Understanding The Concept Of Dental Veneers

The Basics of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of the teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length to improve your appearance. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or resin composite material. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the properties of natural teeth. However, resin veneers tend to be thinner thus, requiring the removal of less of the tooth surface before placement.

Why You Might Need Veneers

Dental veneers can be used to fix a variety of dental issues. They can deal with discolored teeth, which could be as a result of stains from tetracycline and other drugs, root canal treatment, or excessive fluoride. Size and shape can also be a concern; if you have teeth that are worn down, broken or chipped, uneven, irregularly shaped, or you're dealing with a gap, veneers might be the right choice for you. It's a less intrusive option than crowning and can offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to bonding.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers offer several advantages, including a natural teeth appearance, gum-friendliness, stain resistance, and you can select the color of veneers for your aesthetic purposes. Besides, veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color and shape. Despite these advantages, veneers also have their disadvantages. They are irreversible, costly, and not repairable if they chip or crack. Another notable drawback is that your teeth could become sensitive to hot and cold.

Determining The Cost Of Veneers

The Factors That Influence The Cost of Veneers

The cost of dental veneers varies depending on several factors. These may include the specific type of veneers you opt for, the skill level of the dentist, your geographical location, and any additional procedures you might need. Notable here is, generally, porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive than composite resin alternatives but are more durable and appear more naturally like real teeth.

Range of Costs

Dental veneers are typically a cosmetic procedure that's not usually covered by insurance. Therefore, they can be expensive and pricing varies. For instance, traditional porcelain veneers can run between $925 to $2,500 per tooth but can last 10 to 15 years. Composite veneers cost approximately $250 to $1500 per tooth but only last between 5 to 7 years. When it comes to costs, planning is important because budget constraints invariably become a significant consideration factor.

Ways To Lower Veneer Costs

Even though dental veneers can be expensive, there are several ways to lower the costs. Firstly, you could consider getting the procedure done at a dental school where costs are typically lower. Alternatively, you might want to look at dental tourism where you travel to a foreign country to have the procedure done at a lower cost. However, it's essential to research well and understand the potential risks involved in these options.

Other Important Aspects To Consider

Consultation

Prior to getting veneers, a consultation is important. The consultation allows you to discuss with your dentist what you hope to achieve and allows your dentist to examine your teeth to ensure veneers are appropriate for you. They might take X-rays or make impressions of your mouth and teeth, which could add to the costs.

Preparation

To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will reshape the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. This phase involves a local anesthetic to numb the area. Afterward, the dentist will make an impression, or model, of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory to construct your veneer.

Maintenance

The condition of your teeth after veneers depends on you. Brush and floss daily to avoid issues like gum disease, which can affect your veneers. You should also visit your dentist for regular professional maintenance because porcelain veneers should be polished with a specially formulated, non-abrasive paste.