What Are Dental Veneers? (And Their Pros & Cons)

Excerpt: Getting the “perfect” smile may be important to some people, veneers...

Posted on: July 5, 2022

Getting the “perfect” smile may be important to some people, but veneers offer a custom solution for those that are unhappy with the look of their original teeth. The patient may have had a great smile once but tooth decay, trauma, or genetics could have affected their teeth negatively, veneers are a great fairly non-intrusive way to completely change your smile.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers (or tooth veneers as they are sometimes referred to) are thin shells that are made up of different materials that replicate the look of the teeth they are replacing. Unlike crowns, which are meant to be more functional, dental veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes.

Dental veneers may have a functional component to them as well as a cosmetic. If the patient has overly crooked teeth, gaps, or teeth that are not sized properly, veneers can be used to correct these issues.

How do dental veneers look?

There’s no doubt that dental veneers can improve your smile. But what are they and what do they involve? dental veneers are custom-made tooth replacements that are made of dental composite material. This material is durable and esthetic, and it can improve the appearance of your teeth by restoring their natural shape and color. They’re usually made of two appointments – the first to remove your natural teeth and the second to have the veneers put on. Dental veneers are a great option for people who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, or who want to replace teeth that have become damaged or discolored. They’re a great choice for people who want to feel confident and natural in their appearance. So, if you’re thinking of having dental veneers done, be sure to discuss your options with a dentist who can provide you with a template for your teeth and recommend the best veneer material for your needs.

If the tooth is missing or badly fractured, veneers may not be effective, in which case, the dentist may recommend a dental crown or bridge as a restorative measure.

Inlays & Onlays

Dental veneers are commonly used to replace the front portion of the tooth, however, the very top of the tooth may need a cosmetic/restorative adjustment as well. If the tooth is not badly damaged or decayed enough to warrant a dental crown, an inlay or onlay may be inserted onto the top of the tooth instead. Inlays and onlays are generally used for molars as they have the most cusps (points on the top of the teeth) and therefore have the widest surface area.

Inlays and onlays come in a variety of materials depending on what is needed:

Porcelain
Resin
Gold

Different Types Of Veneers

Dental veneers have quite a few different options of materials depending on the tooth and the budget. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Porcelain dental veneers are the most expensive but offer the best cosmetic results. They’re also the most durable and easy to maintain. On the other hand, metal dental veneers are the most popular because they’re both durable and easy to replace. Ceramic dental veneers are the least expensive but may not offer the best cosmetic results. They’re also less durable and harder to maintain. It’s important to take all of these factors into consideration when choosing a dental veneer provider. It’s also a good idea to speak to several providers to get a sense of what type of veneer would be best for you.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is one of the best materials to use for veneers as it matches the look and feels of your teeth very closely, it’s the least harmful, strongest, and longest-lasting material to use. Porcelain is an extremely “biocompatible” material. This means that you are extremely unlikely to be allergic to it, or have it affect your oral health significantly at all.

Pros

Blend in with your natural tooth color.
Stain-resistant.
Very strong and durable.
Lower chance of fracture, chipping, or breakage.
Smooth, tooth-like texture.
Do not harm your gums or surrounding teeth.
Little plaque build-up with proper dental care.
Durable, typically 8 to 15 years.

Cons

Expensive
Lengthy procedure

Porcelain veneers are the best-looking, but they are the most expensive solution. It is advisable to discuss your coverage with your insurance provider before looking into this.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are named as such because they are made up of a number of different materials. Composite veneers are composed of inorganic and organic materials. The natural (organic) materials include the initiator, resin, and coupling agent. The inorganic element of composite veneers usually is the filler. A tooth-colored material is used to bond the composite veneers into place. These veneers are strong and durable, but they are not as strong as porcelain. They also may be prone to staining if not properly cared for. Having a veneer does not mean you can forget about a good oral care routine.

Pros

Relatively strong and durable
Less invasive procedure (less enamel removal)
They look natural but can stain over time
Low chance of harming your gum tissue
Easily repaired if chipped or broken
Only requires a single visit and no temporary restorations
Last between 5 to 7 years

Cons

Weaker and more prone to stains over time than porcelain veneers
Do not last as long as porcelain veneers

Lumineers

Lumineers are a specific brand of dental veneer. They are made up of porcelain and require minimal preparation before they are inserted into the tooth. Lumineers do an excellent job at treating discolored or irregularly shaped teeth.

Pros

They are reversible
Require less tooth preparation before placement

Cons

Shorter lifespan than traditional veneers
Less natural-looking than veneers
More prone to fracture and damage

Removable (Temporary) Veneers

These veneers are not meant to be a permanent, full-time solution. They are an inexpensive way to change the appearance of your teeth for a short time. You can get instant veneers or snap-on veneers.

Instant Veneers

These veneers will require you to warm them up in hot water in order to be placed onto your teeth.

Snap-On Veneers

Snap-on veneers are convenient but do not replicate the look of your natural teeth very well.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

The cost will vary for a number of reasons:

The material used
The location of the placement
How many you are getting

The cost of veneers can vary between a few hundred, and a few thousand dollars per tooth.

Who Can Benefit From Veneers?

When it comes to dental veneers, it’s important to choose the right dentist. Not only do they have the experience necessary to carry out the surgery, but they should also be able to give you an accurate estimate of the cost involved. There are many different types and styles of dental veneers available on the market today, so it’s important to find the right one for your needs. They’re often used to improve the appearance of teeth, but they can also be used to correct problems with your bite or alignment. As with any cosmetic procedure, veneers are a lengthy and expensive process, so it’s important to find a provider who you trust and who has the experience to handle the surgery properly. Make sure to ask questions and get a clear understanding of the costs involved before making the decision to have dental veneers installed.

It’s no secret that dental veneers are one of the most popular dental procedures. This is because veneers are removable, custom-made, and can be replaced when needed. This makes veneers a long-term solution for dental problems, which is why it’s important to choose the right dentist when considering veneers. When you meet with your dentist, be sure to ask about their experience with veneers – this will help you make an informed decision. In addition to dental veneers, dentistry also offers other types of treatments, such as teeth whitening and crowns. So, whether you’re looking to fix a cosmetic dentistry issue or just want to keep your teeth healthy and strong, dentistry can help.

Conclusion

Dental veneers are an important cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of your teeth. By understanding the different types of veneers available, the purpose of veneers, and the risks and benefits of veneers, you can make an informed decision about dental veneers. If you have any questions or concerns after reading this blog, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!