What Are Teeth Veneers?
Teeth veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that are applied to the front surfaces of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of a variety of different imperfections, such as discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps between teeth, and misaligned or uneven teeth. Veneers are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth and can be used to create a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing smile. They are a popular cosmetic dental treatment and can be made from porcelain, composite, or resin materials. Veneers are relatively durable and can last for several years with proper care.
Composite Resin vs Porcelain Teeth Veneers
Composite and porcelain veneers are both types of dental veneers that can be used to improve the appearance of the teeth and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile. However, there are some key differences between the two types of veneers:
- Material: Composite veneers are made from a composite resin material, while porcelain veneers are made from a ceramic material. Porcelain veneers look better, last a lot longer, but they are also a lot more expensive.
- Appearance: Porcelain veneers are typically more realistic in terms of color, translucency, and texture, as they are made from a ceramic material that closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are less realistic in appearance and may not be as effective at mimicking the look of natural teeth.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable than composite veneers, as they are made from a harder and more resistant material. Composite veneers are more prone to chipping and staining and may not last as long as porcelain veneers.
- Cost: Porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive than composite veneers, as they are made from a more advanced and expensive material.
Ultimately, the best type of veneers for a particular patient will depend on their individual circumstances and the specific goals they have for their smile. A dentist will be able to assess the patient’s teeth and discuss the pros and cons of each type of veneer, as well as recommend the best option based on the patient’s needs and budget.
When Should Dental Veneers be Done?
Dental veneers can fix a variety of problems with the appearance and function of teeth, including:
- Discoloration: Veneers can be used to cover up tooth stains that are resistant to traditional whitening treatments.
- Fractured, broken or chipped teeth: Veneers can be used to repair small cracks and defects in teeth.
- Spaces between teeth: Veneers can be used to fill in small gaps between teeth, creating a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Crooked, poorly aligned or uneven teeth: Veneers can be used to correct minor misalignment issues, or issues where the teeth are not in the correct positions, creating a more symmetrical, smooth and attractive smile line.
In addition to cosmetic benefits, veneers can also have functional benefits. For example, veneers can be used to protect teeth that have been damaged by decay or unsightly cracks. They can also be used to improve the function of teeth that have been worn down or are otherwise not functioning properly in the bite.
It is important to note that veneers are not suitable for all patients and are not a good option for those with severe dental issues or decay. In these cases, other treatment options may be more appropriate such as crowns, root canals or implants.
When is it Best to Do Invisalign Before Getting Veneers?
In many cases it is better to do Invisalign before getting veneers. This is because Invisalign can better align and position your teeth, so they are in a better position before getting veneers. When teeth are in a better position the result for your veneers will be better. And it will reduce the likelihood of complications related to misaligned teeth, such as uneven wear, bite issues and TMJ problems.
Getting Invisalign before doing veneers offers several advantages:
- Better foundation for veneers: Well-aligned teeth provide a more stable foundation for veneers, ensuring they fit properly and last longer.
- Less tooth reshaping and drilling of existing tooth structure: In some cases, teeth need to be reshaped a lot to accommodate veneers. With a properly aligned smile, there will be less tooth reshaping and more of your natural tooth structure will be preserved.
- Improved oral health: Invisalign treatment can improve oral health by making it easier to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
What do Dental Veneers Cost?
The cost of dental veneers varies depending on several factors, including the type of veneers being used, the location of the dental practice, the skill of the dentist, quality of materials, and the specific treatment plan. On average, porcelain veneers tend to be the most expensive option, followed by composite veneers, and then resin veneers.
According to the American Dental Association, the average cost of porcelain veneers ranges from $925 to $3,500 per tooth. This means that the total cost of a full set of veneers can range from $9,250 to $35,000 and possibly more depending on how many teeth are getting veneers.
Composite veneers tend to be less expensive than porcelain veneers, with an average cost of $250 to $1,500 per tooth. The total cost of a full set of composite veneers can range from $2,500 to $15,000. Resin veneers are the least expensive option, with an average cost of $250 to $1,000 per tooth. The total cost of a full set of resin veneers can range from $2,500 to $10,000.
It is important to note that these estimates are only rough guidelines and that the actual cost of dental veneers may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the patient. It is always a good idea to discuss the cost of treatment with a dentist before proceeding with treatment. Many dentists offer financing options to help make treatment more affordable.
Porcelain Teeth Veneers Before and After
What are the Steps in Getting Teeth Veneers?
- Initial consultation: During the first visit to the dentist, the patient will discuss the desired outcomes of the treatment and the dentist will assess the patient’s teeth to determine if veneers are a suitable option. The dentist will also take impressions of the patient’s teeth, which will be used to create the custom veneers.
- Preparation of the teeth: The next step in the process is the preparation of the teeth. This involves the removal of a small amount of enamel from the front surfaces of the teeth to make room for the veneers. The amount of enamel removed will depend on the thickness of the veneers being used. Once the teeth have been prepared, the dentist will place temporary veneers on the teeth to protect them while the permanent veneers are being made.
- Fabrication of the veneers: The impressions of the patient’s teeth are then sent to a dental lab, where the porcelain veneers are fabricated. This process typically takes several weeks to complete.
- Final fitting: Once the veneers have been made, the patient will return to the dentist for a final fitting. The dentist will ensure that the veneers fit properly and make any necessary adjustments.
- Placement of the veneers: The final step in the process is the placement of the veneers. The dentist will cement the veneers to the teeth, completing the process.
It is important to note that the process of getting porcelain veneers may vary slightly from one patient to the next depending on the specific treatment plan and the individual needs of the patient. It is always a good idea to discuss the process in detail with the dentist before proceeding with treatment.
Do Teeth Veneers Feel Thicker than Natural Teeth?
The thickness of porcelain veneers can vary depending on the specific treatment plan and the individual needs of the patient. In general, porcelain veneers are typically thinner than traditional crowns, which are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Most people do not say that teeth veneers feel thicker than natural teeth. Often times the texture feels different, such as smoother than natural teeth. If the dentist does not remove enough material to compensate for the thickness of the veneers, than they can feel thick, but not removing enough tooth structure to allow room for the veneer is considered to be a technical error.
Most porcelain veneers are between 0.5 and 0.7 millimeters thick, which is about the same thickness as a contact lens. This thickness is typically sufficient to provide the necessary strength and support to the veneers while still maintaining a natural appearance.
However, it is important to note that porcelain veneers may feel slightly thicker than natural teeth due to the fact that a small amount of enamel is removed from the front surfaces of the teeth to make room for the veneers. This can slightly alter the way the teeth feel and may take some time to get used to.
It is always a good idea to discuss the thickness of the veneers with the dentist before proceeding with treatment. The dentist will be able to recommend the best thickness for the patient based on their specific needs and goals.
What do Teeth look like under Dental Veneers?
The appearance of teeth under veneers depends on the type of veneers being used and the condition of the teeth prior to treatment. In general, teeth under veneers will appear smoother and more uniform in shape and color compared to the original teeth. This is because the veneers are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth and can be customized to achieve the desired shade and shape.
However, it is important to note that the appearance of teeth under veneers will not be exactly the same as natural teeth. This is because a small amount of enamel is typically removed from the front surfaces of the teeth to make room for the veneers. Usually the teeth under the veneers will appear darker and more yellow in appearance. Also the tooth surface may be roughened because a rough surface provides a better surface for bonding the veneer. Most often the teeth under the veneers will not look attractive because there was a reason for the veneers in the first place.
All Teeth Veneers are not Created with Equal Quality
The quality of porcelain veneers can vary depending on a number of factors, including the materials used, the skill and experience of the dental lab, and the techniques used during the manufacturing process.
In general, higher quality porcelain veneers will be made from more advanced materials and will be manufactured using more precise techniques. These veneers will typically be stronger and more durable, and will be able to mimic the appearance of natural teeth more effectively.
On the other hand, lower quality porcelain veneers may be made from cheaper materials and may be manufactured using less precise techniques. These veneers may not be as strong or durable and may not be as effective at mimicking the appearance of natural teeth.
It is important to choose a reputable dental lab and dentist when getting porcelain veneers in order to ensure that the best quality veneers are used. It is also a good idea to ask to see before and after photos of the dentist’s work and to ask about the warranties and guarantees offered on the veneers.
Select a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist for Porcelain Veneers
Not all dentists are equally good at doing teeth veneers. The skill and experience of the dentist can have a significant impact on the quality of the veneers and the overall outcome of the treatment.
It is important to choose a dentist who has experience and expertise in placing dental veneers. A good dentist will be able to assess the patient’s teeth and discuss the desired outcomes of the treatment, as well as provide guidance on the best veneer material and design to achieve these outcomes. They will also be able to prepare the teeth properly and place the veneers accurately and carefully to ensure the best possible result.
To find a good dentist for teeth veneers, it is a good idea to do some research and ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other dental professionals. It is also a good idea to ask to see before and after photos of the dentist’s work and to ask about their qualifications and experience in placing veneers. It may also be helpful to visit the dental office and meet with the dentist in person to ask any questions and get a sense of their approach to treatment.
Can Teeth Veneers Fall Off?
It is possible for teeth veneers to come off, although this is typically rare if the veneers are placed and cared for properly. Veneers are typically cemented to the front surfaces of teeth using a dental adhesive, and they should stay in place unless they are subjected to excessive force or wear and tear.
There are a few factors that can increase the risk of veneers coming off, including:
- Poor oral hygiene: Veneers can become loose or come off if the teeth and gums are not well-maintained. It is important to brush and floss regularly and to see a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy.
- Habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth: These habits can put excessive force on the veneers, potentially causing them to loosen or come off. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help to protect the veneers from these forces.
- Accidents or trauma: Veneers can come off if the teeth are subjected to sudden trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the face.
If a veneer does come off, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to have it repaired or replaced. Ignoring a missing veneer can result in further damage to the tooth and may lead to additional dental problems.
How Long do Teeth Veneers Last?
On the average, teeth veneers will last 10-15 years with proper care. However, some veneers may last longer or shorter depending on the dentist, the patient and many quality control factors. For example, porcelain veneers may last longer than composite resin veneers due to their durability. But if you have poor oral hygiene or a bad bite, teeth veneers may only last 3-5 years. Additionally, not all dentists are created equal. Getting teeth ready for veneers is a technically challenging task. The quality of cement for porcelain veneers makes a big difference. Perfect work by the dentist and the worlds best veneer can fall off without proper bonding and superior quality resin cement.
Why Not to Get Dental Veneers?
While veneers can be an effective cosmetic treatment, there are several reasons why you may want to consider not getting teeth veneers. Teeth veneers are very expensive, and cause permanent damage to your teeth. And dental veneer procedures are unpleasant and sometimes painful and scary.
- High Costs of Dental Cosmetic Procedures
- Dental Veneers are expensive and will need to be redone every 10-15 years
- There may be other better treatment alternatives
- Irreversible damage done to teeth
- Potential procedure complications
