We know that getting your teeth fixed is not an easy task. It takes a lot of time and effort to consider what’s best for your teeth. But fret not, we will explain all the things you need to know about veneers. This might help you with deciding if the treatment is suitable for you.
Porcelain Veneers: Pros, Cons, & Price
Porcelain veneer is one type of ceramic veneer. The procedure of this kind of dental treatment includes removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth, cementing the porcelain to the teeth and shaping them so that the veneers appear natural.
The image above displays a patient's teeth condition before and after veneer treatment. With the addition of veneers, all of the gaps have been filled and teeth staining has also improved.
Pros • Durability: Porcelain veneers will typically last for 10 to 15 years. • Natural: It will appear natural compared to other types of veneers. • Stain Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, unlike natural tooth enamel.
Cons • Expensive: This type of material is more expensive than other materials. • Irreversible: The procedure involves removing a small amount of the tooth's original structure. • Fragility: They can still be damaged by excessive force, such as teeth grinding, despite their high level of resilience.
Cost Porcelain veneers, well-known for their longevity, generally start at a cost of $600 per tooth. These veneers' higher cost is partially justified by the longer lifespan they offer compared to other types.
Composite Veneers: Pros, Cons, & Price
Like porcelain veneers, composite veneers are applied to your teeth, but the material is made of composite. They can be used to cover the whole teeth or to fill in broken or chipped teeth.
The image above displays a patient's teeth condition before and after veneer treatment. The chipped teeth are all filled in with veneers, giving her an improved smile.
Pros • Less Expensive: Compared to porcelain veneers, they are significantly less expensive. • Minimally Invasive: The process to apply composite veneers is less invasive, with less, if any, of the original tooth removed. • Time: They can usually be applied in a single visit, as they are sculpted directly onto the teeth.
Cons • Durability: They don't last as long as porcelain veneers and typically need to be replaced more often. • Stain Vulnerability: Composite material is more vulnerable to staining and discoloration over time. • Less Natural Appearance: Even though they can be made to look natural, they might not be able to replicate porcelain’s quality.
Cost In contrast to porcelain, composite veneers offer a more economical approach to improving your smile. Prices for these budget-friendly dental enhancements range from $180 to $300 per tooth.
Snap On Veneers: Pros, Cons, & Price
Snap on veneers is a customised veneer that can be carried and worn anytime. All you have to do is to snap it onto your teeth and it will cover your teeth imperfections.
Pros • Affordable: Compared to a lot of other dental appliances and treatments, snap on veneers is one of the cheapest options. • Non-permanent: If you want a less permanent solution for your teeth problems, snap on veneers can be helpful as they are removable. • Non-Invasive: Snap-on veneers are not invasive, meaning they don't require any drilling or reshaping of your natural teeth, unlike traditional veneers or crowns.
Cons • Less Natural Appearance: The teeth might appear overly uniform, which can sometimes give them an artificial appearance. • Maintenance: Like any dental appliance, it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent staining and the buildup of bacteria. • Limited Functionality: While you can eat and drink while wearing snap-on veneers, doing so may cause them to wear out more quickly.
Cost Snap-On veneers can be acquired for a cost ranging from $30 to $300 per dental arch. The price of these removable dental appliances can vary based on factors such as tooth size and shape, ensuring a custom fit for every individual.
Comparing the Various Types of Veneers
| Porcelain Veneers | Composite Veneers | Snap On Veneers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 5-10 years | 2-5 years |
| Appearance | Natural | Less Natural | Less Natural |
| Material | Ceramic | Composite Resin | Resin | Flexibility | Cannot be removed without professional help | Cannot be removed without professional help | Removable |
Alternatives for Veneers You still have time to think about your options if you're not sure if a veneer treatment is the best choice for you. There are still several choices available, including dental implants, braces, clear aligners, tooth whitening, dentures, dental crowns and bridges.
Braces If your teeth are misaligned, then braces might be the best solution. This includes all types of braces like traditional braces, self ligating braces, and lingual braces.
Clear Aligners If you are not a fan of braces and prefer to be discrete about aligning your teeth, clear aligners can also be an option. They are transparent and removable, making them less noticeable.
Teeth Whitening Treatment If your main concern is stained teeth, professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) could be a good option. While this won't change the shape or position of your teeth, it can significantly brighten your smile.
Dentures Another alternative to veneers would be dentures. They are a removable replacement for missing teeth. They come in two types: full dentures for replacing all teeth and partial dentures for replacing one or few missing teeth.
Dental Crowns/Bridge Dental crowns are tooth caps to cover your weak or broken teeth which results in restoring the tooth's original shape. Meanwhile, a dental bridge is used to fill the space left by one or more lost teeth between two healthy teeth.
Dental Implants This option is perfect for people who are missing their tooth. However, the procedure can be more expensive and complicated compared to veneers since it involves a dental prosthetic that is inserted into the jaw.
Unsure if you are a suitable candidate for veneer? Reach out to us today and we will provide you with a Free Smile Consultation.
