Dental Veneers: Uses, Procedures, Costs, and Results

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that can make a huge difference to the way you look, allowing you to regain your confidence and smile with pride. However, before going ahead, it’s worth understanding the different types of veneers, the procedure and what to expect. 

 

What Are Veneers?

Made of either porcelain or composite resin, veneers are thin shells designed to perfectly cover the front of your teeth. They are then permanently bonded to the teeth’s surface to stay firmly in place. While dental veneers are primarily a cosmetic dental treatment, they also have other oral health benefits. They can replace enamel that has been worn down and protect your underlying teeth from further damage. 

 

Why Are Veneers Popular?

Veneer teeth are a popular treatment option as they offer a quick solution to cover imperfections and restore your smile. The procedure is less intrusive and less expensive than alternatives like crowns and braces. And no one needs to know what you’ve done; they are discreet, robust, stain-resistant and long-lasting.

 

Can Everyone Get Veneers?

Dental veneers are suitable for many dental problems. So, whether you have crooked, chipped or misaligned or stained teeth, they can provide the solution. However, it’s worth noting that they won’t be able to correct issues such as severely misaligned teeth, overbites and underbites. You’ll also need to consider whether you have good oral health and a sufficient layer of enamel on your teeth.

 

What are the Different Types of Veneers?

While all veneers effectively do the same job of covering up imperfections and improving your smile, there are three different types to choose from:

  • Porcelain veneers – these are made from the most durable, natural-looking and stain-resistant material. However, treatment time is longer as they need to be custom-made in a laboratory. 
  • Composite veneers – while you will still have a natural-looking smile, composite veneers don’t quite have the same sheen, look and feel as porcelain. However, they are made and fitted by your dentist in a single appointment. 
  • Lumineers – constructed with ultra-thin laminate, lumineers are easier to place on the tooth’s surface and can be removed at a later date if required. 

 

Do They Shave Your Teeth for Veneers?

To fit dental veneers, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel from your existing teeth. The reason for this is to create a better surface for the veneer to bond to. The veneer then replaces the removed enamel, leaving your teeth the same thickness as they were previously. 

 

How Much Do Teeth Get Shaved Down?

Generally, only a very thin amount of enamel needs to be removed to place veneers. This is usually no more than 0.5 millimetres, about the thickness of a fingernail. However, for lumineers, less enamel needs to be removed as the veneers are only 0.3 millimetres thick. 

 

Veneers vs Lumineers

Lumineers are very similar to traditional veneers, looking natural and correcting a wide range of dental problems. However, they offer a couple of distinct advantages:

  • Thinner – lumineers are just 0.3 millimetres thick compared to 0.5 millimetres for traditional veneers.
  • Faster – less enamel needs to be removed, which makes the procedure quicker and more comfortable.
  • Removable – as no tooth structure is removed, lumineers can be removed at a later date to expose the natural teeth. 
  • Less expensive – although the cost varies amongst providers, the lack of required prep work makes lumineers a less expensive option. 

Porcelain veneers do have some advantages too. As they are made from a thicker material than lumineers they are more durable and long-lasting. 

 

Disadvantages of Veneers

If you are considering having traditional composite resin or porcelain veneers, you need to be aware that it is a permanent solution. While your teeth won’t be damaged, the enamel that is removed from your teeth can’t be restored. So your veneer teeth are there to stay and will need to be replaced if they become chipped or broken. 

 

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

It’s very difficult to give an exact  amount for how much veneers cost as it depends on several factors. The type of veneers you choose, the number of veneers you need and the Sydney dentist that places them will all influence the veneers’ price. 

 

Are Veneers Worth It?

Your smile is important; if you’re not happy with it, veneers offer a great solution. While they aren’t suitable for all dental problems, they are perfect for masking minor imperfections. As a versatile, cost-effective and long-lasting cosmetic procedure, veneers are certainly worth considering.

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