The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are coverings affixed to the fronts of teeth to improve their appearance. Dentists apply them as a cosmetic procedure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291f1dfd56-f128-4f95-ae8f-9f113aedee88 If you’ve ever encountered the term “Hollywood smile,” veneers are probably involved.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294c35c578-07f6-4e80-b427-e9c2201dab57 Depending on your needs, some types of veneers might be more suitable for you than others. Ideally, veneers are effective at beautifying your smile, blend in with your natural teeth, don’t need special maintenance, and last for over a decade. But they can be expensive and require the removal of some tooth enamel.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b929e1d8-0428-4a11-8089-7bdbe3fc108f Read on to learn all about how veneers work, the different types, as well as the benefits and risks of having them.
Veneers What Are Veneers? Dental veneers are permanent false surfaces for the teeth, used to cover teeth that are broken, chipped, stained, or crooked.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ef0e9c3f-bf16-4d73-ae24-2920d6b83f4c According to Cleveland Clinic, they are among the most common cosmetic dental procedures.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fa829e9c-2258-448b-8478-357568ea9876 Cosmetic dentists custom-make veneers to camouflage aesthetic flaws, including gaps, cracks, chips, and discoloration, using materials such as porcelain or a composite resin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762997a6096a-8e3c-4494-8a51-9aef5fd60c58 To fit a veneer, the dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth to help the veneer look natural. But first, they will take a mold of the teeth, called an impression. This is to guide a dental lab as they custom-build veneers for an individual’s unique dental needs and shade. Temporary veneers are usually given to the patient while the lab builds the final set. At the next appointment, the dentist cleans, adjusts, and bonds the new veneer to the teeth.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629684bbd48-2056-4c75-84bf-fe668c6adc73 Veneers differ from dental crowns in that crowns aim to restore damaged or broken teeth by covering the whole tooth.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629534f03da-5e1c-4626-b46b-9648e0a0e003 Veneers cover only the fronts of the teeth and don’t repair the teeth in any way. With veneers, the only aim is to improve the appearance of the teeth. Insurance will often not pay for dental veneers, because they’re considered a cosmetic procedure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fa195e95-e5c0-4ce8-bcf8-b81a764ee572
Who Gets Them Who Gets Veneers? Anyone who is interested in cosmetic enhancements to their teeth may benefit from discussing veneers with a dentist. While they don’t treat any particular dental condition, they may conceal or enhance the appearance of several cosmetic issues, including:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295a3cd556-a3d9-4de5-b0cb-29a72ff2c117 Broken teeth Chipped teeth Gaps between teeth Stains that teeth whitening doesn’t remove Crooked or misshapen teeth On the other hand, if any of the below applies to you, veneers are probably not the best solution. You clench or grind your teeth, as veneers may chip or break.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629acf52d9f-dd9f-45be-b68d-39f57aa89a25 You have an overbite.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629acf52d9f-dd9f-45be-b68d-39f57aa89a25 You have gum disease or cavities; a dentist can’t place veneers on unhealthy gums and teeth and may recommend treating underlying issues first.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295a3cd556-a3d9-4de5-b0cb-29a72ff2c117 According to a 2022 survey study of 2,061 in the Middle East, younger individuals with a higher education level and socioeconomic status were more likely to get dental veneers than other groups.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762953dce127-aa3c-4957-8716-a303def59be3
Types Types of Veneers Several types of veneers are available. Differences between them include the material used, and the amount of enamel a dentist needs to remove to install them. Factors to consider when picking between different types of veneer include cost, durability, prep time, and longevity. Porcelain Veneers These are thin shells that a dentist customizes and attaches to the front of the teeth. They often cost more than other types of veneers, but they look very natural, are highly durable, and last the longest.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e2246d3f-6697-4ea1-a148-21925b48c7db A dentist does not need to remove as much enamel as they would for a crown. Porcelain veneers are also highly stain-resistant.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762971d3e031-1852-4a1d-a70d-d8a50e216df0 Composite Veneers These are made from the same material as fillings, and are the same color as teeth. They require less enamel removal and fewer dentist visits than porcelain veneers and are easier to repair after damage. But they are also more susceptible to wear and tear and stain more easily than porcelain options.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294f345110-6a83-4c58-8ecb-5b3b66f43fca Composite veneers can be ready in a single visit and tend to cost less than porcelain veneers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629404f382d-e86a-45ab-90ad-9b8d8721701c No-Prep and Minimal-Prep Veneers These are less invasive than other types of veneers, as the dentist does not need to remove as much enamel.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b12cfe81-b0ac-43cd-8f8a-c38ac8ca122b Specific brands include Lumineers, Vivaneers, and Durathin.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292deb81d7-ceec-4247-b97e-357fa782c26e No-prep and minimal-prep veneers are also potentially reversible and don’t require the use of anesthesia during the procedure. People with small or well-positioned teeth may be ideal candidates for no-prep veneers, but a dentist can advise on whether these are suitable.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290ac48a94-c3d6-4bb6-a26f-22d9cfc394e5 Removable Veneers These provide a newer alternative to permanent veneers for those who don’t wish to alter the structure of their teeth long-term. Removable veneers are also called pop-on or snap-on veneers. Like other veneers, they cover the teeth to disguise irregularities, except you can take these veneers out any time you want. But they can affect functions like eating or speech while attached to the teeth. As a relatively new treatment, more research is necessary to understand the impact on removable veneers but discuss with a dentist whether they’re safe and suitable for you.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d9a2ec3-93e3-46ca-9089-47779143bb89
Pros and Cons Pros and Cons of Veneers Veneers aren’t for everyone, but they have distinct advantages and disadvantages that can help you make the right choice to best fit your needs. Different types of veneers also have specific pros and cons over each other. For example, porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, but they’re also more durable and stain-resistant.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294f93ead4-6e2b-4b21-90e1-29c21056138d Pros Veneers can help people achieve whiter, more even looking teeth. This can help to boost confidence while still blending with their natural tooth color and disguising discolored, chipped, or cracked teeth. They’re better at resisting stains than natural enamel, and don’t require extra maintenance either. They can last 10–15 years with the correct aftercare.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297bf68b07-d3a3-40e8-bc46-14a2c829bb86 While some enamel removal is often necessary, a dentist doesn’t need to remove as much as other dental procedures may require.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762959f17516-e53c-419b-bfc8-e186479b1743 Cons Most types of veneers come at the cost of natural enamel, which a dentist must remove before bonding the veneers. Porcelain and composite veneers are also permanent and can make teeth more sensitive to temperature changes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d8129209-95da-4eed-9da6-8d3d644f2d11 Veneers can also crack or become dislodged, especially in people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw. Once cracked or dislodged, extra procedures may be required to reattach, repair, or replace the veneer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293aa5c291-546d-482d-89c6-e126a2e6a842 The cost of veneers might also restrict access for many people, even though some more cost-effective types are available. Unfortunately, insurance will often decline claims for veneers because it is a cosmetic procedure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297bf68b07-d3a3-40e8-bc46-14a2c829bb86 People should also be aware that many unlicensed “veneer technicians” do exist and operate, and these services come with a risk of dental infection and nerve damage.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296baaabdf-97d5-4efe-860a-c29a46d62bba Before agreeing to treatment, use the American Association of Dental Boards’ directory to find licensed cosmetic dentists who can ensure that treatment is safe and without risk.
Cost How Much Do Veneers Cost? Dental veneers can be expensive, and the price depends on several factors, including:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629efecc59d-441d-46af-a4d8-b6455f5fd7b4 The type Your location The skill of the dentist Veneer manufacturer Number of teeth receiving treatment The level of prep necessary The materials used Insurance does not usually cover dental veneers, as most providers will not pay for cosmetic procedures.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298b1ca4a9-359c-44bc-a746-9b5f7e86dc7c Porcelain veneers are the most expensive type. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, they can last 10–15 years and usually cost around $1,000–$2,500 per tooth.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762996442762-2211-43c7-95b0-99f6645b36d0 Composite veneers cost roughly $400–$2,000 for each tooth and last 5–7 years. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762923a2ed30-bba8-4b01-a8a6-f4cbcd92a239The price of no-prep veneers varies per brand, but Lumineers may cost around $800–$2,000 per tooth.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629842ae3a4-0628-4854-9851-705877f7ef71 Many cosmetic dentists provide financing options or payment plans for veneers. If the cost of veneers is restrictive but you feel like you’d benefit, and your dentist advises getting them, make sure to ask about a monthly payment plan, or how they’d accommodate third-party financing like CareCredit.
Recovery Recovery and Outlook Veneers might feel unusual at first, and even uncomfortable. They will also affect how you bite. Dentists can adjust this before you leave the office, and they should become more comfortable after a few days as you get used to them.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fdecb5e9-ff35-438d-a974-9b6f81b6f394 That said, negative effects will likely be minimal, and you’ll be able to return to your usual routine on the same day as the appointment. Once the anesthesia has worn off after the appointment, you’ll be fine to eat and drink. With good care and maintenance, dental veneers last 10–15 years on average, but this greatly depends on the type and material.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a43096bb-4d8f-45df-979d-0ddfd534dda3 To care for veneers, brush your teeth twice daily using nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a43096bb-4d8f-45df-979d-0ddfd534dda3 Use antibacterial mouthwash twice a day and floss between the teeth daily. This can help prevent cavities, which may still occur with a veneer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762932d96147-64d3-429f-b236-6413d45c07bf Avoid using your teeth to open packages or to replace tools or your hands for any purpose. You should also try to avoid biting fingernails or chewing on hard objects, as this risks damaging the veneer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292eb55861-a0c2-4665-b871-636ed07a7037 Attend routine exams and cleanings with your dentist to ensure you stay on top of your veneer hygiene.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e906b33-a47c-4c10-a441-1e4ba2e4c86d Protecting the teeth with a mouthguard during rigorous physical activity or contact sports is also a good idea, to prevent potential damage to the veneer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629723a6270-83a3-4127-b3da-79947e4bbe99
Takeaway The Takeaway Veneers are an effective and permanent way to whiten and straighten broken, chipped, or discolored teeth. Talk to a cosmetic dentist about whether you’re a better candidate for porcelain or composite or a method with minimal enamel removal and which may suit your needs and dental health better. Before committing to treatment, stick to licensed cosmetic dental professionals to limit the risks of infection and nerve damage. Remember that veneers are not for everyone, as they aren’t meant to repair broken teeth and are more of a cosmetic improvement. If you are worried about your teeth, speak to a dentist to discuss all other available options.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: VeneersAmerican Dental Association: Veneers