Porcelain veneers are a great way to help a person improve the appearance of their teeth and achieve their perfect smile. They may also help to boost confidence but unfortunately, as a cosmetic dentistry procedure, they do come with a relatively high price tag.
While many people want veneers, others feel it’s an investment that they can’t justify. Ultimately, the question “are veneers worth it?” can only be answered by the individual and their budget.
So what dental problems can veneers fix?
Dental veneers are extremely versatile and can fix such problems as:
- Crooked teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped teeth
What do dental veneers do?
A veneer is a covering for a tooth. As an example, you’ve probably heard of furniture with a wood veneer. This means that the structure has been made with less expensive materials and covered with a thin layer of wood to give a more prestigious finish.
In the case of dental veneers, the ‘hidden’ structure is the natural tooth and the covering is porcelain.
Put simply, a dentist can change the appearance of your smile by covering your teeth with porcelain. Veneers enable him or her to change the colour, size and shape and overall appearance of the teeth.
It’s important to understand that veneers don’t replace teeth nor do they change the way they come together (your bite). They are just thin tooth-shaped shells that cover the visible surfaces of the teeth.
Veneers can conceal minor orthodontic problems such as spacing (gaps) and mild crowding to give the appearance of a straighter, more even smile. We’re not exaggerating when we say that porcelain veneers enable you to make drastic changes to your smile in an instant.
So, “are veneers worth it?”
To answer this question, you’d have to consider how much you dislike the way your smile looks at present. If you find you cover your mouth with your hand when you smile or laugh, or even worse try not to smile at all because you don’t want other people to see your teeth, then dental veneers could completely change your interaction with others.
Types of veneers
Naturally, when discussing whether veneers are worth it or not, it helps to know the types of veneers that are available. Here at Beyond Infinity Dental, there are 2 types of dental veneers to choose from.
Porcelain veneers – These are strong, durable, shell-like covers which are stain-resistant so you won’t have to worry about discolouration from coffee and red wine, for example. Porcelain also has a translucency similar to that of tooth enamel and can be shade-matched to the colour of your teeth so that it blends in perfectly and looks natural.
With proper care, they can last up to 15 years. However, because a thin layer of tooth enamel often has to be removed to accommodate the veneer, they need to be considered as a permanent option because once the enamel has been removed, there’s no turning back.
Composite veneers – These are made from the same material used for white dental fillings and rather than being fabricated in a lab they’re moulded directly onto your teeth by your dentist. composites could be considered a semi-permanent procedure. On the downside, while they look natural they are prone to staining and are not as durable as porcelain veneers. At most, you can expect them to last between 5 and 7 years.
What about the pros and cons of dental veneers?
Provided your dentist has done a good job and you do an equally good job of caring for your smile at home, your veneers have the potential to last for a great many years.
One of the most obvious benefits of veneers is the stability of their colour. Since porcelain is shiny and glass-like, it doesn’t attract plaque build-up or stain like natural teeth. This is why the procedure is often referred to as ‘permanent whitening’. The major downside is their cost and that they will need to be replaced at some time between 5-15 years.
By covering and concealing teeth that are cracked, stained, or irregularly shaped, porcelain veneers can make a person look younger and unlike facial injectables, they don’t have to be repeated every six months or so.
How long do dental veneers last?
In essence, two factors determine the longevity of porcelain veneers. The first is to choose a dentist highly experienced in veneers and the second is how well you care for them.
You will be the one responsible for the maintenance required to prevent cavities from developing at the edge of the veneers and to prevent your veneers from chipping and breaking from bad habits such as nail-biting, using your teeth as tools, and teeth grinding.
Good oral hygiene and daily flossing combined with professional cleaning are paramount to maintaining your perfect new smile and keeping cavities at bay. Often patients that have undergone new dental work protect their porcelain veneers by wearing a nightguard when they sleep.
So in answer to your questions “are veneers worth it?” you might want to consider that with proper maintenance, your veneers could outlast a new car and any other significant investment.
Are there options to make veneers more affordable?
Many people assume they need to cover all 6 front teeth with veneers but this isn’t always the case.
Think carefully about what you most dislike about your smile. Perhaps it’s just a single tooth that is slightly rotated or you consider two side teeth to be too small. Some people can achieve their perfect smile by opting for one or two veneers.
Sure, dentists can cover all of your teeth with veneers to perform a complete smile makeover but that isn’t the only option. By combining teeth whitening and straightening with clear aligners, you may still be able to achieve your smile goals.
To sum up
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry then be sure to speak to your dentist about how you want your smile to look, including the things you want to be changed, and ask for all the options to help you achieve your goal of a perfect smile.
Why not book an appointment with Beyond Infinity Dental. We’re highly experienced in porcelain veneers and all aspects of cosmetic dentistry and will help you achieve a smile that you’ll love. Call us on (02) 8806 3799 today.
