Veneers
Veneers are shells designed to fit over your teeth to correct any number of problems and improve your smile. They are usually made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic or resin, mimicking the shades of real teeth for the maximum naturalistic appearance.
Who can benefit from veneers?
Veneers are particularly useful in their unique propensity to cosmetically treat multiple imperfections not easily rectified by many other techniques. For instance, teeth chipped in an accident or deteriorating due to decay can be made to look symmetrical and perfect again, while misshapen or peculiarly sized teeth can also be covered effectively. Gaps left by smaller teeth are another tricky problem hidden by veneers, as are holes and other irregularities in the teeth. The treatment is purely cosmetic, so if a patient with stained or crooked teeth chooses veneers, the technique conceals rather than cures the problem, but this can be the preferable option for single problematic teeth. Due to their durable material the veneers are desirable for people seeking long-term cosmetic solutions.
How are veneers fitted?
The fitting process for veneers is very quick, with an instant effect not offered by orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign. They differ from crowns in that veneers mostly require far less tampering with the teeth underneath. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and use this to fashion the veneers. Then the veneers are glued strongly over the affected teeth, with a light beam strengthening the bond. A reversible test run can be beneficial, using temporary cement to get a feel for the veneers and allowing you to address any problems.
Types of veneers
The two main types of dental veneers differ primarily in their naturalness, durability and cost. If in doubt, speak to your cosmetic dentist about your options.
The standard porcelain veneers are made from thin material that mimics the properties of regular teeth through its translucent sheen. This means that light hitting the veneers produces a similar effect to real teeth. They are manufactured in a dental laboratory and take longer to produce than composite alternatives, but the material is stronger, difficult to stain, and can last between 10 and 15 years. These advantages make porcelain veneers the more expensive choice.
Composite veneers are made from composite resin, a tooth colored filling material without the same sense of depth as porcelain veneers. The treatment is cheaper and speedier to produce, as one visit is usually sufficient for the dentist to fit the veneers. Greater portions of the underlying teeth will need to be removed to accommodate the veneers than with the porcelain method. They can be repaired in the case of damage, while porcelain veneers cannot. Composite veneers can be expected to last for 5 to 7 years.
How much do veneers cost?
One porcelain veneer costs in the region of $850 to $2500, varying greatly based on the reputation of the dentist, the requirements of the specific procedure and your location. Composite veneers are priced at approximately $250 to $350 per veneer. The more times you are required to visit the dentist’s office, the higher you can expect the price to be. As veneers are a cosmetic option they are not generally covered by dental insurance, but the dentist may offer their own financial plan and companies like CareCredit can help with the costs, while others provide loans for treatment.