Are Veneers Worth It? All You Need To Know

You’ve probably dreamt of having a perfect, sparkling smile. Perhaps you want to fix crooked, chipped, or discoloured teeth. Veneers might be the right choice for you. This article will discuss everything you need to know before making this important decision, including the cost, process, pros, types, and more.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made from durable, long-lasting materials that cover the front part of your teeth. Your dentist will shave down the shape of your natural teeth to attach the veneers with dental cement. You are meant to have these veneers for life, and they will need to be replaced every 10-15 years.

Am I a Candidate for Veneers?

You may be a good candidate if you have discoloured teeth and whitening hasn’t been effective. Some people want to close spaces between their front teeth. The biggest advantage of veneers is that they can correct almost any aesthetic issue and provide beautiful, natural-looking results.

There are various types of veneers based on materials and the amount of tooth coverage. You and your dentist can discuss all the details based on your needs and preferences. For example, your dentist may recommend a full-coverage veneer covering the whole tooth for better retention and strength. Or they may suggest a partial restoration that covers only the front portion of your tooth if you need a more minimal design.

Your dentist will do an oral examination and check your bite to make sure veneers are a good option for you. And don’t believe the myth that veneers have to cover all your natural teeth. If only a couple of teeth concern you, partial veneers are a great option.

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Who Is a Good Candidate?

People with:

Severely discoloured teeth that whitening can’t fix.
Damaged teeth from trauma.
A strong desire for a smile makeover in a short period of time (e.g., for a special event).

Who Is Not a Good Candidate?

Someone who has:

Bruxism (teeth grinding).
Untreated tooth decay.
Advanced periodontal (gum) disease.
Functional issues due to crooked teeth (malocclusion).

If you suffer from bruxism, you may not be a good candidate because grinding will shorten the life of your veneers. If your natural teeth have decay or your oral health, in general, is poor, you may not be a good candidate. Remember, veneers do not address issues with oral health. They are strictly cosmetic. So tooth decay and gum disease will continue to progress even after getting cosmetic restorations.

Your dentist may advise you of other dental treatments, such as crowns or root canals, that better address your needs. Also, veneers don’t actually straighten your teeth, although they may appear to. Placing cosmetic restorations on crooked teeth with bite problems doesn’t fix the problem but can create more issues. Your dentist may recommend straightening your teeth with Invisalign or braces, which is the better option for fixing crooked teeth.

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Types of Veneers

There are various types of veneers with various materials. The most common types are porcelain (or ceramic) and composite veneers.

Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the epitome of the highly sought-after “smile makeover.” Your dentist will examine your teeth and bite to make sure you’re a good candidate. Then your dentist will go ahead and prep your teeth, make an impression, and then send it to a dental lab for the veneers to be fabricated.

Porcelain/ceramic veneers are not only durable and long-lasting but also incredibly stain-resistant, keeping your smile whiter. This material is also the best option for teeth with extensive damage, such as broken or darkly discoloured teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth, durable porcelain veneers are your best option. Also, a nightguard is imperative for protecting your teeth (and your investments) while you sleep.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers, made of resin, are not as strong as porcelain veneers. But they’re still a great option and are more affordable. The best part about composite veneers is that it only requires one dental visit for your dentist to form and bond to your teeth on the same day. If you don’t have many problems with your teeth, you may be a great candidate for composite veneers.

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No-Prep Veneers

Also known as Lumineers, no-preps are bonded to your teeth like composite resin. Here are the advantages of no-prep veneers:

Less tooth removal and prep to the natural teeth before application.
Typically, no shaving down of the teeth is necessary.
Usually doesn’t require anesthesia.
Less expensive.

Disadvantages of No-Prep

Unfortunately, these veneers don’t provide the same kind of results as traditional veneers, and the bulkier shape may look and feel different. It’s all about case selection when it comes to no-prep veneers. If it’s not the best fit for any specific case, the chance of failure is high. Plus, this type of restoration will require extremely diligent oral hygiene care.

Dental Veneers Procedure

Veneers do not require a specialist to place them. However, it’s important that your dentist has a lot of experience with veneers and has good patient reviews.

The Consultation

At your first visit, you will discuss with your dentist exactly what you’re looking for. Do you want to correct something specific or have a complete smile makeover? Bringing photos with you is helpful for your dentist to understand what you’re looking for.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and your overall dental health and discuss whether veneers are the right choice for your aesthetic goals. Then x-rays and impressions will be taken. Your dentist will ensure you have no untreated tooth decay or gum disease present. You and your dentist will choose the type of material, which will dictate treatment time.

The Application

At the next visit, your dentist will check your new veneers for colour, fit, shade, and shape. It may require some trimming and adjusting for the best fit. Then your dentist will clean, polish, and prep the tooth surface. A bonding agent will be used to cement the veneer onto the tooth. A curing light will cause polymerisation to activate the cement to harden. The excess cement will be removed, and final adjustments will be made. This final appointment lasts around 1-2 hours.

How to Care for Your Veneers

The more diligent you are about your oral hygiene care, the longer your veneers will last. Any new cavities or gum disease can lead to the loss of your veneers. Never use your teeth as tools to open packages or crack open nuts. And don’t bite down on foods that are too hard. This can damage your veneers as well as your teeth.

Here is what you need to do to protect your veneers and maintain great oral health:

Use a high-quality electric toothbrush.
Use the right toothpaste.
Floss every day.
Scrape your tongue.
Never miss a check-up/cleaning.
Wear a nightguard.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

The price ranges from £700 to £1,500 per tooth. This depends on the materials, dental lab time, consults, and X-rays. A full set of veneers (typically 6-12 front teeth) costs around £12,000 on average. Insurance usually doesn’t cover cosmetic dental treatment, so the expense will be out of pocket.

The Pros of Dental Veneers

The Pros

Veneers create beautiful aesthetic smiles.
Veneers can dramatically change the appearance of teeth after trauma or chipping.
They are the best solution for a white smile if your teeth are discoloured.
Veneers are extremely stain-resistant and durable.

Conclusion

Veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution for transforming damaged, discoloured, or crooked teeth. They offer many benefits, including a beautiful, natural-looking smile and long-lasting results. However, they are expensive and require careful consideration and maintenance.

If you are interested in veneers, consult with your dentist to determine if they are the right choice for you. Investing in your smile can boost your confidence and improve your overall appearance.

Contact us today for consultation

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

If you’re ready to invest in a confident, beautiful smile, Broxburn Smile Centre is here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and ensure you get the best possible results with veneers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your dream smile.