Recently, veneers have been improved to have a more natural appearance, so much so that it’s difficult to tell when someone’s got them.

When are Veneers Used?

Veneers are commonly used to fix chipped, cracked or crooked teeth. However other issues such as discoloration due to stains or aging, and genetic abnormalities are instances when veneers can be considered. Veneers can also be used when teeth are damaged due to general wear and tear. The most important thing to remember when considering veneers is that most existing teeth must be altered so there is room in your mouth for the veneers. Any changes made to your existing teeth are permanent, making the decision for veneers one that should be thought out carefully and discussed with your dentist. Typically speaking veneers should only be used when the look and functionality of your natural teeth are beyond repair. Otherwise bonding, crowns and other teeth whitening methods should be looked into.

Are There Alternatives to Veneers?

As mentioned above, veneers should only be used as a last resort, when all other options won’t work. Depending on the problems you have with your teeth alternative options are available, and should be considered. If stains and discoloration are your problem, consider looking into professional teeth whitening.  There are many options available to remove stains and whiten teeth. You may even realize that professional whitening is more than you need and your stains can be easily removed with home teeth whitening methods.  In fact, before even going to see your dentist about removing stains you may want to give our 30 Day Teeth Whitening System a try. If stains aren’t your problem and instead are someone who has crooked or irregularly sized or spaced teeth you also have other options. Orthodontic dentistry can help fix your problem with the help of braces or a retainer. Although this method takes much longer than veneers (1-2 years vs. 1-2 appointments), the finished product will be a beautiful, straight smile using your natural teeth. Cracked or chipped teeth is the scenario when veneers would make the most sense, but you have alternative options then too. If they aren’t badly damaged bonding is a possiblity, where the crack or chip is filled with a white resin filling. This can get the tooth looking normal without permanently altering it.

So Should I Get Veneers or Not?

As with any dental treatment you are considering, the best advice is to first discuss your situation with your dentist. He or she will have access to your previous dental history and will be best equipped to give you a recommendation on the best option for your situation.

1. Can you explain the procedure to me?

   How the dentist answers this question will go a long way towards influencing your decision. Do they take their time and give you a step by step explanation of what they’ll do and how it works? Or do they seem annoyed or bothered by your question and give you a rushed and bland response? Their reaction to this question will give you a good idea of how they treat their patients and either spark your interest or throw up some red flags.

2. What concentration of hydrogen peroxide do you use?

   Typically professional whitening treatments use a mixture that is 10% hydrogen peroxide. Any less than that and the results are lessened. Any more than that and you start running the risk of damaging your teeth. The dentist will most likely be aware of this and probably uses 10%. But by asking this question you let them know that you’re informed on the subject and that you expect accurate and truthful answers.

3. What does the treatment cost?

   This may be the most influential question. The answers to the other six questions will sway you one way or the other based on feelings. This answer will probably be the only one that includes a hard number, which makes the varying responses easy to compare. The prices will probably be pretty similar; however, the options and packages may be different. Beware of the super low price, especially if your intuition speaks up. This can be a sign that they use cheap products or shoddy instruments. Also keep in mind that although your budget is critical, the cost is only one component that goes into quality whitening. It may pay off to spend a little more in exchange for piece of mind.

4. How often do they perform the procedure?

   Do they whiten teeth daily? Weekly? Once a month? The dentist’s level of experience and practice is important in getting quality results. Just like you wouldn’t hire an inexperienced baker to make your wedding cake, you don’t want to spend good money on a dentist who performs a handful of whitening procedures a year.

5. Will they put you in touch with a previous whitening patient of theirs?

   Citing privacy laws most dentists will probably deny you this request. However, some patients are so pleased that they will be happy to give a testimonial for their dentist. If the dentist is on top of his or her marketing campaign they may have already gathered a list of references for the procedure. This question will probably not get you anywhere, but if you are able to speak with a patient you may get some extremely helpful insight into the dentist and the procedure.

6. What whitening system do they use?

   They probably use one or more of the three more popular brands: Zoom, BriteSmile or Rembrandt. Do some research ahead of time to see if there’s one system you prefer over another. All three come with high reviews, but there may be some things you like better about one. If all things are equal with two or three dentists, a preference in the brand may be the deciding factor.

7. Are you comfortable with this dentist?

   This is a question you ask yourself, while you’re meeting and afterward. Did you like the dentist? Were they personable and friendly? Was their office a pleasant place to be? Was it clean? Did you find their dental assistants to be helpful and caring? All these questions are important in ensuring that your treatment is enjoyable. Because you don’t have to answer to an insurance company and are paying for the treatment out of pocket, make sure you’re comfortable with everything involved. There are plenty of dentists to choose from so don’t force yourself to settle.

After you’ve met with all the dentist’s you scheduled appointments with, go over their answers and think about how you felt about each one before you decide. Keep in mind that you’re the decision maker. Don’t let a dentist make you feel rushed or intimidated. You are the consumer and they need/want your business. It’s not a good idea for them to upset you. Instead, give them an opportunity to make their case and then take your time coming to an informed decision. Your results will reflect the effort you made and you’ll be happier with the outcome.