Do you often cover your mouth while laughing and wish you could smile widely in photographs? The solution is closer than you may think.
Veneers are the perfect way to brighten your smile and are now more affordable than ever.
Veneers can improve the position, shape, and color of teeth. They can close gaps, fix overcrowding, and improve discoloration, giving you a healthy and natural smile.
However, the Ontario Dental Association points out that those veneers are not simply for cosmetic reasons. They are also perfect for repairing chipped, decayed and damaged teeth.
While in the past the cost of transforming your smile may have been cost-prohibitive, advances in dental technology have made the process simpler, safer, and increasingly affordable.
Veneers are considered an elective treatment and are not usually covered by dental insurance. However, do not hesitate you ask your plan advisor for more information; a portion may be covered. In addition, many dental health professionals offer flexible financing options.
Dental Practitioners in Toronto, the GTA, and Beyond
Toronto is a large metropolis that offers varied dental practitioners available in all parts of the city. A quick Google search reveals a concentration of dentists in the downtown corridor running south from the Entertainment District, north to Chinatown, terminating in the Summerhill area.
Additionally, neighborhoods such as Rexdale in the west end of the city, Scarborough in the east, and North York in the north, offer many options as well, at slightly cheaper rates.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Durham, Halton, Peel, and York, offers plenty of opportunities as well. Easily accessible by automobile or public transit, this area offers significantly lower rates than the downtown core. Hop on a GO bus or train and head to the suburbs of Mississauga and Brampton for some savings.
For those with access to a vehicle or willing to take long-haul transportation, smaller towns such as Barrie, Midland, Thornhill, and Cobourg, offer even lower rates.
Choosing a Dental Practitioner
With the wide variety of dentists available in Toronto, choosing one who suits your needs is easy. Many even offer free consultations. Do not hesitate to shop around; this is a serious investment. You need to be happy with the end result, namely your new smile.
Veneers last a very long time if properly installed and taken care of. However, it is important to remember that all dental veneers will have to be replaced at some point in the future. Factor this into your decision when choosing the type of veneers and dentist best suited for your individual situation.As with all dental treatments, the longevity of your veneers depends on your oral hygiene, diet, and your choice of veneer.
To assure quality work, find a dentist registered with the Ontario Dental Association.
Cost of Veneers in Toronto
A quick glace through Toronto’s various dental providers reveals that veneers can be very affordable. Prices vary among practitioners, with those in the downtown core being the costliest. In addition, the cost of veneers depends on which of the three popular options you choose.
- Composite Resin Veneers
According to the Canadian Dental Association, the most cost effective option are composite resin veneers. During this process, a natural-coloured resin is layered on a tooth, and then hardened with a laser. The tooth is then polished. This is also the simplest option, as composite resin veneers are usually completed in one day.
Composite veneers range from $400-$600 CADper tooth and last 3 to 5 years.
- Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, the most popular option, are a bit more complex and take two sessions to complete. During the first session, a thin portion of enamel is removed from the tooth and mold is made. A temporary veneer is made from this mold and placed where the portion of the tooth was removed. The final porcelain veneer is made and glued on during the next appointment. Unlike composite veneers, these last longer and do not stain teeth.
Porcelain veneers range from $750-$1,300 CAD per tooth and last up to 10 years.
- Lumineers
Lumineers are quickly becoming a third option. Much thinner than porcelain veneers, lumineers are gaining popularity because of their minimal preparation. This is the least invasive procedure, with no grinding or filing required. Lumineers are simply bonded to the front of the tooth. However, because the process is so simple, they are best suited for patients with mild spacing issues in their teeth, not severe problems.
Lumineers range from $800- $2,000 CAD per tooth and last up to 20 years.
Whichever option you choose, veneers are a safe and non-invasive way to fix your smile. They are also relatively painless and done under local anesthetic, requiring little down-time.
Take your time and research your options before you visit a dentist in Toronto, because you’ll find a variety of world-class dentists to choose from.
