The great thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it can fix problems with your teeth that have made you self-conscious to show your smile. This includes teeth that are misshaped, discolored, or have a damaged exterior. Dental veneers are a great way to cover up these problems once and for all, making your teeth look pristine in the process. If you are considering this procedure, it's important to know about the process and costs.

The Process of Veneers

Having dental veneers installed is a fairly simple process. It will involve three appointments with your dentist to get it done.

It starts with a consultation. The dentist will want to make sure that your teeth are healthy before proceeding, and will give an exam to look for potential problems. Issues with gum disease or tooth decay could make you ineligible, requiring these problems to be fixed before you can continue.

The second appointment involves preparation. X-rays will be taken to verify the health of your gums and teeth, and to help prepare them for your veneers. It's common to shave off part of the enamel on your teeth during this appointment. It not only makes room for the additional layer created by the veneers, but will make the surface abrasive to help the veneers stick to your teeth.

The process ends with the placement session, which as the name implies, is when the final veneers are attached to your teeth. Your dentist will make any last minute adjustments, and then you are out the door with your brand new smile.

The Cost of Veneers

Don't expect for your dental insurance to pay for veneers, since it is a completely cosmetic procedure with no real health benefits associated with it. That means you'll need to pay for the procedure out of your own pocket. While there are some exceptions, they are typically when veneers are used to cover damaged teeth directly related to an accident.

Veneers can cost between $500 and $1,000 per each tooth, with a common procedure of the four front upper teeth costing between $2,000 and $4,500.

Keep in mind that veneers are not a permanent solution, and have a lifespan of about 5-10 years. Since your teeth are damaged to install them, it will require you to have the veneers replaced instead of leaving them off when the time comes that they need replacement

Need more info about veneers, visit a website like www.hcdentistry.com.