The Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Veneers for a Perfect Smile

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are customized to fit over the front surface of teeth. Veneers provide an aesthetic solution for improving the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, uneven or misshapen.

The veneers adhere to the front of the teeth, covering their surface. They mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel to give a bright, flawless smile with uniform color and shape.

How Veneers Are Applied

Getting veneers is a multi-step cosmetic dentistry procedure. It involves:

• Preparation - A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth surface to accommodate the thickness of the veneer.
• Impressions - Molds are taken of the prepared teeth.
• Custom fabrication - A dental technician uses the impressions to fabricate the veneer shells.
• Bonding - The tooth surface is etched and the veneers are bonded on using a special cement.

While most often done with porcelain, veneers can also be made of composite resin. Resin veneers don't require enamel removal and can often be completed in a single office visit.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Veneers offer many benefits for improving the appearance of your smile. But like all cosmetic treatments, they come with some downsides to consider as well. Evaluating the pros and cons can help determine if veneers are the right option for your needs.

Potential Pros of Veneers

• Dramatic smile makeover - Veneers completely remake the color, shape and symmetry of your teeth.
• Stain resistant - The porcelain surface resists stains from coffee, tea, wine and other products.
• Damage resistant - Veneers protect vulnerable teeth from chips and cracks.
• Long lasting - With proper care, veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer.
• Natural look - Porcelain mimics the light reflecting properties of real tooth enamel.
• Minimally invasive - Unlike crowns, veneers require only minor reshaping of your natural teeth.
• Quick - Treatment is often completed in 2-3 office visits.

Potential Cons of Veneers

• Irreversible - Veneers require removal of some natural enamel that can't be replaced.
• High cost - Depending on the location and material, veneers range from $925-$2500 per tooth.
• Temporary sensitivity - Teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a few weeks after treatment.
• Durability issues - Improper biting or grinding habits shorten the lifespan of veneers.
• Damage to natural teeth - Preparing teeth for veneers removes enamel and requires minor reshaping.
• Eventual replacement - Veneers last many years but will likely need replaced eventually.
• Multiple visits required - Getting impressions, custom fabrication and bonding requires several appointments.

Ideal Candidates for Veneers

While veneers can improve many smiles, they are best suited for certain cosmetic dental issues:

Stained Teeth

Teeth stained from foods, drinks, smoking or medications can instantly be whitened with veneers. The porcelain shells cover underlying stains.

Chipped or Worn Teeth

Veneers restore the original shape of teeth damaged by chips, fractures or simply worn down over time.

Gaps Between Teeth

By widening specific teeth, veneers can elegantly close gaps for a fuller smile.

Permanently Crooked Teeth

For mildly to moderately crooked teeth that can't be fully corrected with orthodontics, veneers can improve the straightness.

Oddly Shaped Teeth

Veneers transform stubby, pointy or otherwise irregular teeth into uniform, desirable shapes.

Severely Discolored Teeth

Teeth severely discolored due to trauma, medications or conditions like fluorosis can be covered with opaque veneers.

Talk to your dentist to determine if veneers are a good option for the specific cosmetic improvements you want to make.

Types of Veneers

There are two main types of veneers available:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is the most common material for veneers. It is fragile in thin amounts but very durable bonded to the teeth. The advantages include:

• Mimics light reflection of real tooth enamel
• Stain and chip resistant surface
• Can be made very thin while remaining strong
• Doesn't absorb stains over time
• 10-15 year lifespan when properly cared for

Porcelain veneers offer the most natural, luminous and long-lasting results. But they require enamel removal and laboratory fabrication, so multiple visits are needed.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin provides a plastic-like alternative to porcelain veneers. The benefits of composite veneers include:

• Don't require removal of natural tooth structure
• Applied in a single office visit
• Cost savings - around 30% less than porcelain
• Easier to repair if damaged
• More conservative preparation

The tradeoffs with composite veneers are a shorter lifespan of 5-7 years, more prone to staining, and less natural translucency compared to porcelain. Composite works best for minor fixes.

Preparing for Veneers

Planning ahead before your veneer appointment ensures you get the smile you want from the procedure. Here are some tips:

Pick Your Dentist Carefully

Choose an experienced cosmetic dentist with an artistic eye, advanced technical skills and a gentle approach. Ask to see examples of their veneer work.

Have Realistic Expectations

Veneers are transformative but not magical. Discuss achievable results based on your specific teeth and desired changes.

Do Trial Prep and Temporaries First

Trying non-permanent shaping with composite resin or temporaries lets you "test drive" your new smile before the real veneers are made.

Prepare for Sensitivity

It's common to have mild tooth sensitivity for the first couple weeks. Avoiding very hot and cold foods can help during this period.

Plan Around Recovery Time

While you can return to normal activity right after the procedure, swelling and mild discomfort may last 2-3 days.

Taking time to find the right dentist, communicating your goals clearly, and knowing what to expect will set you up for a positive veneer experience.

Caring for Your Veneers

Following good oral hygiene and taking steps to protect veneers will help them last many years. Recommended care includes:

• Gentle daily brushing and flossing
• See your dentist twice yearly for cleanings
• Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Avoid biting hard objects like ice or hard candy
• Come in immediately if a veneer cracks or falls off for repair
• Avoid using teeth to open bottles or bags

Even with excellent care, veneers may eventually require replacement after 10-15 years due to damage or decay at the edges. But proper maintenance maximizes longevity.

Cost of Dental Veneers

On average, patients can expect to pay:

• $925 - $1,500 per porcelain veneer
• $650 - $1,250 per composite veneer

Factors like your location, the dentist's experience level, and the number of veneers needed impact the total cost. Veneers for the top six to eight front teeth run $5,500-$12,000 or more.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of veneers when done to fix function, but not solely for cosmetics. Payment plans or dental financing can make treatment more affordable.

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

While veneers offer a dramatic way to transform your smile, they aren't the best solution for every situation. Assess whether veneers make sense for your dental issues, budget and expectations before deciding on treatment.

But for those seeking an immediate smile upgrade that gives a naturally beautiful, restored appearance, veneers are an effective cosmetic treatment. They allow you to show off your best smile with confidence.

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.