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There are so many cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, and it can be hard to know which treatment will give you the best results. Perhaps one of the most popular and versatile forms of cosmetic dentistry is dental veneers. These thin pieces of porcelain can transform any smile and are often a go-to solution for your dentist in Sparks. 

Understanding Veneers

Dental veneers are custom-made shells, usually made of porcelain or plastic, that can be placed over your existing teeth. They are custom-created to match your ideal shade of white and the perfect size and shape. The veneer is bonded onto your teeth in order to strengthen them or change their appearance. Veneers can also be used to close up gaps between teeth. Dental veneers may help improve self-confidence by giving you a smile you love.

Pros of Veneers

Veneers are known for their ability to transform a smile, and they can give people a straighter, whiter smile. And they’re often one of the most affordable ways to makeover a smile. Better yet, veneers don’t take long to do. Your dentist in Sparks can typically complete a veneer treatment in as little as two visits. Dental veneers also don’t require much preparation. While your dentist will need to remove a little bit of tooth enamel to make room for a veneer, it’s only a thin layer. Sometimes, veneers can be an alternative to crowns, which often require a little more preparation. 

Cons of Veneers

As with any type of dental or medical treatment, veneers may not be right for everyone and some people may experience some downsides including: 

• Veneers are permanent.
• They can make teeth a bit more sensitive to heat and cold.
• While porcelain veneers are less susceptible to staining, composite veneers may stain.
• Veneers aren’t a solution for failing teeth. Talk with your dentist about other options such as crowns. 

However, talking with your dentist in Sparks will help to better understand if any of these risks may apply to you. If so, don’t fret. There are plenty of alternative cosmetic dentistry options available. 

The Truth About Snap-On Veneers

Lately, there’s been an increase in what we can buy online, including snap-on veneers. These are a temporary fix and will not permanently alter your smile. They can also be uncomfortable and cause other problems. If the snap-on veneers don’t fit well they can cause gum irritation and gum recession. Additionally, if they’re worn for long periods of time they can actually start to shift your teeth.

If you’ve been wanting a brighter, whiter, straighter smile, consider talking with your dentist about all of the cosmetic dentistry options available to you. Avoid trying a DYI approach to anything dental, including veneers, orthodontics, and even whitening. It’s always best to talk to a professional first. 

Did you know that dental insurance benefits can expire if they’re not used? While some dental plans renew at odd times during the year, most plans renew on January 1st. This means that if you haven’t used all of your benefits, you’re missing out on some dental care that you’ve earned. Luckily, your dentist in Sparks is here with a friendly reminder to use your dental benefits before they expire. 

No Rolling Over

Many dental insurance plans place a yearly maximum on their plans that will not roll over into the next year if they’re not used. However, many people don’t actually use the full maximum and lose out on the benefits. 

Overlap Treatment

If you want to have some cosmetic dentistry done or perhaps some restorative dentistry to renew your smile, chances are your insurance won’t cover the entire cost. However, if you start treatment this year, you can use your 2021 benefits and the benefits that renew in 2022. Talk with your dentist in Sparks about the best way to get the dental care you need and want without breaking the bank. 

If You Pay For It, Use It

Dental insurance costs you money to have, so it’s wise to use all of the benefits available to you. However, many people do not do this and rather treat dental insurance as a safety precaution in case something happens. Many times, doing this means losing money and can cause bigger problems. 

Dental Problems Worsen Over Time

The best way to avoid costly dental treatment is to, in fact, use your dental benefits on preventive care. Seeing your dentist in Sparks twice a year can help keep dental problems from occurring or catch them early when treatment is easy and less expensive. 

FSA

While a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) isn’t traditional dental insurance, it can function very similarly. These benefits don’t last forever and may expire at the end of December. Essentially, if you’re putting money into an FSA and can use it for dental care, make sure you do so before it expires in January.

Sparks dentist’s schedules book up quickly this time of the year, and we don’t want to see you lose unused benefits. Schedule your appointment today!