It is not your fault if you feel less confident about going out and meeting someone. You may have broken or discolored teeth in your upper or lower jaw. If you could fix them, you could be a different person.
Luckily, dental porcelain veneers can help you look better when smiling.
This article discusses dental porcelain veneers, full-mouth porcelain veneers costs, if your insurance covers them, and the benefits you may have by using them.
Let’s get started.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are tiny shells across the front of teeth to make them look better, protect against damage, and produce a lovely smile.
They are dental cosmetics since they are optional and applied for aesthetic purposes.
Often made from porcelain or resin composite materials, they are permanently bonded to your teeth.
Since they fix your chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth, some like to tag them as smile makeovers.
7 types of problems dental veneers fix
- They can solve any intrinsic stains on your teeth that cannot be removed
- They are a quick and easy fix for small chips, breaks, and cracks
- If you have slightly crooked teeth, veneers can straighten them
- They can remove any small gaps between your teeth
- They can fix your teeth-worn caused by teeth grinding
- You may have white spots on your teeth if you have used too much fluoride. Veneers can fix that.
- In some cases, treating the root canal may cause tooth decoloration. You can conceal that discoloration with veneers.
Read More: Dental Lumineers: Can They Solve Your Common Dental Problems?
Who can get veneers?
Not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. If your teeth fall into one of the following categories, your dentist may suggest treatments other than veneers for you:
- Your teeth have decay or are in an area that has gum disease. This problem must be treated first.
- If you have a tooth with some enamel left, a veneer will not stick to it properly.
- If too much of the target tooth is missing, veneers may not be the right solution. Consider asking for a crown.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth will automatically disqualify you for veneers. Grinding can easily chip or break your bonding and porcelain veneers.
Types of dental veneers
There are 5 types of dental veneer materials we know so far, including porcelain veneers.
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is the most popular veneer material. It is tooth-colored, flexible, and fully customizable, lasting 10 to 15 years.
Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than composite veneers. The main benefit of using them is you will get a less invasive treatment. That is because the preparation for effective shell insertion is minimal.
Before the porcelain veneer treatment begins, your dentist will adjust the color and form your remaining healthy tooth by 0.5 mm or higher. The target tooth is then replaced with a bonding material and a porcelain shell.
You have at least 15 porcelain colors to select from to get the desired color for your teeth.
2. Composite veneers
An aesthetic alternative to porcelain veneers is composite resin veneers.
They are constructed from the same substance used for filling cavities with tooth color. They are cheaper than porcelain veneers.
Direct composite veneers are molded on the teeth instead of in the dental laboratory. They can be produced on the same day.
Composite veneers need adjustment of the teeth before placement. It is also possible to put them over uncut enamel directly.
They usually last 5 to 7 years, compared with porcelain veneers which last up to 15 years.
They are more conservative than porcelain dental veneers. In their case, the damaged spots may be restored. But if you use porcelain veneers, they must be replaced with new ones.
3. Palatal veneers
Deep bite, erosion, or bruxism may affect the anterior teeth’s palatal aspect. That’s when palatal veneers come in handy. Also called onlays, they are usually used to repair back teeth. A palatal veneer, however, is a particular kind of onlay for restoring front teeth.
Palatal onlays are a wonderful way to repair the affected area of your tooth. That leaves the rest of the tooth intact.
4. Lumineers
Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin (0.2 mm) and transparent veneers. They mimic the form and color of natural tooth enamel. This makes them different from porcelain veneers.
The Lumineers are so thin that no tooth decrease or recontouring is necessary. They may last for more than 20 years. However, they have more chances of being chipped than conventional veneers.
5. Temporary veneers
Removable snap-on veneers are less intrusive and temporary. They also cost less than traditional veneers and can be removed anytime.
Dental veneers process in 6 easy steps
The placement of veneers in your mouth generally consists of the following 6 steps:
- Your dentists will take some enamel from your teeth front and side to create space for the veneers. If you choose Lumineers, the dentist will skip this step.
- Your dentist will next print a tooth structure.
- You and the dentist will choose a veneer shade that best suits your smile so that the veneers appear natural.
- The dentist will send the print to a dental laboratory that customizes veneers to fit correctly. This process may take several weeks, and during this time, your dentist will use temporary veneers to cover your teeth.
- The dentists will remove the temporary veneers at your next appointment and install the permanent veneers on your teeth. Before bonding your veneers, your dentist will also clean your teeth.
- Your dentist may want to examine your veneers during a follow-up visit. During that appointment, they will ensure that the veneers are in position and pleasant for you.
Is it painful to get veneers?
During and after the treatment, it is uncommon for veneers to produce pain and discomfort. The treatment is minimally invasive and involves just the removal of a tiny piece of tooth enamel.
How long does it take to recover from veneers?
Most patients return to work the same day after receiving the treatment. The painless procedure allows you to travel the following day, go to the gym, back to work, and even work on national TV!
Your dental anesthesia might fade away during the first hours of recovery. You might feel a bit uncomfortable.
Two important variables affect how long veneers stay. Maintain optimum dental hygiene at home and visit your dentist every six months for teeth cleaning.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, most veneers are permanent, including porcelain and composite veneers. However, lumineers are not. Fractures and chips are more susceptible to lumineers. They are extremely thin.
8 practical ways to take care of your veneers
1. Practice proper oral hygiene
Practicing good oral care is the greatest thing you can do to maintain your veneers’ top quality for many years. This not only ensures the longevity of your veneers but also keeps your mouth healthy.
Although dental porcelain veneers do not rot, certain portions of your teeth remain exposed and risk deterioration. You must brush your teeth and floss twice daily to keep your veneers in peak condition.
2. Use a soft toothbrush
If you have porcelain veneers, brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
Stay away from toothbrushes with harsh and abrasive surfaces because they may damage your veneers.
Talk to your dentist to recommend you a non-abrasive toothpaste.
3. Prevent gum disease
Gum disease causes inflammation in the gums. Diseased gums may reveal parts of the veneer affecting your smile and general look.
Keep practicing good dental hygiene, and check with your dentist if that is the case.
4. Visit your dentist frequently
You mustn’t skip your dentist’s six-month inspection if you have porcelain veneers. Your veneers may need to be repaired.
5. Avoid chewing hard objects
Although porcelain veneers are durable, they are not as strong as your natural teeth.
Avoid chewing hard items like ice, fingernails, and pencils.
An apple or a steak can break or chip your veneers.
6. Avoid teeth grinding and squeezing
If grinding or clenching teeth are among your habits, it is time to stop them.
They can wear your veneers and harm them beyond repair.
Speak to your dentist about available treatments to help you quit them. You should do that before taking veneers.
7. Avoid teeth-staining food
Most porcelain veneers are resistant to stains. But the glue that holds your veneers in place is not resistant to stains.
Avoid coffee, soda, and red wine, but if you must try them, use a straw.
8. Quit smoking
Smoking may lead to staining and discoloration of your veneers. If you want to have a beautiful smile with your veneers, it is advisable to quit smoking.
How much does a full set of veneers cost?
Most veneers cost at least $1,000 per tooth. Usually, you will need 6 to 8 veneers to improve your smile. That means you may more than $5,000 for your veneers.
Why are veneers so expensive?
Dental porcelain veneers are long-lasting solutions. In contrast, home or professional teeth whitening is just a temporary measure. Besides, veneers can treat minor defects, which whitening cannot. Veneers are not expensive when you consider their advantages.
What’s the difference between dental implants and veneers?
Implants are bolt-like devices attached to the jawbone to replace lost teeth. For this, a dentist will use an implant to hold a crown inside the mouth. Veneers do not replace lost or missing teeth.
Veneers vs. crowns
Dental veneers primarily cover your tooth’s forehead. On the other hand, crowns cover the whole tooth, including the forehead, back, and sides. Dentists prescribe crowns to restore damaged teeth. Those teeth may have only minimal structure left. Veneers need more structure to be effective.
Dental porcelain veneers: Frequently asked questions
No, they do not. They bring you a beautiful smile. They last for over ten years, provided you take care of them.
Veneers on front teeth can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
Veneers need to be replaced for about 10 to 15 years. You need to replace them when you see signs of wear and tear.
Yes, it is possible. Cavities may form under the veneers.
Veneers are ultra-thin. But for strong bonding, dentists need to shave a thin layer of enamel off your teeth.
Lumineers. They can treat highly discolored and unusually shaped teeth.
In some cases, dental bonding may be considered better than veneers. With bonding, you can quickly fix broken, chipped, or misshapen front teeth.
Porcelain veneers cost from $900 to $2,500 per tooth. But the price may be more than that based on other complications.
Dental porcelain veneers: To summarize
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that changes the look of your teeth. They enhance color, form a natural tooth, minimize gaps, and conceal chips and other minor dental issues. They are also cost-effective and durable.
Porcelain veneers are usually tougher but come with a considerably higher price tag. Composite resin veneers are cheaper but do not last long and break easily.
The best solution is to talk to your dentist to understand options.
