If you’ve always wanted to improve your smile, dental veneers may be a good option for you.
Veneers are thin shells that fit over the front of your existing teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are just one of many ways to change the appearance of your teeth.
Dental bonding and enamel are other options, as are crowns.
There are 2 main types of veneers: porcelain and composite. As you might expect from the name, porcelain veneers are custom made from porcelain to fit your teeth. Composite veneers are often made of tooth-colored resin, the same type of material used to bond teeth.
There are pros and cons to both types of veneers, so it’s important to consider the level of problem you’re hoping to solve with veneers, as well as your budget.
Dental veneers can cover tooth imperfections and give you an even, bright smile.
Imperfections may include teeth that are crooked or misshapen, chipped, stained or discolored, or the enamel on your teeth may have eroded.
Veneers cover part of your teeth, but they’re actually different from crowns, which are thicker and cover an entire tooth — back and front. Crowns also tend to require more cutting of the tooth, which you may or may not need with veneers.
If your teeth are in relatively good shape and you just want to change their appearance, including their shape or color, veneers can be a good option.
Crowns are usually only used on teeth that are more damaged. For example, if you have a broken tooth or need a root canal, a crown may be a better solution.
A dentist can offer you a choice between 3 types of veneers: direct composite veneers, indirect composite veneers and porcelain veneers.
Direct composite views
Direct Composite veneers are veneers made from a composite resin material that is applied directly to your teeth.
It doesn’t take long for a dentist to prepare your teeth for veneers, and the application process is considered minimally invasive.
Indirect composite views
The main difference between direct and indirect composite veneers is the application process – not the actual material used.
Your teeth are prepared as they would be for direct composite veneers, but the veneers are custom made “indirectly” outside the mouth in your dental office or dental laboratory.
You will receive a set of temporary veneers until the indirect veneers are made. At the next appointment, indirect composite veneers are applied to your teeth with a layer of adhesive.
Indirect composite veneers can withstand more abrasion and resist fracture better than the direct version. However, they tend to cost more than direct composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom made for your porcelain teeth.
A dentist will take impressions of your teeth so that veneers can be made from the mold in the dental lab, a process that can take a week or more. You will receive a set of temporary veneers while you wait, just like with indirect composite veneers.
When ready, the dentist will bond the thin porcelain shells to the front of your teeth and shape them to look as natural as possible.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of veneer. You’ll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making your choice.
Your dentist will begin the process by thoroughly cleaning your teeth and preparing them for the application.
Your dentist may need to remove a thin layer of your enamel to help the material stick to your teeth. Sometimes, your teeth don’t need to be cut if they need minor changes in shape or color.
Then, the process will differ slightly depending on whether you are getting direct or indirect veneers.
Before applying direct veneersa dentist will etch the enamel of your teeth to help with adhesion.
They will then apply an adhesive to help the composite resin material stick to your teeth. Finally, very thin layers of the composite material are added to the surface of your teeth.
The dentist will quickly “cure” or harden the layers of composite resin with a light.
You and your dentist can choose the shade or color you want for your veneers. Your dentist can mix composite resin colors to make your veneers look natural.
With indirect veneersafter the dentist prepares your teeth, he will take a mold of your teeth.
Indirect veneers are made outside your mouth. When indirect veneers are ready, the dentist will apply them by etching your teeth and then applying a type of adhesive to your teeth. This adhesive or bonding agent will help the veneers stay in place.
They will then place the composite veneers on your teeth. They will use a light to harden the glue and bond the veneers to the teeth. The dentist will then clean up any stray bits and polish everything.
Many people do not need anesthesia during the procedure. But if you do, once the anesthesia wears off, you should be able to return to work or other normal activities.
Composite veneers are considered more durable today than in the past. They can last 5 to 7 years, on average.
After that, you will need a replacement veneer set. This is a significantly shorter lifespan than a set of porcelain veneers, which can last at least 10 or 15 years.
You may be able to extend the life of your composite decks by caring for them properly.
Adopt a routine of regular brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and resist any urge to chew on ice and other hard objects with your front teeth.
Some dentists also recommend being careful with drinks like coffee or tea that can stain your new veneers.
You will notice a significant difference in the appearance of your teeth after veneers are applied.
Composite veneers can be easily removed and repaired or replaced by adding new composite material.
Cost is one factor you’ll want to consider. Veneers are not cheap.
Applying veneers is a time-consuming process, for one thing. For another, you want high-quality materials and high-quality workmanship that will last. After all, everyone will see the results as soon as you open your mouth.
Although less expensive than porcelain veneers, composite veneers can still be expensive.
The cost of composite veneers will vary, depending on where you live, where your dental work is performed, and how many veneers you need.
Composite veneers could set you back $250 to $1,500 per tooth.
Who pays? Probably you. If you’re just hoping to improve the appearance of your smile, you’ll likely have to pay the entire bill, as insurance often doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry procedures.
However, if your tooth is damaged, your insurance may cover some or all of the cost.
If not, and cost is a concern, talk to a dentist about setting up a payment plan. You may even get a discount for applying a certain number of veneers at once.
If you are self-conscious about your smile, dental veneers could be a great option for you. They are essentially a semi-permanent solution for imperfect teeth.
Since veneers—even composite veneers—are relatively expensive, take the time to explore your options and the pros and cons of each before making a decision. Also talk to a dentist about the best option.
