What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are a popular cosmetic treatment to improve the look of teeth that are misshapen, badly stained, or have gaps.
The Pros of Getting Dental Veneers
There are many benefits to dental veneers:
- Veneers can quickly improve the color of discolored or stained teeth that don't respond to whitening treatments.
- They mask uneven tooth surfaces and poorly shaped teeth.
- Veneers close annoying gaps between front teeth.
- A veneer protects damaged tooth enamel from further decay.
- In some cases, veneers may provide an alternative to orthodontics like braces.
The Application Process of Veneers
Getting veneers takes several appointments over 2-3 weeks. The dentist will:
- Prepare the tooth by gently shaving surface enamel
- Take impressions of the teeth to make custom veneers
- Bond temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready
- Check fit and color match of new veneer
- Bond the veneer to teeth with a strong resin cement
The Potential Cons of Dental Veneers
While veneers have many positives, there are also some downsides to evaluate:
Veneers Require Removal of Natural Tooth Structure
Prepping teeth for veneers is irreversible. The dentist must shave down 0.3-0.5mm off the outer enamel layer. This permanently alters original tooth structure. Though quite minimal, it's impossible to undo if veneers later need replacement or removal.
Risk of Nerve Damage from Grinding Teeth
Heavy grinding places intense pressure on veneers over time. The constant compression can expose nerve endings and cause sensitivity as enamel thins. Night guards and bite correction may help prevent such damage long-term.
Potential Damage to Surrounding Teeth
If not designed properly, veneers may chip or fracture adjacent teeth when chewing or grinding. Ceramic material is quite strong but excess force focused on a small area can still damage nearby natural teeth over time.
Higher Risk of Needing a Root Canal
Though low risk, a poorly fitted veneer that leaks bacteria underneath can lead to nerve inflammation and death. This requires a root canal to clean out the infected pulp. Proper bonding technique helps prevent bacterial invasion leading to added procedures.
Important Considerations Before Choosing Veneers
Those considering veneers should carefully evaluate:
Alternative Options May Exist
Depending on one's specific cosmetic dental issues, alternative treatments like teeth whitening, recontouring, or braces may be viable instead of veneers. Discuss all options with your dentist before deciding on veneers.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure so insurance rarely covers. Expect to spend $900-$2500 out of pocket per tooth. Be sure you can afford this elective investment before starting.
Long Term Maintenance is Required
Veneers don't last forever. The resin cement eventually fails after 5-10 years, requiring replacement. Annual dental visits to monitor veneer health can help prevent more invasive repairs later on.
Success Depends Highly on Dentist Skill
The dentists precision and eye for detail greatly impacts final veneer appearance and longevity. Ensure your dentist has extensive training and experience with veneers to reduce likelihood of problems.
Caring for Dental Veneers Properly
To get the most out of veneers, be sure to:
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or nuts
- Prevent grinding damage with a nightguard
- Minimize staining between teeth with floss
- Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- See your dentist quickly if a veneer cracks or leaks
With excellent oral care, veneers can be a great way to transform your smile for many years.
Consult an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers
Overall dental veneers offer an appealing way to improve smile aesthetics quickly. Schedule a consultation with a highly trained cosmetic dentist to further discuss if veneers may be right for you.
FAQs
Do dental veneers look natural?
When properly color-matched and bonded by a skilled dentist, veneers can look very natural and match surrounding teeth seamlessly. High-quality dental ceramics now mimic real tooth shade and luminosity quite well.
How long do dental veneers typically last?
With good oral care, dental veneers usually last 5-10 years before the bonding begins to fail and they must be replaced. Some may last 15-20 years, but expect to need a replacement at some point down the road.
Can veneers be removed if I don't like them?
Veneers require some permanent tooth reduction, but if unhappy they can be removed by grinding off the bonding resin. This will leave teeth looking worse than before veneers were placed however. The original tooth issues will return visible.
Will dental insurance cover any veneer treatment costs?
Unfortunately no in most cases. Veneers are considered a strictly cosmetic upgrade versus a necessary dental procedure. You will likely need to pay the $900 to $2500 per veneer price completely out of pocket.
How thick are veneers placed on teeth?
Veneers are quite thin, ranging from about 0.3mm to 0.7mm in thickness. This allows a very conservative removal of outer tooth enamel before bonding them onto the front surface of the tooth.
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.
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