Are veneers worth it?

30 Sep Are veneers worth it?

Posted at 10:53h in Blog by Smile Designers

When you see celebrities or social media influencers with flawless smiles, you might assume they’ve invested heavily in whiteners, braces, dental implants, or other long-term, invasive restorations. But the real magic behind those million-dollar smiles is more likely something much simpler: dental veneers.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are molded to fit over your teeth and correct imperfections. Each shell is custom-made and colored to match the surrounding teeth. The minimally invasive procedure begins with preparation of the tooth, which involves removing about a millimeter of enamel to make room for the veneer. Next, the dentist cleans, polishes, and gently etches the surface of the tooth to allow the adhesive to bond properly. The dental veneer is then cemented to the tooth and cured with a specialized UV light. Not only do veneers look great, but they can also last up to 15 years.

What problems can veneers fix?

The goal of veneers is to change the size, color, or shape of your tooth, and they are used most often to fix imperfections, including:

Severely stained or discolored teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Moderately crooked teeth
Irregularly shaped or sized teeth
Teeth with gaps between them

While veneers can cover up imperfections, they are not recommended for severely crooked or misaligned teeth. They are also not recommended for people with cavities or significant decay, advanced gum disease, or bruxism (teeth grinding).

What types of veneers are available?

There are different types of veneers available, depending on your aesthetic goals and budget:

Porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking option because they are color-matched to your teeth and even have that slight translucent look near the edges to mimic real teeth. Porcelain veneers are also strong, durable, and stain-resistant, and can last up to 15 years with proper care.

Composite veneers are a less expensive option than porcelain, though they don’t tend to last as long. Composite veneers are also color-matched to your natural teeth, they are prone to discoloration over time. When following a proper oral health routine, composite veneers can last up to 7 years.

Lumineers Veneers are a specific brand of veneers made of ultra-thin porcelain laminate, which requires less enamel removal than traditional veneers. Lumineers have a lifespan on par with porcelain veneers, but they are a reversible option if you change your mind later.

Temporary veneers are usually not recommended for long-term use, but they are well-suited for addressing temporary aesthetic needs. Temporary veneers don’t look as natural as porcelain or composite veneers, which are both permanent, and their temporary nature makes them more vulnerable to plaque build-up and gum irritation.

Are there any drawbacks to veneers?

As with any cosmetic dental procedure, there are pros and cons to veneers. While veneers are one of the least-invasive and most natural-looking options to improve your smile, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind when deciding whether veneers are right for you. First, natural teeth change color over time but veneers do not, which means the custom-matched shade might not match for the duration of the veneer. Veneers are also delicate compared to crowns or implants, which means they are more prone to chipping and cracking.