Dental Veneers: Weighing the Pros and Cons

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom fit and bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers are an aesthetic treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, crooked, or have gaps in between them.

Benefits of Getting Veneers

There are several advantages to getting veneers:

• Veneers can improve the color of teeth that are stained or discolored
• They mask chips and cracks in the teeth
• Veneers can close gaps between teeth
• They create uniformity and symmetry for irregular or crooked teeth
• Veneers give teeth a natural, bright white appearance when done properly
• The porcelain veneers are stain resistant
• Veneers generally last 10-15 years with proper care

Drawbacks of Veneers

Some of the disadvantages and risks associated with veneers include:

• Preparation for veneers is irreversible and permanently alters the structure of the teeth
• The process requires removal of a thin layer from the front of the tooth
• Veneers may come off or have to be replaced
• They are prone to chipping or fracturing if used improperly
• Veneers can be dislodged by certain habits like nail-biting, teeth grinding, etc
• Teeth may become sensitive for a period after getting veneers
• Good oral hygiene is required to maintain veneers
• Replacing them is expensive

What Does the Veneers Procedure Involve?

The process of getting dental veneers involves:

1. Preparation - A thin layer is removed from the surface of the tooth to accommodate the veneer shell. A temporary veneer may be placed protect the teeth in the interim.
2. Impressions - An impression is taken of the prepared tooth/teeth.
3. Custom Fit - The veneer is custom fabricated in a dental lab to precisely fit your tooth.
4. Bonding and Finishing - The tooth is etched, an adhesive is placed on the veneer which is then cemented onto the front of the tooth. Any adjustments to the bite or gaps in movement are made.

Preparation of the Tooth

Preparing the tooth is an irreversible process as it involves removing a thin coating of enamel to accommodate the veneer shell. The amount of enamel etched depends on the type of veneer used.

Type of Veneer Materials

The common materials used are:

• Porcelain - Etches less than 0.5 mm of the enamel. The most common and durable type.
• Composite Resin - Etches up to 0.3 mm enamel. Less durable but repairs possible.
• Lumineers - Requires little to no removal of natural tooth. Only laminates tooth surface.

Getting Impressions

After preparations, impressions will be taken of the full upper and lower arches. Impressions provide an exact model for the ceramist to fabricate the restorations.

The Custom Fit Process

The dental lab technician will use the impression to create a stone model of your prepared teeth. The custom veneer is meticulously built and formed atop the model tooth/teeth. The shape, fit, structure, shade and appearance is all controlled for your individual smile.

Bonding the Veneer

At bonding appointment, the teeth are prepared with etching solution to roughen surfaces. After proper isolation, curing light activated dental cement is brushed thinly onto the interior of the veneer. The veneer is properly seated onto the prepared tooth. Any corrections are made before the adhesive fully sets.

What is the Cost of Dental Veneers?

Some pricing factors to consider for veneers include:

• Number of teeth being treated and type of material used
• The skill and experience of the cosmetic dentist
• Geographic location of the dental office

The typical cost per tooth ranges between $925 - $2,500 per veneer. Most people do between 6-10 veneers in a smile makeover with full treatment ranging $5,500 - $25,000.

Items Affecting the Costs

Some specific items that increase the price include:

• Extended treatment length if more complex issues
• The need for increased anesthesia or sedation
• Detailed digital imaging processes
• Advanced in-office CAD/CAM technology to fabricate
• Specialized porcelain materials such as Lumineers
• The need for temporary restorations during the span of treatment
• Price of the top cosmetic dentist's time, experience and artistic skill

Financing Dental Veneers

Some options available to finance your veneers include:

• Dental insurance - Typically only covers small portion of the treatment cost
• Payment plans - Offered through dental office, fees may apply
• Credit cards - Offers rewards points and extended financing options
• Personal loans and lines of credit
• CareCredit - Specialized healthcare credit card

How to Care for Dental Veneers

To achieve longevity out of your veneers and smile investment, proper maintenance is imperative with:

• Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits for inspection
• Reducing intake of staining substances like coffee, wine, tobacco
• Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Chewing on only soft foods, avoiding nail biting and other habits
• Repair small fractures right away before they worsen

Brushing and Flossing

Practice good brushing technique and floss daily to prevent decay and staining underneath the restorations.

Professional Cleanings

Get professional teeth cleanings and periodontal maintenance to ensure healthy gums around the veneered teeth.

Wear a Nightguard

If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, wear a custom fabricated nightguard to protect your investment.

Get Small Repairs

Do not delay minor chips or cracks as they can lead to further damage. Most minor repairs can be done quickly in office.

What Happens if a Veneer Falls Off?

It is possible for a veneer to fall off or become damaged. Reasons may include:

• Trauma or impact that dislodges the veneer
• Excessive grinding or clenching habits
• Improperly placed veneer or insufficient tooth preparation
• Excessive occlusal pressure during chewing
• Build-up of decay or old bonding material underneath

Replace Fallen Off Veneers ASAP

Do not wait with a missing veneer. See your dentist promptly to have it recemented or replaced. Leaving the tooth exposed risks damage, sensitivity and shifting.

Repair Options

Common solutions include:

• Re-bonding and recementing the original veneer
• Replacing with new veneer
• Placing a composite onlay

The state of the underlying tooth will determine which option is best. Multiple repairs may shorten the lifespan of your veneers.

Cost of Replacement Veneers

Replacing a single veneer costs between $800 - $1500. The original teeth preparations can be reused in most cases. Minor repairs and recementation fees are generally lower costing a few hundred dollars.

Are Veneers Worth it?

Veneers are considered a great investment for your smile when:

• You have healthy teeth otherwise
• You will commit to good oral care
• You wish to enhance mildly flawed teeth
• You pick an experienced cosmetic dentistry professional

The initial cost for veneers may seem high, but remember you are paying for many years of improved appearance and self-confidence. When properly done and cared for, veneers greatly improve your smile for over a decade.

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.