dental crowns provide valued support to the remaining teeth and prevent drifting of the occlusion (bite) in instances where missing teeth are present. Think of a crown as a protective covering over any damaged or chipped surfaces on the natural tooth.

When are They Used?

• Severe tooth decay – Tooth decay that has gone untreated can structurally weaken the teeth, requiring reinforcement with crowns. When decay is removed, sometimes the pulp or nerves can also be exposed. If this is the case, glass ionomer cement and composite resin can be used to build up the area before placing the crown. This will reduce any sensitivity of the tooth.

• Tooth trauma – Crowns can be used to preserve teeth that have become fractured or cracked due to trauma.

• Dental implants – Crowns are fitted over dental implants to restore missing teeth.

• Incisal wear – caused by bruxism. Preservation of the crown will require the use of a mouthguard.

• Dental bridges – Another use for crowns is to hold a three unit bridge in place on abutment teeth. This will help to stabilize the adjacent teeth by affixing the bridge on either side of the pontic crown which is the center crown.

• Aesthetic Correction – Crowns can be used to straighten a misaligned smile. A crooked or misshaped tooth can be crowned and fixed without need for braces. This is an invasive treatment approach if the deformed teeth are otherwise healthy.

• Root canal therapy – Teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment are fragile and prone to breakage. A crown will add strength to that tooth and protect it from fracturing.

Who Qualifies for Treatment?

A contraindication for a crown would be the presence of periodontal disease or excessive mobility of other teeth. Otherwise, crowns are an ideal choice unless less invasive treatment is available. For instance, a dental onlay might be preferred for treating a large carie (cavity) such that healthy parts of the tooth are preserved. Not all dentists offer this type of treatment but it is worth seeking out for minimized tooth trauma.

What is the Cost of Dental Crowns?

The cost of a dental crown is typically $1,000 and upwards. The cost is dependent on where you receive treatment, the type of crown your get, and whether you have insurance coverage. Some dentists will agree to work out a payment schedule to help with the cost.

What Types of Crowns Are Available?

There are several type of crowns available that are appropriate for a wide array of circumstances. Some of the factors that influence crown selection include aesthetic considerations, occlusal (biting) forces present in the area being treated, and the patient’s budget.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)

Full crowns cover the entire tooth surface. On posterior (back) teeth they are usually made of porcelain over high noble metal (such as gold). The addition of a metal substrate provides for a more stable biting surface with less chance of any breakage. These are called PFM crowns or Porcelain fused to metal crowns.

All Porcelain Crowns

A crown can also be made of solid porcelain or of solid metal with no porcelain such as gold. An all-porcelain crown is usually used for anterior (front) teeth as it gives a more translucent, natural tooth appearance. If a PFM crown is used on the anterior teeth, there is a risk of metal allergy which manifests as a dark outline at the top of the crown on the gingival gum surface. This effect is not aesthetically pleasing and does not occur with all porcelain crowns.

Partial Crowns and Others

Partial crowns cover three sides of the tooth surface. During a partial crown preparation, retention grooves are made on both the mesial and distal sides of the tooth. These grooves help to hold the seated crown into place. There are also resin crowns and 7/8 crowns. Despite all these choices, patients opt for a PFM crown in the large majority of cases.

How Are the Teeth Prepared for Dental Crowns?

During your first visit for a crown, expect to have impressions of your tooth and the upper and lower arches taken and also a bite registration. Usually there are also x-rays taken and an exam to help decide the best course of treatment. At this point local anesthetic is administered. The shape of the natural tooth is reduced using a diamond stone and any caries are removed. Sometimes the dentist will use a laser in place of a drill to remove any decay. This is a fairly new technique that is growing in popularity amongst patients. Talk to your dentist to see if you are a candidate.

If a traditional drill is used, at this point the finishing burr is used to prepare the shoulder or circumference around the crown. The next step in the procedure is gingival retraction followed by another impression. At this point a shade color for the new crown is determined. Next, a temporary crown is then created and placed and the patient sent home.

On your second visit the temporary crown is removed and the new crown is tried on. If all goes well and the color matches and the fit is ideal, it is then cemented into place. As the cement dries the excess along the margins is cleaned away by the dental assistant with an explorer. A bite registration is now taken and any adjustments are made. This is usually done with articulating carbon paper that will indicate any high spots. These are then polished away and once the bite feels right the patient is dismissed.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Crowns will last for many years even as long as 40 and some for a lifetime. With a well fitting crown, you should be able to brush and floss your teeth as usual. Regular dental checkups are essential for keeping crowns in working order.

Dental bridges are used to restore one or more missing teeth for aesthetic and functional purposes. A dental bridge is typically compromised of three units. The two end pieces are dental crowns that suspend a pontic at the site of the missing tooth. They are fit over the adjacent teeth after they have been prepared by removing tooth enamel. The entire restoration is cast from a single piece to ensure high durability.

Why Replace Lost Teeth?

Posterior tooth loss can impair masticatory (chewing) function by placing undue stress on your front teeth. This, in return, can lead to accelerated tooth deterioration and temporomandibular joint disorder. Unless quickly treated, missing teeth can cause bone resorption making the placement of dental bridges and/or implants more challenging.

Is A Dental Bridge for Me?

You should ask yourself these questions before pursuing treatment with dental bridges:

• How much am I willing to spend? – If money is no object, dental implants are preferred for their superior strength, life longevity, and conservative placement. Dental implants are a large upfront investment, but the cost of upkeeping dental bridges will outpace the cost of implants in a person’s lifetime.

• Are you willing to compromise otherwise healthy teeth? – The placement of a dental bridge results in trauma to the teeth anchoring the appliance. These teeth will sustain additional trauma once the bridge has to be replaced and will be more susceptible to decay potentially leading to root canal therapy. There are conservative dental bridges, specifically the bonded bridge. This requires minimal preparation on the lingual (back) surface of the teeth and is a good temporary option for a patient waiting to get implants. These are common for replacing anterior teeth following orthodontic treatment.

• How is my oral hygiene? – Dental bridges require strict upkeep when compared to implants. There is no interproximal space between the teeth on the bridge, which means you will have to use a floss threader to get under the bridge.

How are Dental Bridges Outfitted?

A patient is outfitted with a dental bridge much in the same way as a crown. The dentist must first verify that the adjacent anchoring teeth and gums are healthy. Placement of bridges can exacerbate existing periodontal problems, moreso if the patient fails to practice adequate oral hygiene. Gum disease, tooth decay, and bone deterioration are all potential risk factors.

After the patient is anesthetized, the abutment teeth are reshaped and an impression is taken. A temporary bridge is then outfitted on the area and the impressions are sent to the dental lab.

What are Dental Bridges Made of?

Dental bridges are often made from an alloy of high noble metals, porcelain, or a combination of the two. Highly noble alloys are ideal for dental work due to their non-reactive nature. This is an important consideration in the mouth where factors like moisture are present. These alloys can be composed of gold, silver, palladium, etc. These materials cannot be used alone in the fabrication of dental bridges due to their expense and limitations. Gold, for instance, is much too soft to withstand the forces present in the mouth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal or PFM bridges give patients the best of both worlds. The core of the bridge consists of a highly noble alloy while the outer shell is crafted of porcelain. These bridges are strong enough to be used in the posterior (rear) area of the mouth without compromising aesthetics. While PFM bridges offer a superior tooth-like quality when compared to all metal bridges, they fall short of all porcelain bridges. The all metal core affects the translucency of the porcelain making it less ideal for the front teeth. Furthermore, integrating these bridges with the gumline can be a challenge. Most often, there is a dark outline present along the gingival margin. This affect can worsen with gingival recession.

Porcelain bridges are best suited for the anterior (front) teeth. Here they are less susceptible to breakage due to occlusal (biting) forces. Porcelain bridges are prone to chipping and fracturing but their aesthetic quality may supplant this risk.

How Does the Lab Create Them?

The dental lab fabricating your bridge will rely on the impressions taken at your dentist’s office for guidance. In the lab, the metal type is poured into clay casts made of the impression. This is cooled and then removed from the clay. It looks good at this point but still needs finishing work. At this point, it is sandblasted in a controlled area to smooth out imperfections and round out the edges. Then the piece is transferred to a person that paints on a textured material that the enamel can adhere to. First this sandy material is put on in two coats and baked in a small oven. Then after cooling another person skillfully shapes the enamel into the correct tooth structures. Then it is cooled, polished, and checked. It is a true art form that most people do not even think about.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

A good dental bridge can last a person’s lifetime. At the very minimum it will be there for at least twenty years. A few things that could shorten a bridge’s life longevity include gum disease and a poorly fitted bridge. It is very important to make sure that the fit is correct on a dental bridge. Any gap along the edges of the gum line will let bacteria and moisture leak in and provide a place for dental decay to advance. Good dental hygiene is essential around dental bridges and crowns.

How Do Bridges Compare to Implants?

A comparison of dental bridges to implants is warranted. An implant is ideal in circumstances where the bone is solid and the gums are firm. An implant is a single unit fixed crown with an attached root post that acts like the natural tooth. But implants cannot be used in imperfect situations like missing or soft bone structure. And for that reason it is pretty certain that dental bridges will still be used for many years to come.

Other factors that can play into a patient’s decision include:

• Speed of treatment – Treatment with implants can take six months or more to complete. Bridgework can be completed in a matter of weeks.

• Invasiveness – Implants are considered far less invasive than bridgework due to lack of need for tooth preparation.

• Budget – An implant and crown can cost far more than a bridge.

The patient needs to communicate their specific needs with their provider to determine the best treatment approach.

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost of dental bridges is affected by the type of bridge chosen (conventional, bonded, etc.), material choice, as well as the number of teeth it is intended to replace. Expect to pay a minimum of $500 for a basic single unit bridge.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom made dental restorations that resemble your natural teeth. They are cemented to the labial (facial) surface of your teeth to hide issues such as discoloration, gaps, misalignment and misshapen teeth. Veneers can be used in lieu of orthodontics or more invasive restorations like crowns to restore a smile to its natural beauty. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry have allowed for better color matching, more natural emergence profiles, and better long-term retention of porcelain veneers.

Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

A good candidate for veneers should present with a need to transform their smile that cannot be met with less invasive treatment in the time allotted. Permanent alteration of existing tooth structure is often required to accommodate veneers, and this is why the decision should not be taken lightly. Cosmetic dentists often exercise extreme caution in case selection to ensure the final outcome will meet the patient’s aesthetic goals in the long term. Some examples of issues that might exclude a patient from treatment include:

• Missing/loose teeth
• Severely rotated teeth
• Severe decay
• Overcrowding
• Pre-existing oral conditions

Many of these issues can be resolved and the patient re-evaluated for veneers after treatment is complete.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Porcelain veneers cost approximately $1,500 per tooth. They are not covered by insurance and are often financed instead. Due to the enormous expense, some patients may opt to first pursue alternative treatments. These may include:

• Teeth whitening
• Tooth bonding
• Orthodontic Braces
• Removable cosmetic appliances (ie. Snap-on Smile)

How is Tooth Reduction Carried Out?

Proper tooth reduction in preparation for dental veneers is essential for minimizing healthy tooth structure loss, promoting optimal veneer adhesion and achieving excellent aesthetics. Several factors must be considered in determining the extent of enamel removal such as the thickness of the restorations, emergence profile of the tooth, and the patient’s aesthetic goals. Failure to address each of these areas often results in unsatisfactory treatment outcomes, including veneers that fall off prematurely or a “bulky,” chicklet-like smile. Even relatively minor problems such as staining along the gingival margin can leave patients dissatisfied.

How Does the Process Begin?

The first step in the preparation process begins with an assessment by a cosmetic dentist. The dentist will be able to evaluate the patient’s problem areas and determine whether veneers are appropriate. Beyond some of the obvious considerations mentioned above, a history of certain oral conditions like bruxism may rule out veneers. Furthermore, it may be determined that porcelain restorations are unnecessary. A tooth whitening session or simple composite bonding may be sufficient to address aesthetic concerns. A qualified cosmetic dentist will be very careful with case selection to ensure satisfactory results.

Tooth Enamel Removal

A few millimeters of the hard, outer covering of your tooth known as the enamel will need to be removed before veneers can be installed. The cosmetic dentist will carefully reshape the labial (facial), incisal (biting edge), and interproximal (between teeth) portions of the tooth to make room for the veneers. Enamel reduction along the gingival margin (gum line) will also be required.

This initial sequence of steps will result in a depth groove on the tooth that the dentist will use to finish preparing the labial surface while preserving enamel. The depth of these channels will depend on the thickness requirements of the veneers as well as the translucency desired.

Is Tooth Reduction Painful?

The patient should experience very little if any pain during the preparation process. If the extent of enamel removal is sufficient, the patient may be given anesthesia. Some post-operative tooth sensitivity should be expected that will diminish once the permanent veneers are cemented and some time is allowed to lapse.

Impressions

Once the teeth are prepared, the cosmetic dentist will take an impression of the teeth for the permanent veneers (and temporaries if applicable). This impression will be sent to a dental lab for fabrication of the veneers. The dentist should first prepare the gingival margin using a retraction cord, which will help ensure that the impression captures subgingival areas of the tooth such that the veneer integrates nicely with the gum line. An identical technique is used when preparing teeth for dental crowns.

Temporary Veneers

The exposed tooth structure remaining after preparation may require temporary veneers. The dentist will fabricate these temporaries in-office based on a mold taken earlier in the appointment. The temporaries will not mimic the aesthetic quality of the permanent veneers and will only need to be worn for a few weeks (depending on how quickly the veneers return from the lab). During the patient’s delivery appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed by making a single groove (of appropriate depth as to not remove further tooth structure) in the center of the labial surface. The temporaries can then be pried off. Once all the provisionals have been removed, the teeth are polished in preparation for the cementation process.

How Are Porcelain Veneers Installed?

The cosmetic dentist can begin installing your veneers once they have returned from the lab. The painstaking part of the process has already been completed in the preparation phase.

A test fitting is first conducted to ensure that the veneers have been made to specification. The dentist will now bond the veneers in place using a special cement. A tint may need to be mixed with the bonding cement to achieve superior color matching. Once the veneers are in place, the cement is cured using a special light and excess bonding agent is carefully removed around the margins.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The life longevity of dental veneers can vary greatly as a function of several factors. In general, porcelain veneers can last ten years or more. Composite veneers can last three years or more.

What is Veneer Failure?

Porcelain veneer failure can occur in a number of ways. These include veneers that have:
• Fallen off
• Become fractured
• Chipped
• Sustained surface wear
• Been ground down

These issues often necessitate complete replacement of the veneers. This process is expensive and requires another round of tooth structure removal.

Composite or Porcelain?

Porcelain veneers tend to outperform composite veneers in terms of lifespan. Composite veneers are expected to last no more than a few years. If the tooth bonding is confined to a small area, then it could be expected that the lifespan might be more acceptable. A cost-benefit analysis is in order when deciding between the two. If you have a minor deformity like a tooth chip without additional issues, then composite might be optimal. Composite veneers stain but have the advantage of being easily and inexpensively repaired when damaged.

Do You Clench your Teeth?

Untreated bruxism can severely impair the lifespan of dental restorations. Bruxism is characterized by the clenching and grinding of the teeth at night. Your dentist should be able to alert you to outward signs of the condition (ie. incisal wear) and prescribe you a mouthguard.

Gingivitis/Gum Disease

Gum disease or its precursor gingivitis can present problems in successful long-term treatment with veneers. These conditions can cause a retraction of the gums, exposing the edge of the veneers creating an unsightly outline effect. In a progressed state, gum disease can even weaken the structural integrity of teeth. Regular dental check-ups will help ward off these issues and treat them such that your veneers remain intact.

Dietary Choices

Making prudent dietary choices can make your investment in dental veneers go a long way. As a general rule of good oral hygiene, avoid constant consumption of sugary foods to avoid attracting cavity-causing bacteria. Although porcelain itself does not decay, the prepared tooth structure underneath the restoration does. Hard foods should also be consumed with caution as they can place excess strain on the veneers.

Tooth discoloration is one of the factors that drive people to get veneers in the first place. However, they are not a free ticket to excess coffee and wine consumption. Your untreated teeth can still stain, making the veneers look out of place and thus requiring more rapid replacement. If excess bonding cement was left on the incisal areas (edges) of the treated teeth, it can become discolored compromising the aesthetic appeal of the veneers. This should not be a concern if proper installation was undertaken but a precaution worth noting.

Visits with Your Dental Professional

Having your teeth examined by a general dentist every six months will help ensure ongoing satisfaction with your veneers. Brushing and flossing is not enough for removing all plaque deposits. Furthermore, plaque is constantly accumulating in interproximal areas which are difficult to reach. Maintaining a plaque-free environment prevents decay and gum disease.