Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental solutions on the planet, popular with celebrities and fashion models for their white, uniform appearance. Veneers can also help correct structural problems and unsightly stains, making them highly attractive for people with declining oral health. Camera-facing professionals often choose veneers to get that brilliantly white, effortlessly perfect smile to improve their appearance. Countless others who have misshapen, discolored, or misaligned teeth will frequently choose veneers to help improve the overall aesthetic and functionality of their teeth.
That said, veneers are not cheap, and you should know that if you’re choosing veneers as a treatment option, what you’re really doing is making an investment in your long-term dental health and your own self-esteem. Luckily, many veneers providers will let you pay in installments, making this treatment more affordable than it has been in the past.
In this guide, we’ll touch on what you need to know about transforming your smile with veneers. Read on to find out more about the benefits, the different types of veneers, what the procedure is like, and care tips.
1. What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed on the front of teeth to improve their appearance and cover imperfections. The materials used to make veneers are stain-resistant, and you can talk and chew normally with veneers, though they take a few days to get used to.
You have two options when it comes to the materials used: porcelain or composite.
Porcelain veneers known as the gold standard, offering a durable, stain-resistant smile that’s natural and beautiful. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive option, but the durability of porcelain is second to none.
Composite veneers are made with what’s called composite resin, a form of plastic that contains a blend of glass, quartz, silica and polymer. Composite is frequently used in other procedures like dental bonding and filling cavities. Although technically not as durable as porcelain, composite veneers are more affordable and very easy to repair.
2. Benefits of Veneers
Simply check out some before-and-after photos if you have not personally seen how veneers can totally transform a smile. Here are the major benefits to investing in veneers:
Aesthetic Improvement - Veneers will correct stains, discoloration, chips, and gaps, replacing them with a white, natural-looking cover.
Long-Lasting Results - With proper care, veneers can last between 10 and 15 years without needing to be replaced.
Less Invasive than Crowns or Braces - Veneers are a less invasive option than traditional crowns or braces and require minimal tooth alteration.
Increased Confidence - A whiter, more uniform smile does wonders for confidence, and most patients report that veneers helped boost their self-esteem.
Also Read: How To Take Care of Your Dental Veneers
3. Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?
To find out if you’re a good candidate for veneers, you’ll need to be seen by a dentist who can properly assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist will take into consideration any structural issues as well as any dental health problems you might have.
Veneers are a viable cosmetic dental treatment for those with:
- Stained or discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments
- Chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth
- Small gaps and alignment issues
- Aesthetic and functional issues from small teeth
While veneers will be a treatment option for most people, there are some cases where a dentist will not apply them. Here’s who may not be a good candidate for veneers:
- People with severe tooth decay or gum disease.
- People who grind their teeth excessively (unless using a night guard)
4. The Veneers Procedure: Step-by-Step
Consultation & Evaluation - Your dentist will assess your smile goals and oral health with you to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers. At this first appointment, x-rays or impressions may be taken if the treatment is signed off on, or this may be accomplished at an additional appointment, depending on your dentist’s office.
Custom Veneer Creation - The lab creates veneers based on impressions and based on the material specified, porcelain or composite. Your custom veneers are typically ready within one to two weeks after the impressions are received by the lab.
Tooth Preparation - At your next appointment, a small layer of enamel is removed and temporary veneers are placed if needed. This will help you get used to the look and feel.
Bonding & Placement - Before placing your veneers, you and your dentist will make sure that the color matches and that there’s a proper fit. Then, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth for a beautiful smile that can last over a decade if well cared for.
5. Caring for Your Veneers
The most important thing to remember about caring for your veneers is that you should care for them just as you would your normal teeth (perhaps with more dedication, seeing as you had to pay for these).
By simply maintaining good oral hygiene, aka brushing and flossing daily and going to the dentist for your regular checkups, you can maintain the beautiful appearance of your veneers.
Just as you would with your natural teeth, you’ll want to avoid chewing objects that are too hard, like ice, pens, and nails, as this can damage the veneers and require a repair. Although the material used to make veneers is naturally stain-resistant, you’ll still want to limit your consumption of coffee and red wine to keep them shining bright. When you drink that cup of joe or glass of cab, brush your veneers afterwards to limit staining.
6. Potential Downsides and Considerations
To reiterate, veneers are an investment in your smile, meaning you should know as much information as possible before you make a decision to commit. This includes the potential downsides of the treatment, which include:
Irreversible procedure - Your dentist must remove enamel from your natural teeth before placing veneers. Enamel removal is permanent, making the veneers procedure a solution that cannot be reversed.
Cost - Veneers can be expensive, especially for porcelain veneers and especially for individuals who are getting them for a total smile makeover, as they are usually priced out individually.
Repairs and Replacements - Veneers are a popular choice because they are so durable, particularly porcelain veneers. However, repairs and replacements are not uncommon, as veneers can chip or wear down over time.
7. Alternatives to Veneers
If you’re not a good candidate for veneers, you can’t afford the investment, or you don’t want to have your enameled filed down, there are alternative treatments that can also transform your smile. Here are the top dental cosmetic options that don’t require the investment of veneers:
Teeth Whitening - If stains from years of coffee drinking, smoking, etc, are your biggest aesthetic concern, you can simply go with a teeth whitening procedure. You can do a professional whitening treatment at your dentist’s office for more long-term results.
Dental Bonding - Small imperfections in the form of spaces and gaps may not require veneers to improve the appearance and can be accomplished with dental bonding, a more affordable option.
Braces or Invisalign - If straightening teeth is the main goal, braces or Invisalign treatment may be a better course of treatment to maintain the structure of your natural teeth.
Remember, veneers are an investment in your smile.
Veneers can be a game-changer for smile transformation, an investment in yourself and your self-esteem. Just remember that not everyone is a good candidate for veneers, so be sure to get a consultation with your dentist to discuss all your options.
If you’re concerned about affording the cost of veneers, inquire about payment plans with your dentist’s office, as many providers will let you pay in installments over time.
