Porcelain dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Made from high-quality ceramic materials, these veneers are bonded to the teeth to alter their color, shape, size, or length. They are crafted to match the natural look of teeth, providing a highly aesthetic and durable solution for a variety of cosmetic dental issues.
The cost of dental veneers will vary, depending on where you live and who your dentist is. The range of cost is usually $1000-2500 per tooth in the US - this will also vary depending on materials, and the quality of the composite, ceramic or porcelain used. The best porcelain veneers will be the most expensive, and the option likely to last longest. As with most things in life, with veneers, you get what you pay for, and how well you maintain your new ceramic or porcelain will determine how long you’ll be enjoying them for. Patients who don’t smoke, and exercise good brushing, flossing, and hygiene routines, will find their veneers look good for years longer than those who flounder on daily brushing and flossing. Superior porcelain veneers last around 15 years, and will need likely need replacing in the future to maintain your smile. Lesser costly options will usually last around five years before they need to be replaced.
However, porcelain veneers also come with disadvantages. The procedure is irreversible, as it involves removing a small amount of enamel from the natural teeth. Veneers can be costly, and they may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to wear or damage. Additionally, while veneers are durable, they can still chip or crack under excessive force, requiring repair or replacement. Individuals with habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism) may not be ideal candidates unless they address these habits beforehand. Despite these drawbacks, when properly maintained, porcelain veneers are highly effective in enhancing the aesthetics and function of a smile, providing long-lasting and visually pleasing results.
Yes – when attaching veneers, the natural tooth must first be filed and its surface removed to apply the veneer. This is a permanent option for achieving better-looking teeth, and one that will in time need replacing. Deciding if veneers are right for you poses the question of expense and lifespan. Patients opting for this significant upgrade are often inspired to take even greater care of their teeth after the process, to respect and protect their new smile. A big advantage with veneers is their stain-resistant quality. This, coupled with the technician’s skill creating the perfect shade for your teeth creates a makeover effect in the mouth, one you’ll want to preserve as long as possible with optimal dental care and maintenance.
Veneers can transform the surface, color, texture and shape of your teeth, giving you the smile you always dreamed of having. Good candidates for dental veneers are healthy patients with strong teeth, whose appearance they’d like to improve. Imperfections, such as chips, discoloration, or worn enamel can be eradicated and replaced with perfect, bright, natural-looking teeth in just a few appointments. People who feel unhappy with their existing teeth can achieve the teeth they want, with veneers applied to every tooth, or even just those visible when you’re smiling.
Patients’ reasons for choosing veneers range widely, from discoloration in the tooth’s enamel stemming from injury, to crooked teeth in adulthood. Share your concerns with your dentist, and tell them what look you hope to achieve. Your dentist will advise how many teeth you should expect to augment to attain your desired look, and which product will accomplish that goal. Crucial when choosing dental veneers that are right for you, is anticipating the cost of replacement down the line. Your dentist will give you the bigger picture surrounding veneers; what to expect now, in a few years, and when it’s time to make an upgrade.
There are other options and dental veneers are just one way of having perfect or almost perfect teeth. Call our office to make an appointment and we can advise about your options.
