Your smile is one of the best features you have but is also something that can make you feel self-conscious if you have cosmetic dentistry issues. Luckily, there are plenty of options that can be used to correct cosmetic issues with your smile. One of the most popular options for fixing damaged or yellow teeth is veneers.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that people get. They are thin covers that your dentist can place on your teeth to help you improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. Veneers are often used to cover discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps, and other minor issues that don’t interfere with your day-to-day life but do impact your confidence and your feelings towards your smile. Veneers also protect your teeth from wear and tear that can happen to teeth that are more fragile. If you decide to get veneers, they are custom-tailored to your teeth and situation. Veneers can be placed by your dentist, and look totally normal. The most common materials used for veneers are resin, porcelain, and ceramic.
Ceramic Veneers
Ceramic veneers are the easiest material to use for your veneers, as they don’t require your teeth to be shaped, and they are custom-made for your teeth. Ceramic veneers are made with materials that are bio-inert and resistant to infections, an important feature when considering dental work. Molds are made of your teeth and then a lab will create custom-fit veneers. Ceramic veneers can be customized in color to either match your teeth or improve the color of your teeth. If you are trying to whiten your teeth, it may be good to look into whitening as well. Veneers are only placed on the front of your teeth, so having veneers that are more than a shade or two different from your actual tooth color will stand out.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are very similar to ceramic veneers, but they are more durable and can last longer than ceramic veneers. On average, porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years, and if you take good care of them, they can last for the rest of your life. Like ceramic veneers, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth before having the veneers custom-made. In the meantime, they may give you temporary veneers to wear, especially if you are getting veneers to repair the damage. Porcelain is stain-resistant, which means you won’t need to worry about drinking wine or coffee and the stains that other people may have to worry about. Porcelain veneers do require the dentist to contour your teeth in order to fit perfectly and last for a long time. Porcelain also has a level of translucency, which allows them to reflect light, similar to your real teeth. This improves the appearance of your teeth and allows your veneers to look more natural.
Which One Should You Choose?
The other type of veneers that you can choose are made from resin, but these are lower quality than porcelain or ceramic, so they shouldn’t be your choice unless there aren’t other options or your dentist thinks they would work best for your situation. When choosing between porcelain and ceramic, the very first thing you should do is talk to your dentist about the materials they use and what they recommend you use. They understand the condition of your teeth and what will work best for you and your lifestyle. In general, porcelain veneers are stronger and better for you than ceramic veneers. They have a more natural appearance, and they tend to last longer than any other kind of veneer, which will save you money. If you do get veneers, it is important to keep visiting the dentist regularly to make sure they don’t come loose and that any needed adjustments are made.
While veneers aren’t usually covered by insurance, you may be able to get them to cover some of the cost if it is medically necessary. You can also use your HSA or FSA to pay for some of the cost. Veneers can be very helpful for improving your self-confidence and keeping your teeth healthy.
Want to learn more about veneers and how they can help? Click here to learn about the materials that we use!
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Answers for Ceramic Veneers
What are ceramic veneers?
Ceramic veneers, in this context, are thin layers made from composite resin, a plastic-based material, bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They are less invasive and often applied without significant tooth preparation, making them suitable for patients seeking quick cosmetic enhancements. This aligns with the website’s description of not requiring teeth to be shaped, offering a conservative approach to smile improvement.
How long do ceramic veneers last?
Research suggests composite veneers, mislabeled as “ceramic” here, typically last between 5 to 7 years with proper care. Factors influencing lifespan include oral hygiene, material quality, and habits like teeth grinding. For example, Healthline notes a range of 5 to 10 years, while other Dental experts specify 5 to 7 years for composite options, emphasizing maintenance like regular brushing and dental visits.
How much are ceramic veneers?
The cost of ceramic veneers (composite) can range from $250 to $1,000 per tooth, depending on factors like geographic location, dentist expertise, and the number of veneers. For instance, some dental experts note composite veneers cost less than porcelain, fitting within this range, which helps patients plan financially.
Detailed Answers for Porcelain Veneers
How much are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers typically cost between $500 and $2,500 per tooth, with an average of around $1,500, varying by location and dentist. This range reflects their higher durability and natural appearance, highlighting their investment value for long-term smile enhancement.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells made from feldspar-based porcelain, bonded to the front of teeth to improve appearance. They require more tooth preparation, often involving enamel removal, but offer a natural look and greater resistance to staining. This aligns with Cleveland Clinic, which describes them as custom-made for cosmetic enhancements, ideal for covering chips and discoloration.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
