Dental veneers are thin, shells of tooth-colored materials that cover the front surface of teeth. The custom-made shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, which in turn changes the shape, color, and size of the teeth receiving treatment.
Dental veneers are sometimes referred to as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates. They can be made of either composite or dental porcelain, and are considered cosmetic since they create a bright, white smile with newly aligned teeth. Today’s technology continues to advance as the translucent ceramic quality gives a more natural appearance that past veneers.
What Veneers Fix
Dental veneers fix all sorts of problems that result in unattractive teeth. Though expensive, they can solve most problems such as:
- Missing teeth
- Broken teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Worn out teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Types of Dental Veneers
There are two types of materials used to create dental veneers: composite resin and porcelain. Both are made in a dental laboratory by a dental technician. However, occasionally composite veneers are created in your mouth while you’re at the dentist’s office. Porcelain veneers are more expensive, but they last longer than composite veneers. Once the veneers are created, they are bonded to your teeth with resin cement by the cosmetic dentist.
The good thing about both types of dental veneers is that they do not need any special care after they’ve been bonded on. Good oral hygiene habits are always recommended, especially if you do not have a full set of veneers. Dentists still suggest staying away from stain-causing foods and beverages (coffee, red wine) to ensure non-veneer teeth do not change color, shape or size throughout your life.
Dental Veneer Advantages
There are several advantages to wearing dental veneers, including:
- The porcelain doesn’t irritate the gum tissue
- They provide a natural tooth appearance
- Porcelain veneers are stain resistant
- Porcelain veneers come in a variety of colors
- Veneers offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to dental crowns
- Protect the surface of damaged teeth
- The procedure doesn’t require too much invasive preparations
Dental Veneer Disadvantages
Unfortunately there are disadvantages to wearing dental veneers, including:
- Veneers are very expensive
- The process can not be reversed
- Teeth may become sensitive because of the enamel that is removed
- Veneers may not match the color of your other teeth
- On rare occasions, the veneers can fall out
- Veneers can not be whiten (stained) or darkened, so if you want to whiten your teeth you should do so before getting veneers
- If they break, chip or crack they can not be repaired
- They will eventually need to be replaced
Am I a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Here are a few questions that may or may not suggest you are a good candidate for dental veneers.
- Do you grind your teeth at night?
- Do you play partial or full-contact sports?
- Do you have periodontal disease?
- Do you have weak teeth (as a result of fillings, decay, fractures, etc)?
- Do you practice good oral hygiene methods?
If you answered yes to some or all of these questions you may not be a good candidate for veneers. Because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure it’s usually not covered under most dental insurance plans. It’s always best to seek advice from your dentist, and/or insurance company. There are alternatives to veneers. Bonding and crowns are the most common options. However, veneers tend to add a little bit more and are best suited for people who wish to change the appearance of their teeth, even if it’s a small change.
Cost of Dental Veneers
Composite veneers generally last for 5-7 years and cost up to $1,500 per tooth, while porcelain veneers last 10-15 years but cost up to $2,500. There are several factors that determine the cost of dental veneers, including:
- The fees charged by the cosmetic dentist who performs the procedure
- The location where it is performed
- Whether or not your dental insurance will cover some of the costs
- The material used (composite resin or porcelain)
- The number of teeth requiring treatment
- The artistic and technical skills used by the dentist who is applying the veneers
Something that’s important to know is that most dentists are willing to offer payment plans for patients seeking cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers.
