What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells or caps bonded to the natural teeth to alter their color, shape, or alignment. Once a celebrity status symbol, veneers have recently entered the mainstream, primarily fueled by social media. The pros and cons of veneers vary based on the type: porcelain, composite, or removable.
What Are Veneers Made Of?
Several types of veneer material are available, including resin, plastic, or porcelain. The most popular choice is porcelain, which is a type of hard ceramic material used in pottery. The sturdiness and transparency of porcelain make it an ideal choice for imitating natural tooth enamel in both form and function.
Composite resin is another material used to create veneers for teeth. Composite resin is used widely in restorative dentistry (such as fillings or to repair tooth decay), and it is a restorative material comprised of powdered glass and plastic.
In addition to porcelain and composite veneers, which are relatively permanent, removable veneers are a newer addition to the veneer market. Some removable veneers are endorsed by dentists, while other veneers made from plastic that fit like mouthguards are sold by companies to cash in on the rising demand from people priced out of real veneers.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are considered the most permanent and realistic-looking veneer option. Because of these features, they are also the most expensive veneer.
There is also no one-size-fits-all veneer, and the porcelain material can be molded and colored in a dental laboratory to match a patient’s needs and wants. The customization process includes shade matching, thickness tailoring, size adjustment, and even a choice between glossy or matte finishing. This design process creates thin porcelain sheets that are then capped over the tooth.
Porcelain is highly stain-resistant, and while the most durable option, lasting up to 15 to 20 years with proper care, porcelain veneers–like teeth–are not unbreakable. They require proper care through good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing daily.
For some patients, a major downside of porcelain veneers is the requirement that a layer of the tooth enamel (around 0.5mm) be removed for the veneer to be fitted. Tooth enamel cannot grow back, making porcelain teeth veneers an irreversible decision.
Pros and Cons of Composite Veneers
Similarly to porcelain veneers, composite veneers resemble the appearance of natural teeth, although the application differs between the two types of veneers.
Composite veneers do not require enamel removal, as in porcelain veneer procedures. This is because resin can be applied directly to the tooth. This application process makes composite veneers generally less expensive and requires fewer dentist visits.
A drawback of composite veneers is that the resin material is more porous than porcelain, which makes composite veneers more susceptible to staining from coffee, red wine, or tobacco, or chipping from hard foods, like toffee. Composite veneers also need to be replaced every 5-7 years, and they don’t look as lifelike as porcelain.
Composite veneers can also be removed by grinding down the resin. If done correctly, composite veneers can be added and removed with no damage to the natural tooth enamel.
Pros and Cons of Removable Veneers
Removable veneers are made of durable acrylic and function like ‘shells’ that are clipped on over the natural teeth. Removable veneers are a non-permanent and customizable way to enhance or correct the appearance of teeth. However, just like retainers, removable veneers may interrupt functions like eating or talking.
While removable veneers sidestep many of the drawbacks of porcelain or composite veneers, they don’t offer the same advantages. Removable veneers are not intended for daily wear. The more you wear them, the shorter their lifespan–sometimes just one year. So, while removable veneers are a more affordable upfront option, they can become more expensive in the long run.
Dental Veneers FAQs
Here are some of the common questions we get at Corner Dentistry from patients wondering, “Should I get veneers?”
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The short answer is that dental veneers don’t come cheap. Patients should view veneers as an investment, and opting for low-cost or poorly fitted options comes with major risks, especially when the tooth enamel has been permanently altered, as with porcelain options.
Dental veneers are also considered a cosmetic, elective procedure and are not covered by insurance. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive veneer, costing between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers can cost slightly less, coming in anywhere between $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Removable veneers can cost between $300 and $2,500, but that price applies to a partial or full set, not a single tooth.
Are veneers good for you?
Dental veneers can fix dental imperfections and aesthetically enhance one’s smile, boosting self-confidence and mental health. In this respect, dental veneers can be a positive choice for patients, but veneers are solely aesthetic and aren’t used to treat oral health issues.
In short, dental veneers are not a medical solution to tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth loss, but they’re not harmful to a person’s overall health.
Are veneers bad for your teeth?
Neither the dental veneers themselves nor the bonding material are bad for your teeth, despite the removal of tooth enamel. However, dental veneers do not protect the natural tooth structure. Neglecting your dental hygiene can cause cavities and decay to grow underneath the veneer.
Are veneers permanent?
Traditional veneers are considered permanent due to their 20-year expected lifespan and difficulty of reversal. For those hesitant about the permanence of front teeth veneers, removable veneers offer a more flexible and wallet-friendly way to enhance your smile. Only a licensed dentist can legally provide porcelain veneers, and despite commercial removable options available for purchase, the same standard should apply to veneers of all kinds.
Are Veneers Worth It?
For those who want a permanent change to your smile and have the means to invest, then veneers can be worth it. Dental veneers are less invasive than full-coverage crowns and more long-lasting than teeth whitening or bonding. As front teeth veneers become more common, more resources and experts are available to find the best care.
There are always caveats to any dental procedure. Veneers are only suitable for teeth that are strong, healthy, and generally in the correct position. People who excessively grind their teeth (a condition called bruxism) or have a prominent over or under bite may require additional work before front teeth veneers can be placed.
How To Get Veneers
The process of getting veneers can take several weeks. As with any cosmetic dental work, start by consulting with a trusted dentist or dental practice with good reviews. It’s the dentists’ job to analyze your skin and tooth color and recommend solutions that will complement your features and give you a natural-looking smile. Together, you’ll work to select and deliberate examples of teeth shapes, colors, and smiles that you like.
The dentist will make impressions of your bite, take X-rays to rule out any potential issues, and remove a thin layer of enamel to make space for the veneers. You’ll then receive a temporary veneer set to trial. These temporary tooth caps protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity caused by newly exposed enamel. During this period, which can take a couple of weeks, take note of how the veneers look and feel. If anything feels off or you’re not completely in love with them, communicate these concerns with your dentist. You’ll thank yourself for this later.
Once the fit, color, and shape of your veneers are locked in, you’re ready for veneer bonding, which can take a few hours. Patients are put under local anesthetic or numbing agents to help with comfort.. The custom veneers are then placed on the tooth using a dental cement and bonded using a curing light. Once bonded, your dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure a natural look and comfortable bite.
You might experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new veneers. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions, including recommendations for eating, drinking, and good oral hygiene. With proper care, your veneers can last up to 20 years.
Dental Veneers in Glendale & Scottsdale
Veneers are a great aesthetic option for patients looking for a way to enhance their smile and improve their confidence. Whether you’re considering porcelain, composite, or removable veneers, choosing an experienced dentist is key to natural-looking results that last.
At Corner Dentistry, we go the extra mile to provide top-tier dental care and expert veneer craftsmanship. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your dream smile. Schedule an appointment today to explore your veneer options.