Why do people get dental veneers?
There are a number of reasons that dental patients opt for veneers. They aren’t getting the results they wanted from traditional whitening, or perhaps their smile is uneven due to chipped or broken teeth.
Individuals decide to get dental veneers because they want a white, even smile that looks and feels natural but does not require constantly applying and removing prosthetics, which may become lost or damaged, or getting dental implants.
Should I get dental veneers?
If you are curious about getting dental veneers, the best course of action is to discuss your treatment plan and approach with a dentist. He or she can explain what you should expect in terms of veneer placement, cost, time for the procedure, and specific maintenance afterwards. If veneers might not be a good fit for your dental needs, they will also be able to make alternative dental treatment suggestions so that you can still enjoy a bright, even smile.
How to know if dental veneers are the best choice for me
Veneers do not require surgery, don’t carry the cost of more serious procedures like implants, and have a more lasting effect than traditional tooth whitening methods. Tooth whitening methods can also be inexact – depending on your lifestyle and what you eat and drink, the effects of a whitening session may fade quickly.
Veneers, on the other hand, are styled and colored before they’re even applied, ensuring that dental patients with veneers always have beautiful, natural-looking white teeth rather than very bright – and potentially very quick to darken – results from whitening sessions. Veneers also don’t cause the discomfort and sensitivity that many whitening patients note after a whitening session.
What types of dental veneers are available?
As with dental fillings, modern dentistry has made a variety of materials available for those that wish to get professional dental veneers placed over their natural teeth. There are two main types of dental veneers:
Composite : If you’ve ever had a cavity filling with a tooth-colored material, you’ve already had a successful procedure with composite material. A mix of dental-safe resins, these veneers are typically made in the dental office itself, though busy dental offices may have them made at an external lab.
- Pros: Resin material makes color matching to existing teeth easier, usually made in office, more affordable option.
- Cons: Resin can appear opaque and less “natural looking” than some other veneer material options, may wear down faster.
- Costs: Approximately $250 to $1500 per tooth, including exam and placement.
- Upkeep/Longevity: Composite dental veneers typically last between five and seven years before showing significant signs of wear.
Porcelain: A smooth, non-porous ceramic material, porcelain veneers have been used for decades to improve smiles. They are extremely thin, but gain a great deal of strength and durability when bonded to natural teeth.
- Pros: Translucent porcelain looks more lifelike, longer lifespan of wear
- Cons: The veneer option with the highest cost, chipped or broken veneers cannot be repaired, only replaced.
- Costs: Approximately $925 to $2500 per tooth, including exam and placement.
- Upkeep/Longevity: Porcelain dental veneers last a long time, typically anywhere between 10 and 15 years before showing significant signs of wear.
How do I take care of my veneers?
Once you decide to get veneers, taking care of them will ensure that you get to enjoy them for their full lifespan, rather than getting unpleasantly surprised by an issue. Avoid chewing hard “cleaving” foods such as hard candy or ice with your veneered teeth: the impact could chip them. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, be sure to discuss the possibility of a nightguard with your dentist as well: undue pressure could cause your veneers to crack.
Veneers are a safe, healthy way to regain or build a world-class smile. Talk to your dentist today about veneers, because you may be only a few visits away from a sparkling grin you can be proud of!
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 747-3608.