Many people wonder, “Why are veneers so expensive, how long do veneer teeth last, and what the pros and cons of veneers are.” This article will offer answers to these questions. If you’re considering getting veneers, the first step is to identify the best dentist for veneers. Your next step is to set up a consultation to express your specific needs. Some of the most important factors you need to discuss with your dentist include the cost, available financing, options, preferences, and timelines.

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers continue to be thin porcelain covers that dentists attach to the front surface of your teeth to correct teeth imperfections. Veneers are permanent, and they enable you to achieve the look that you desire. Veneers are the color of natural teeth, and dentists bond them to the teeth. It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between veneers and natural teeth. Veneers can help you change the color, shape, size, and length of your teeth to improve your appearance. Remember that veneers are cosmetic, and they do not replace your natural teeth. They only cover the visible parts. 

Using Shade Guide to Check Veneer of Tooth Crown

What Teeth Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

Veneers are usually used to cover minor orthodontic problems like:

  • Mild crowding and gaps
  • Crooked teeth
  • Discolored teeth due to root canal treatments, stains from drugs, excess fluoride, large resin fillings. Veneers are usually used to fix discoloration that bleaching cannot fix.
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Worn-down teeth due to erosion or teeth-grinding habits
  • Teeth which are irregularly shaped, misaligned, or uneven

Types of Veneers

There are several types of veneers. The types depend on the materials used and the permanence of the veneers. Veneers are mostly made from porcelain, but there are alternative veneers made from resin composite material.

  • Porcelain veneers resemble natural teeth. They are extremely durable when they are properly maintained. The biggest advantage of porcelain veneers is their resistance to stains. They are permanent and last for 8 – 15 years. However, porcelain veneers take long to apply, and they are expensive.
  • Resin composite veneers also resemble natural teeth. Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers and are permanent. However, they get stains with time and are weaker than porcelain veneers.
  • No-prep veneers are those that need minimal alterations to the teeth. Unlike traditional veneers, which involve removing coats of the tooth beneath the enamel, no-prep veneers only affect the enamel. No-prep veneers include lumineers and veneers. Lumineers are not permanent, and they do not last as long as the traditional veneers.

How Long Do Veneer Teeth Last?

Traditional porcelain veneers generally last for around 10 – 15 years before you need to replace them. No-prep veneers last for 5 – 7 years. However, note that the lifespan of veneers depends on how well the dentist fixed them and how well you maintain them after installation. You should find the best dentist for veneers to ensure your veneers last longer.

The aftercare is crucial. You will need to maintain your veneers to avoid developing new cavities, chipping them, or breaking them. While veneers do not require any special care, you need to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure that they last long. Some of the measures that help keep the veneers in good condition include brushing, flossing, and rinsing using antiseptic mouthwash. You might need to avoid stain-causing foods like coffee, tea, and red wine.

In addition to general oral hygiene, you can take the following precautions to keep veneers intact:

  • Avoid biting hard objects like fingernails
  • Do not use your teeth to open bottles and packages
  • If you grind your teeth at night, get a splint or a retainer to protect the veneers
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
  • Visit the dentist for regular cleanings to maintain your oral health and the longevity of the veneers

Why Are Veneers So Expensive?

The cost of applying veneers varies in different parts of the country. The amount spent also depends on the kind of work as well as the quality of work. The best dentists tend to cost more. Traditional porcelain veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. The cost of composite veneers is roughly $250 to $1,500 per tooth.

Several factors contribute to the high cost of veneers, including the cost of customization and the quality of materials used. The number of teeth that you want to treat is also a factor. Another factor is the longevity and durability of veneers. When properly cared for, veneers last up to 15 years. These factors justify the high cost of veneers.

Porcelain veneers are the most expensive because they resemble natural teeth. Porcelain veneers mimic the light-reflecting property of natural teeth. They are stronger and more durable compared to resin composite veneers. Applying traditional veneers usually involves more intensive prep work than the no-prep veneers, which may be a factor that influences the price.

Generally, insurance policies do not cover veneers; many companies consider it a cosmetic treatment. Having to cover the entire cost makes the cost of applying veneers seem very high to most people. Therefore, if you’re asking the question, “Are veneers worth it?”, then you have to weigh the benefits against the cost.

There are ways to minimize the cost without compromising the quality of work. First, you can get the veneers for only a specific set of teeth. You don’t have to get veneers for all your teeth. Discuss your goals with your dentist, and let your dentist advise you accordingly.

Secondly, there are financing options for the procedure. Many dentists offer payment plans for this procedure, so you don’t have to pay everything all at once. Alternatively, you can access third-party financing from companies like CareCredit.

The Pros and Cons of Veneers

You should do careful research before deciding to get veneers. This is because veneers are permanent. For traditional veneers, the process of applying veneers involves grinding down the tooth structure even past the enamel. This process is irreversible, and you can only replace the veneers. Furthermore, the procedure is very costly, and you should do it only if you’re ready to invest in it.

Pros

It’s the best way to whiten teeth permanently. For people with stained and unevenly colored teeth that bleach cannot treat, porcelain veneers are the best way to whiten your smile.

Veneers are a great replacement for worn-down enamel. Highly acidic food, forceful brushing, and digestive acids may cause erosion of the enamel, making teeth look bad. Dental veneers are the best way to correct enamel erosion and abrasion.

Veneers help fix minor cosmetic issues to make smiles even more beautiful. Dentists can fix issues like chipped teeth, unevenly shaped teeth, and gaps between teeth.

Healthy White Smile Close Up

Cons

Here are a few cons to having veneers:

  • The procedure is costly
  • It is irreversible
  • Increased sensitivity

Are Veneers Worth It?

The answer to this depends on how much you like having a perfect smile. It’s a long-term investment and there’s minimal maintenance cost after applying veneers. The pros of applying veneers outweigh the cons. Moreover, the longevity of veneers is a very important factor. For most people, veneers are more than worth it.

It is now clear what veneers are, what problems veneers fix, the pros and cons of getting veneers, and their longevity. Was this information helpful? Contact our team at Dental and Facial Aesthetics of South Florida if you’d like to achieve the perfect smile with dental veneers.