Veneers are a popular and effective option for enhancing the appearance of your teeth, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile. If you’re considering improving your smile with veneers, you may wonder how long they last. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the factors that influence how long veneers last and measures you can take to increase their lifespan.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of either composite material or porcelain and applied to the front of a tooth to enhance its appearance. Veneers are custom-made and help improve the color, shape, size, and overall look of teeth. They also hide discoloration, chips, or gaps between teeth. Veneers are durable and can last for many years with proper care.
Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers
When considering veneers, understanding the differences between composite veneers and porcelain veneers is important. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan than other types of veneers, with an average of three years. They are also more likely to stain over time and aren’t as durable as other options.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers have excellent durability and can potentially last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Porcelain veneers are also less likely to stain and can be tailored to match the color of your teeth for a natural look. However, they are more expensive than composite veneers and require a longer application process.
Tips For Long-Lasting Veneers
Veneers are an excellent way to give yourself a beautiful and long-lasting smile. Here are some tips to help you ensure your veneers last as long as possible.
- Choose a high-quality material: Porcelain is the most durable material for veneers, although composite resin may also be used. Porcelain veneers typically last longer than composite resin veneers, so it’s important to choose a material that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day helps keep your veneers clean and free from bacteria and plaque. Additionally, you should have your teeth cleaned professionally at least twice a year.
- Avoid staining products: Drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, and soda may stain your veneers. If you do consume these products, make sure to brush your teeth afterward or rinse your mouth with water to remove any residue.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects: Biting down on hard objects like pens, pencils, or ice could cause chips in your veneers.
- Be aware of the impact of teeth grinding or clenching: Teeth grinding or clenching wears down the edges of your veneers over time, so address this issue before getting veneers.
Veneers in Vilonia, AR
If you are in search of quality veneers in Vilonia, AR, look no further than Lane Family Dentistry. Our experienced dental professionals at Lane Family Dentistry offer both composite and porcelain veneers and can help you decide which is best for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Lane Family Dentistry today by calling 501-796-3903 or request an appointment online.
Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option available in dentistry. They provide a natural look and function that can last a lifetime. If you have one or more teeth that are missing or need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage, dental implants are a worthwhile consideration.
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you may be wondering about the cost. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the estimated cost of dental implants in Vilonia, Arkansas.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. Once the implant is securely bonded, an abutment and crown are attached to complete your restoration. When multiple or all of the teeth need to be replaced, dental implants can support a bridge or dentures.
Average Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies greatly. A single dental implant can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000. Why is there such a wide range? Because there are a variety of factors that have an impact on the cost of the entire procedure.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Implants
The following factors will affect the estimate you may receive for dental implants:
- Number of implants. The cost of dental implants is on a per implant basis, meaning that each additional implant will increase the total cost.
- Quality of materials. The material that your prosthetic is made of will affect the cost. A high quality porcelain crown, bridge, or denture will cost more than other materials because it offers the most durability and a natural look.
- Insurance. In many cases dental insurance doesn’t cover dental implants. However, if you happen to have a plan that does, it will help reduce your out of pocket cost.
- Location of the dental practice. The geographic location of your dentist’s office will affect the cost of dental implants because they reflect the cost of living in the area. A practice in a large city may quote you a higher price than a small town practice.
- Experience and reputation of the practice. A dental office with a highly qualified, experienced dentist and good reputation may charge higher prices for their services. But it may be worth paying more to increase the chances that your dental implant will be a success.
- Preparatory procedures. Not every patient is a candidate for dental implants at the time of the first evaluation. If there is loss of bone structure in the jaw where a tooth has been missing, a dental implant cannot be placed without preparation. A bone graft may need to be performed first to solidify and regenerate the bone tissue so that a dental implant can be placed. This additional procedure will increase the overall cost of getting dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Only you can decide whether or not dental implants are worth the cost. But keep in mind that getting dental implants is an investment in your dental health for the rest of your life. Once a dental implant is in place, it can last a lifetime, providing a fully functional replacement that looks natural. The only part that may need to be replaced later is the prosthetic attached to the implant if it wears out or becomes damaged. Replacing the prosthetic portion comes at a significantly lower cost than the initial cost of the implant.
Lane Family Dentistry Provides Dental Implants
We would be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss whether or not dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. After a brief evaluation where we assess your current dental health and bone structure of your jaw, we can make a recommendation. We use cutting edge technology for dental implant evaluations and placement to ensure success and make the procedure as minimally invasive as possible.
Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Do you want a brighter smile? When teeth begin to look dull or discolored, it can make your smile less appealing. It’s normal for teeth to gradually yellow over time due to stains from foods and drinks and from a general thinning of the enamel that occurs with age. But professional teeth whitening treatment can remove stains and whiten your teeth for a better looking smile.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, you may have some questions about it, such as how it works. Here’s what you can expect from teeth whitening treatment.
Over the Counter Teeth Whitening
There are many teeth whitening products you can buy at the store or order online that claim to dramatically whiten your teeth. These products typically contain hydrogen peroxide and sometimes baking soda. The peroxide bleaches the teeth and the baking soda scrubs away surface stains. But whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, and even whitening strips only provide minimal results that quickly fade.
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening provided by your dentist can be applied during a single in-office treatment. Dental office treatments contain carbamide peroxide, a stronger bleaching agent that provides dramatic results in just one application. Although it is stronger, carbamide peroxide is safe on tooth enamel. Some patients experience mild sensitivity that fades over time, but there is no damage to the teeth.
The Professional Whitening Procedure
When you go to your dentist for teeth whitening treatment, the following steps will occur:
- Teeth cleaning. Teeth whitening is most effective on clean, polished teeth. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and polished to be smooth before whitening treatment is applied.
- Gum protection. A protective gel or a rubber shield will be applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue from irritation from the whitening agent.
- Whitening agent is applied. The whitening treatment is applied to each tooth carefully and evenly for uniform results across all of the teeth.
- Light activates whitening agent. A specialized light is used to activate the whitening agent to accelerate the process.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results from professional teeth whitening can last around a year. The results from over the counter products may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, requiring you to purchase more and repeat the treatment to maintain your results. Store bought products may seem cheaper than professional treatment at first, but if you are repeatedly purchasing these products it can really add up. You may end up paying less overall for professional teeth whitening and get better results.
How To Keep Your Teeth Looking White
After getting professional teeth whitening treatment, you want your results to last as long as possible. Here are some tips for keeping teeth looking white for longer:
- Use a Touch-up Kit. Many professional teeth whitening treatments come with a touch-up kit for use at home. This allows you to periodically freshen up your results so that your teeth look whiter for longer.
- Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, chocolate, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and foods with artificial coloring.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Keeping your teeth clean will help them stay white. Brush your teeth twice a day to remove food residue and plaque. If you do eat or drink something that may stain your teeth, brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
- Go to the dentist every 6 months. Routine dental cleanings should occur every 6 months for your dental health as well as the appearance of your teeth. Dental cleanings remove plaque and polish your teeth for a smoother appearance that is less likely to develop stains.
Where Can I Get Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you want to improve your smile, Lane Dentistry provides professional teeth whitening treatment in our office. With just one treatment you’ll see dramatic results that last longer than over the counter whitening products. You’ll even save money when you stop buying whitening products at the store.
Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Have you noticed your teeth looking a bit yellow or discolored lately? You may see it when you look in the mirror or when you see a picture of yourself with others and you notice that everyone’s smile is whiter than yours.
Gradual discoloration of the teeth is normal, but there is something you can do about it. There are a variety of ways to whiten teeth, but professional whitening treatment has proven to be the most effective. Whitening toothpaste or bleaching strips may get your teeth a few shades whiter. But for dramatic results you can really see, professional treatment is best.
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, you may have some questions such as how much it costs and how long it lasts. Learn how much teeth whitening costs in Vilonia, Arkansas and more about the treatment.
Average Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening
The cost of professional teeth whitening may vary, but on average you can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$150 for at-home whitening kits provided by your dentist and $150-$200 for in-office whitening treatment. At-home whitening typically includes a custom made tray that fits your teeth for applying whitening treatment. In-office whitening is typically a one time treatment applied by your dentist in their office.
Factors That Affect the Cost
The cost of whitening treatment varies based on a variety of factors:
- Type of treatment. In-office whitening typically costs more than at-home whitening kits because your dentist takes the time to apply and activate the bleaching agent. At-home whitening is done on your own time so it typically costs less.
- Your dentist’s pricing. Dental practices vary in pricing when it comes to teeth whitening treatment. One dentist may charge more than another based on the market cost of the treatment and the time it takes to apply or to create custom trays.
- Brand of whitening treatment. There are a few different brands of professional grade whitening treatments and they vary in cost. The brand your dentist offers will affect the cost of the treatment.
- Geographic location. As you know, cost of living varies from place to place and affects the cost of most things, including cosmetic dentistry procedures. You may find higher prices for teeth whitening in cities and densely populated areas than in rural areas and small towns.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Whether or not professional teeth whitening treatment is worth the cost is a decision only you can make. But there are some things to consider:
- Effectiveness. If you want the most effective teeth whitening treatment, professional whitening is worth it. You’ll get noticeably whiter teeth in just one in-office treatment or in a few weeks of at-home treatments. Cheaper store-bought whitening products may whiten your teeth slightly, but the results won’t be as dramatic.
- How long the results last. Professional whitening treatment lasts longer than store-bought products as well. In-office treatment can last anywhere from 1-3 years and at-home professional grade treatment can last an average of 6-8 months. Store-bought products may only last 2-4 months at the most, meaning you’ll need to purchase more and repeat the process more frequently. This can add up to the cost of professional treatment quickly, but with more work on your part and inferior results.
- Condition of your teeth. Whitening treatments work best on teeth that are healthy and look healthy. Applying whitening to teeth that need restorative or cosmetic procedures is not recommended. Restorative procedures, such as cavity fillings, should be done first before cosmetic procedures. If your teeth are crooked, uneven, chipped, or otherwise damaged, whitening treatment may not be able to give you the smile you desire. Veneers may be a better option to conceal cosmetic imperfections in your teeth.
Lane Family Dentistry Provides Teeth Whitening Treatment
If you want a whiter smile, Lane Family Dentistry provides professional teeth whitening treatment. For best results we recommend our in-office whitening treatment. With just one application you can have dramatically whiter teeth to enhance your natural smile.
To learn more, call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.