Get a Perfect Smile with Dental Veneers

The Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. Getting veneers is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, misshapen, or have gaps between them. While veneers have become a popular way to get the perfect smile, there are some important pros and cons to consider before deciding if they are right for you.

The Pros of Dental Veneers

There are several benefits that make veneers an attractive choice for improving the look of your smile:

• Veneers can cover stains or discoloration on the surface of teeth that regular whitening treatments cannot.
• They can make teeth look perfectly aligned and spaced without requiring orthodontic treatment like braces.
• Veneers can cover chips, cracks, and uneven tooth surfaces to create an even smile.
• Getting veneers is a relatively quick process that only requires a few dental visits and no anesthesia.
• Porcelain veneers mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth and look very lifelike.
• Veneers can make teeth look whiter and brighter with a uniform color.
• They provide a long-lasting cosmetic solution for improved smile aesthetics.

For many people, veneers offer an attractive and time-efficient way to transform the look of their smile without major surgery or lengthy orthodontic work. The results can be dramatic and veneers generally last for many years with proper oral care.

The Cons of Dental Veneers

While veneers have many benefits, there are also some downsides to weigh when considering them:

• Getting veneers is an irreversible process because some of the original tooth enamel must be removed.
• The cost of veneers ranges $925-$2,500 per tooth and they may not be covered by dental insurance.
• Dark lines may appear at the edges of veneers over time as natural tooth color shows through.
• Veneers can chip or fracture from trauma and may need occasional replacement.
• Extensive grinding of natural teeth is required before veneers can be placed.
• Teeth may become overly sensitive after getting veneers.
• If not cared for properly, veneers can accumulate plaque and require re-treatment.
• Veneers may not be a good option for people with bruxism, gum disease, or bite issues.

It's important to have realistic expectations about what veneers can achieve. They improve smile aesthetics but don't address underlying dental health or functionality concerns. Proper maintenance is required to get long-lasting results from veneers.

What Are the Types of Dental Veneers?

There are two main types of materials used for making dental veneers:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is one of the most popular options for veneers due to its realistic, translucent look once bonded to the teeth. Advantages of porcelain veneers include:

• Mimics the light reflectivity of natural tooth enamel.
• Stain resistant to keep a bright white color.
• Chip and fracture resistant under normal use.
• Biocompatible and non-toxic.
• Does not absorb odors or promote bacterial growth.
• Long lasting with good durability.

However, porcelain may not be suitable for people with bruxism or teeth grinding issues. Porcelain is brittle and can crack under excessive biting forces. The cost of porcelain veneers ranges from $925 to $2,500 per tooth.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin is also used to create veneers that bond directly to the underlying tooth. Some benefits of composite veneers include:

• Less tooth enamel needs to be removed compared to porcelain.
• Resin color can be customized to match your teeth.
• Costs about $250-$1500 less per veneer than porcelain.
• Repairs and adjustments are easier.
• More fracture and impact resistant.

However, resin veneers are more prone to staining over time and have a higher risk of chipping than porcelain. The average lifespan of resin veneers is about 5-7 years compared to 10-15 years for porcelain.

What Is the Veneers Procedure Like?

Getting dental veneers is a multi-step teeth whitening process performed over 2-3 dental visits:

1. Initial consultation - The dentist will evaluate your teeth, take x-rays and impressions, and discuss goals for your new smile.
2. Tooth preparation - The natural tooth surface is shaped by lightly grinding away about 1/2 millimeter of enamel so veneers can be placed flush on the teeth.
3. Taking impressions - An impression will be taken of your prepared teeth to create a plaster model for your custom veneers.
4. Veneers fabrication - A dental technician will fabricate the veneers from porcelain or composite resin based on the plaster model.
5. Veneers placement - The dentist will bond and attach the veneers onto your prepared teeth with a strong dental adhesive.
6. Follow-up visit - A follow-up may take place to check your bite and make any minor adjustments to the veneers.

Getting veneers usually takes 2-3 visits spaced about 1-2 weeks apart. No anesthetic is required as the procedure involves minimal discomfort. Teeth may feel sensitive for a few days as you adjust to the veneers. Excellent oral hygiene and avoiding biting hard objects can help veneers last many years.

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

Dental veneers are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, so the costs may not be covered by dental insurance. The price can vary substantially based on factors like:

• Type of material - Porcelain veneers cost $925-$2500 per tooth, while composite resin veneers range $250-$1500 per tooth.
• Number of veneers - Prices are per unit, so getting veneers for all upper teeth costs more than a few front teeth.
• Dentist fees - Veneer costs are higher from cosmetic dentists or those in expensive urban areas.
• Dental office - Fees vary widely between different practices and regions.
• Tooth preparation/condition - More complex cases or restorative work before veneers increases costs.
• Laboratory fees - Custom veneer fabrication lab costs influence the total price.

On average, U.S. patients report paying approximately:

• $1,000 - $1,500 per porcelain veneer
• $800 - $1,200 per resin composite veneer
• $3,000 - $10,000 for a full set of upper and lower veneers

Many dentists allow you to pay the veneers cost in installments over several months, or they may offer third-party financing options. Get a few consultations to compare veneers prices and options.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Since veneers are primarily a cosmetic dental procedure, most standard dental insurance plans provide little to no coverage. However, insurance may pay a small portion for veneers if:

• Veneers are used to repair fractured or decayed teeth.
• Significant tooth defects exist making veneers medically necessary.
• Veneers will prevent further deterioration of damaged teeth.

Some dental insurance plans offer riders to add limited coverage for cosmetic dentistry like veneers. Getting pre-approval before having veneers made is recommended to understand potential insurance coverage.

Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Veneers are generally safe cosmetic solutions for improving the appearance of your smile when performed by a skilled dentist. However, there are some risks and downsides to veneers that can negatively impact your natural teeth over time if proper precautions are not taken.

Potential issues that can arise with veneers include:

• Permanently altering natural, healthy tooth structure that cannot be reversed.
• Increased tooth sensitivity from enamel removal and veneer bonding.
• Risk of tooth decay if veneer edges fail and bacteria gets trapped underneath.
• Chipping, cracking or fracturing from trauma or bruxism habits.
• Discoloration if a poor bond leads to leakage under the veneer.
• Damage to adjacent teeth during aggressive veneer preparations.
• Loosening or detachment if inadequate enamel remains to bond.

However, many of these risks can be minimized by:

• Selecting an experienced cosmetic dentist.
• Using the most conservative veneer preparations possible.
• Choosing durable veneer materials suited to your needs.
• Practicing good oral hygiene to prevent decay or complications.
• Avoiding harmful habits like teeth grinding.
• Getting properly fitted night guards if you have bruxism.

While veneers require altering your natural teeth, they do not necessarily "ruin" or cause long-term damage if done properly. Be selective about your dentist and discuss how to get beautiful veneers results while preserving as much tooth structure as possible.

Are Veneers Worth It?

For people unhappy with the look of their smile because of staining, chipping, gaps, or misalignments, veneers can be an effective cosmetic solution for creating perfect teeth. The costs and drawbacks of veneers often make them worth considering in certain situations like:

• Minor imperfections - Small chips, gaps, or worn edges can be readily improved with veneers.
• Severely stained teeth - Veneers cover discoloration that whitening cannot resolve.
• Instant orthodontics - Crooked or overlapping teeth are quickly straightened.
• Quick smile makeover - Veneers offer faster results than braces or surgery.
• Protect weakened teeth - They prevent fractures in damaged teeth.

However, veneers may not be the best solution for issues like:

• Teeth grinding or clenching habits.
• Jaw pain or bite discomfort.
• Gum disease or other oral health problems.
• Teeth already requiring crowns or dental work.

It's recommended to consider more conservative options like whitening or orthodontics before pursuing veneers. Discuss your specific goals and concerns thoroughly with your dentist before deciding if veneers are right for you.

Finding the Best Dentist for Veneers

Choosing the right dentist is the most important factor in getting great looking veneers and protecting your natural tooth structure. Look for an experienced cosmetic dentist who:

• Has advanced training in smile aesthetics and veneers.
• Provides before/after photos of veneer cases.
• Uses conservative preparations whenever possible.
• Has an aesthetic eye for color matching and smile design.
• Works with quality dental labs for veneers.
• Gets good reviews for cosmetic treatments.

Avoid dentists offering discounted or cheap veneers, as quality and materials are often compromised. Be sure you see and approve veneers design before final placement. Investing in an excellent dentist can help ensure you get natural looking, durable veneers that last.

Caring for Dental Veneers

Dental veneers require proper ongoing care to keep them looking beautiful and prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road. Recommended veneer maintenance includes:

• Brushing twice daily with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing once daily to remove plaque buildup.
• Seeing your dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings.
• Avoiding biting hard foods, nails, ice, or other objects.
• Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Touch-up polishing every few years by your dentist.

With excellent oral hygiene and care, dental veneers can maintain a like-new appearance for 10-15 years or longer before needing any work. Avoid using whitening products on veneers, as they can damage the synthetic material over time.

Alternatives to Dental Veneers

While veneers are a fast way to improve a smile's appearance, there are other options that may be better suited for certain cosmetic dental issues:

• Whitening - Removes stains and discoloration from natural teeth.
• Bonding - Repairs chips or gaps without removing tooth enamel.
• Crowns - Cover severely damaged teeth that require a full cap.
• Orthodontics - Safely straightens crooked or overlapped teeth.
• Gum contouring - Reshapes short or uneven gumlines.

Discuss the pros and cons of different cosmetic dental treatments with your dentist. Less invasive, lower cost options may give you great looking teeth without requiring veneers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental veneers last?

With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years, while composite resin veneers last 5-7 years on average before needing replaced. Factors like oral hygiene, grinding habits, accidents, and quality of the veneers impact longevity.

Can you drink coffee with veneers?

Coffee, tea, and red wine are okay to drink in moderation with veneers. But avoid constant heavy consumption, as staining could require your dentist to polish or replace veneers sooner.

Do veneers fall off?

Veneers should not simply fall off if the dentist uses proper bonding technique. However, excessive grinding, trauma, or damage over time can cause loosening or fractures requiring veneer replacement.

Can veneers get holes?

Cavities cannot form directly on the veneer surface, but decay can occur at veneer edges where they meet natural teeth. Poor oral hygiene allowing plaque to build up increases the cavity risk.

Do veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are quite stain-resistant, but composite resin material is more prone to discoloration over time. Proper maintenance and avoiding staining foods/drinks helps minimize any color changes.

Can you eat ice with veneers?

Avoid chewing hard foods like ice that can crack or fracture veneers. The cold sensitivity and pressure placed on veneers from ice cubes risks chipping or debonding.

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

Veneers require some removal of original tooth enamel, which cannot be undone

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.