Porcelain veneers reviewed
Are they worth it?
Ever wondered how celebrities or people you personally know attain a perfect looking smile? Chances are, their cosmetic dentist have given them porcelain veneers to achieve this. But what are they, and why are they so widely touted as the gold standard (besides dental implants) by dentists in the cosmetic treatment space? In this post we’ll look into how they work, what they cost and tell all about them and help you decide if they’re right for you.
What are Porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain (as the name goes) which are custom made to fit and adhere to the surface of a patients teeth. This cosmetic dental treatment covers only the front surface of each tooth and will mimic the size, shape and colour of the teeth. Thereby creating as much of a natural look as possible and enhancing a patient’s smile.
This cosmetic dental treatment can be a great alternative for people seeking a long-term solution to persistent cosmetic concerns — particularly if other dental treatments are not viable for them. Treatments such as teeth whitening, metal braces, or retainers.
How do they work?
There are five steps that go into describing how veneers work on a patients teeth. You should check to see if your provider follows a similar step by step approach before going for a dental veneer treatment.
Consultation and Planning
The process begins with a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, you’ll discuss your goals for your smile, and the dentist will assess your teeth (and oral health) to determine if veneers are the right solution. They might take X-rays or make impressions of your teeth to plan the treatment.
Preparation
To prepare your teeth for veneers, the dentist typically removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the teeth. This makes room for the veneers and ensures they fit naturally in your mouth. The amount of enamel removed is usually very minimal, often less than a millimeter. After this, an impression of your teeth is taken, which is sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely.
Temporary Veneers (Optional)
If necessary, temporary veneers may be placed on your teeth while you wait for the permanent ones to be fabricated. These temporary coverings protect your teeth and give you an idea of how the final veneers will look and feel.
Bonding
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, the dentist will place them on your teeth to check their fit and colour. After making any necessary adjustments, the teeth receiving the veneers will be cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a strong bond. A special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed on your tooth. A curing light is used to harden the cement quickly, securing the veneer in place.
Final Adjustments and Follow-Up
After the veneers are bonded, the dentist may make final adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable bite. Any excess cement is removed, and your teeth are polished. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled to check how your gums are responding to the veneers and to make any further adjustments if needed.
Are porcelain veneers right for me?
Porcelain veneers can be an excellent cosmetic dental solution, but unfortunately they aren’t for everyone. Oral health, severe teeth misalignment and price considerations are to name a few of the barriers. However, several other factors need to be considered and we’ve listed them below for you:
Healthy Teeth and Gums:
Good Oral Health: Candidates should have generally healthy teeth and gums. Issues like tooth decay, gum disease, damage should be addressed before considering veneers.
Sufficient Enamel: Since a small amount of enamel is removed to place the veneers, candidates need to have enough healthy enamel on their teeth to ensure properadhesion.
Realistic Expectations:
Understanding the Procedure: A good candidate should understand what the veneer process involves, including the permanent alteration of their natural teeth.
Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcome. While veneers can enhance the appearance of your smile, they are not a solution for all dental issues.
Cosmetic Concerns:
Gaps or Misalignment: Large gaps between teeth or severe misalignments cannot be corrected with veneers alone.
Damaged teeth: Teeth that are severely damaged or severely worn down, cannot be improved with veneers alone.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene:
Good Oral Hygiene Practices: Candidates should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, as veneers require the same care as natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are essential to preserve the appearance and longevity of the veneers.
Desire for a Long-Term Solution:
Commitment to Long-Term Care: Veneers are a long-term commitment since the process is irreversible. Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of needing replacement veneers after many years of use. They typically last patients 20 years.
No Habitual Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
Bruxism Considerations: People who grind or clench their teeth may not be good candidates, as these habits can damage or break the veneers. However, if this is managed with a night guard, veneers may still be an option.
Porcelain veneers vs composite veneers
You may have heard of composite veneers when looking into porcelain ones, and probably wondered what’s the difference? Let’s briefly talk about what they are, and what makes them different. Composite veneers are thin layers of (tooth-colored) resin that are applied directly to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance.
Just like porcelain veneers they can be used to address cosmetic concerns like tooth discoloration, chips, gaps, and or minor misalignments.
Comparison at a glance
Do you remember how we said earlier that porcelain veneers are made in a lab before being applied to a patients teeth? Well composite veneers are usually shaped and bonded to the teeth in a single visit by a dentist. So as you can imagine this makes them less expensive.
Composite veneers are a essentially less invasive and a more affordable option. Now the downside however, is that they are less durable (usually last 5-10 years) and may need more frequent maintenance or replacement.
How much do they cost?
In terms of price comparison, composite veneers usually cost somewhere around £300-£500 per tooth whereas their peer costs around double that price range.The cost of porcelain veneers typically ranges from £600 to £1,000 per tooth (prices can be higher in top-end clinics), but this is dependent on various factors.
Where you go, for one, plays a big part. Places like Turkey and South America offer some of the most competitive prices. This may come at a risk however as clinics outside of Europe and North America are not bound to the same jurisdictions and therefore, if things go wrong, it can be harder to come to a solution.
Other factors that could influence the price of this treatment however are:
Material Quality: High-quality dental porcelain used for veneers is durable, stain-resistant, and closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth, contributing to the higher cost.
Complexity of the Case: The more complex the dental issue (e.g., extensive reshaping of the teeth), the higher the cost due to the additional time and skill required.
Dentist’s Expertise: The experience and reputation of the dentist plays a significant role in the cost of your cosmetic treatment. More experienced cosmetic dentists may charge higher fees.
Conclusion
Porcelain veneers offer a durable, natural-looking solution for improving the appearance of your teeth and correcting various cosmetic issues. However, they are a significant investment and involve a permanent alteration of your natural teeth.
In some cases patients can experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold after getting veneers due to the removal of the enamel. This usually subsides, but in some cases, it may persist. Also bear in mind that they are not permanent so take into account additional future costs down the line.
Weighing the pros and cons, along with consulting an experienced professional will be your best bet to see if porcelain veneers are the right choice for your dental needs and aesthetic goals.