Dental veneers are gaining in popularity in recent years, offering a simple way to transform your teeth from dull, dingy, and crooked to bright, white, and perfectly straight in less time than ever. Veneers can give you the smile of your dreams, boosting your confidence by correcting all those slight imperfections. But are veneers the right cosmetic dental treatment for you? Let’s dig a little deeper into dental veneers, their pros and cons, and answer the common question…are dental veneers really worth it?

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made coverings that attach to the existing teeth. Veneers are often made of porcelain or a composite resin, and can address many common dental aesthetic concerns, including:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Uneven or misaligned teeth
• Misshapen or undersized teeth

Unlike more invasive crowns or implants, veneers do not actually repair or replace any teeth. Instead, they cover the teeth, giving the illusion of a flawless smile.

Pros of Dental Veneers

Veneers are popular for several reasons:

1. Better Smile
   Veneers can give your teeth a naturally flawless look without invasive procedures or risky surgery. They are custom-made to the shape and shade you desire, while still appearing natural, creating a beautiful smile that people won’t believe isn’t your own.
2. Stain Resistance
   Coffee, tea, red wine, and other common stain culprits won’t affect your veneers like they do the natural teeth, offering stain resistance to keep your smile vibrant longer.
3. Fast Results
   No need for months or years of dental visits to get that perfect-looking smile…dental veneers can be fitted and placed in just 2-3 visits. This is much faster than all of the separate procedures that would likely be required to achieve the same visual result.
4. Minimal Effect on Existing Teeth
   Dental veneers are placed by removing just a small amount of enamel from the existing teeth, a much less invasive option than crowns or implants.
5. Long-Lasting
   Dental veneers are one of the longest lasting cosmetic dental procedures, offering a 10-15 year lifespan with proper care. This is often a much more affordable option than teeth replacement procedures.
6. Low Maintenance
   There is no special care required to keep dental veneers clean. Simple brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, are all that’s needed to keep them looking great.

Cons of Dental Veneers

Just like any cosmetic procedures, their are some drawbacks that patients need to weigh before proceeding:

1. Cost
   Veneers can be expensive up front, but their longevity often still makes them affordable long-term.
2. Permanence
   Because some enamel is removed to attach the veneers, there will always need to be a covering on the teeth in the future.
3. Sensitivity
   Some patients report increased hot and cold sensitivity after getting veneers, but this usually fades over time.
4. Susceptibility to Damage
   Dental veneers are durable, but they can still chip, crack, or break. Special care must be taken not to damage the veneers from hard foods or trauma.
5. Replacement Costs
   Dental veneers will eventually need to be replaced, usually every 10-15 years with proper care.

Are Veneers Right for You?

If you want a better smile without a bunch of invasive dental procedures, then dental veneers might be the solution for you. They address many cosmetic issues that patients have and can be done in just a few visits. They can be pricey, but offer a long lifespan with a commitment to good dental hygiene, so these are factors patients must consider when making the decision to get veneers. Some dental insurance plans might offer coverage for dental veneers, but since it is a cosmetic-only procedure, most plans likely will not.

FAQs About Veneers

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

No, veneers do not ruin teeth. However, they require the removal of a small amount of enamel, which is irreversible.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, veneers typically last 10–15 years. Factors like diet, dental hygiene, and regular dental checkups will affect how long they last.

Dental Veneers in Merrick, NY

So, are dental veneers worth it? The answer is it depends. If you’re looking for a permanent tooth repair or replacement, then dental veneers are not the answer. However, if you’re okay with a cosmetic-only improvement, then dental veneers are a great option. Your budget will also play a big role in whether dental veneers are an option for you. If you’re in western Long Island, including Merrick, Freeport, Bellmore, Roosevelt, Oceanside, and Massepequa, Elite Family Dental Care is here to take care of all your dentistry needs, including cosmetic procedures like dental veneers. Find out more about our services by calling 516-608-0001 or book an appointment online.

If you have misalignments in your smile, you’ve probably looked into the potential treatments to fix the issues. Smile misalignments are a common problem in the U.S., with a 2020 article by Scientific American reporting that around 90% of American adults have at least slightly misaligned teeth. Luckily, there are both Invisalign and traditional braces as potential solutions for misaligned teeth. Braces are a bit notorious for being painful, but what about the more modern Invisalign?

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign is a smile straightening treatment that uses a series of clear aligner trays to gradually move the teeth into the proper position. Invisalign is extremely popular, boasting over 18 million patients and counting. Instead of traditional bulky metal braces which are highly visible, Invisalign is nearly undetectable, preventing the embarrassment that is common with metal braces.

Does Invisalign® Hurt?

Some patients do report mild to moderate pain when they first insert an Invisalign tray, especially the first couple of trays. On the other hand, some patients report no pain at all. The pain a patient may experience during the Invisalign treatment depends on several factors that vary greatly from person to person, making it impossible to predict which patients will have pain and which will not. However, most patients report tenderness and discomfort at the beginning of treatment as their gums adjust to the friction from the aligner trays. Once the gum tissue has toughened up, this discomfort subsides. For patients who experience pain when they transition to a new aligner tray, almost all report that it goes away within a few days.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can be taken for any pain or discomfort from the Invisalign treatment. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common recommendations, but you should consult with both your dentist and primary care physician before starting any new medication, especially if you are already taking other medications or have existing health conditions.

When to Call the Dentist

While minor pain and discomfort are considered normal, especially at the beginning of Invisalign treatment, severe pain should not occur. If you are experiencing intolerable pain, especially after taking OTC pain medication, reach out to your dentist. Some patients may need to try a different pain reliever or combination of pain relievers. No matter what the cause, severe pain always warrants a phone call to your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®

How long does Invisalign® treatment take?

The length of the Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of the misalignments being treated and the compliance of the patient, but most patients achieve a straight smile in just 12-18 months. 

Is Invisalign® covered by insurance?

Invisalign is covered by some, but not all, dental insurance policies. You’ll need to check with your insurance agent, plan administrator, or HR representative (if you get your insurance through your employer) to find out exactly what your plan covers.

Invisalign® for the Entire Family in Nassau County

Invisalign is an amazing treatment that gives patients the straight smile they’ve been dreaming of in a discreet and effective way. For families in Nassau County, Elite Family Dental Care is here to provide you with high-quality Invisalign treatment in a welcoming and professional environment. Schedule an Invisalign consultation today by calling us at 516-608-0001 or by requesting an appointment online.

Dental implants are surging in popularity, with millions of Americans opting for dental implants to replace missing teeth each year.  Though dental implants are more expensive than other restorations, the benefits they offer, coupled with savings patients realize from replacing teeth with implants that function like natural teeth, make implants an investment worth considering. Read on to learn what factors into the cost of a full mouth of dental implants.

Type of Full Mouth Dental Implant Restorations

There are several types of full mouth dental implant restorations, and combinations of different types may be used to transform your smile.  Dental implants are available as single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, and fixed implant-supported dentures.

Restoring a full mouth with single-tooth implants coupled with implant-supported bridges will be the most expensive treatment. Most patients do not opt for individual implants if they are restoring their whole mouth

Instead, patients opt for full arch implants, which restore the entire upper or lower arch but may require as few as four dental implants. This is typically much less expensive, while still offering oral health benefits, such as preserving the jawbone.

Factors the Impact the Cost of Dental Implants

Many factors will ultimately determine the cost of dental implants to restore your entire mouth. They include:

• Type of implant restoration
• Number of extractions, if any, that are needed
• If pre-implant surgeries such as bone grafting are required
• Geographical location (high cost of living area vs. low cost of living area)
• Number of implants being surgically placed in the jaw
• Materials used to make dental implants
• Skill and experience of the dentist

Benefits of Restoring Your Smile With Dental Implants

Although dental implants come with bigger upfront costs, they can vastly improve your oral health and your quality of life. By reducing your likelihood of additional tooth loss, periodontal disease, and bone loss, implants help you achieve and maintain good oral health, preventing the need for costly, ongoing restorative care. For countless patients the restoration of their smile, bite, and confidence gained by a beautiful new smile is invaluable.  

Additional, specific benefits of dental implant restorations include:

• Durability
  
  Dental implants will last at least 20 years, and often your whole life with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental care.

• Comfort
  
  Unlike traditional dentures that may fit poorly, cause slippage, or require messy adhesives, dental implant restorations fit snugly, securely, and comfortably. 

• Cavity-Resistant
  
  The crowns affixed to the implants are cavity-resistant. They are also designed to resist most staining and discoloration.

• Facial Appearance Preservation 
  
  Missing teeth lead to jawbone loss which can create thin lips, lines around the mouth, and a sunken, prematurely aged appearance. Implants preserve and promote new bone growth, keeping your facial appearance intact.

• Restoration of Bite Force
  
  Dental implants allow you to bite into your favorite foods, chew easily, and even help correct speech problems that may have developed due to missing teeth.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Merrick, NY

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, schedule a consultation with Elite Family Dental Care in Merrick, NY. During your consultation, we can provide you with an estimate of the cost of restoring your smile with dental implants.  Elite Family Dental Care is a Google top-reviewed provider.  Call 516-608-0001 or send us a message. To best serve our busy patients, we offer Saturday appointments.

Don’t miss the 2024 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park! This year’s headliner is the United States Navy Blue Angels who will put on a thrilling show along with many other impressive performers. This is a family friendly event for patrons of all ages. Come early and claim your spot on the sand as the beach fills up with spectators quickly. 

Event Details 

Location: Jones Beach State Park
Date: May 25 & 26, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Admission: Free
Parking: $10 

Featured Performers 

The following individuals and groups, both military and civilian, will be performing in this year’s air show: 

• United States Navy Blue Angels
• The United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
• U.S. Navy F-35C Tac Demonstration Team
• U.S. Coast Guard
• 106th Rescue Wing NY Air National Guard HC 
• 130 / HH 60 Demonstration Team
• Jessy Panzer, a widely-known female aerobatic pilot
• American AirPower Museum Warbirds
• Long Island’s own David Windmiller
• SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams
• Skytypers and their flight squadron of five vintage WWII aircraft
• Mike Goulian, the most decorated aerobatic pilot in North America

Where To Watch 

The show can be viewed from the beach or from a boat out on the water. If you choose to go by boat, you’ll want to stay in the area of Zach’s Bay or out in the ocean within view of Jones Beach. You may be able to see the show from nearby beaches, but the further you are from Jones Beach the lower the quality of your view. 

If you go by boat you’ll need to stay within the required coordinates. The Coast Guard will regulate the area and help you find the proper location if you are out of the correct zone. 

What To Bring

Here are some suggestions for things to bring along: 

• Folding chairs or a blanket to sit on (there is no seating). 
• Coolers and bags with food and drinks (they will be searched). Some food vendors will be in the area. 
• Sunscreen or other sun protection. The show is at least 5 hours long so you’ll be out in the sun most of the day during the most direct sunlight hours. 
• Ear protection. The planes can be very loud, so you’ll want earplugs or ear muffs, especially for young children. 
• Camera. If you want to get pictures or video of the show beyond what your smartphone can do, you should bring whatever photography equipment you’ll need. 
• Jacket or sweatshirt. The breeze off the water can feel chilly at times while you are out on the beach. 

What Not To Bring 

There are some items that are not allowed at the Bethpage Air Show: 

• All pets are prohibited from Jones Beach at all times. 
• Kites are also prohibited, as they can cause confusion in the air. 
• Drones and model planes are prohibited in the area of the show. 
• Glass is prohibited. 

Enjoy the Sun, Sand, and a Spectacular Show 

Be sure to bring the whole family for the 2024 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. This show includes heart-stopping aerial tricks and thrilling examples of pilot skill. Experience a piece of history as vintage WWII era planes take to the skies. This event is sure to bring wide-eyed amazement and smiles to the faces of spectators of all ages.