by Gabriella Choi
Veneers have become more popular as people seek titanium white caps to replace their naturally yellow hued teeth, and many people have decided to become "veneer techs" to satisfy the increased demand. However, there are extreme risks to visiting these allegedly licensed veneer technicians. First, the only people who are legally allowed and certified to do veneers for patients are state board certified dentists. Therefore, veneer techs are actually performing this dental work illegally! Second, many veneer techs are applying veneers poorly, resulting in veneers falling off, breaking, or being severely painful for the original tooth. One of the biggest concerns with incorrectly applied veneers is that food particles and plaque can get lodged between the tooth surface and the temporary veneer, creating an environment where bacteria and tooth decay can thrive. Please avoid "veneer techs" and only get dental treatments from certified dentists.
So what are veneers, what types of veneers are there, and what is the process of getting them? The first thing to do when considering veneers is to talk to your dentist. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that can interfere with oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. Your dentist will help you make your decision and warn you about possible consequences.
Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are very thin, custom-made shells of materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to change your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth. Veneers are mostly for teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, are crooked or uneven, or have gaps between them, where veneers are then used to close the space.
The main difference between veneers and dental crowns is that veneers are more for cosmetic purposes and crowns can also be used as a dental treatment. A porcelain veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance. A dental crown, on the other hand, covers the entire tooth structure to add strength and protection. While dental crowns can also improve the appearance of your teeth, their main purpose is to restore teeth that are badly damaged by decay or trauma.
The most common types of veneers include composite veneers, porcelain veneers, no-prep veneers, and pop-on veneers.
Pop-on veneers are also known as removable or snap-on veneers and cover your natural teeth in order to hide impurities. Pop-on veneers instantly change the look of your smile, are less expensive than other veneer options, and are removable. However, pop-ons can make it hard to eat and may change the way you talk.
Composite veneers are made of a composite resin, which is composed of plastic and ceramic, and are applied directly to your teeth. It can also help fix small issues such as cracks, chips, or small gaps between teeth. Many times, the entire treatment can be finished in one visit and composite veneers are one of the most common options.
No-prep veneers are much less involved than other types, but they still require the removal of some enamel. This treatment is also great for fixing small gaps in your teeth. No prep
veneers involve the dentist making an impression of your teeth and bond it to the surface of your natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant compared to resin based veneers, have more of the light reflective features of natural teeth, and are more durable and long-lasting than other veneer options. Your dentist will remove some enamel from your teeth and custom-fit the veneers to them. The enamel removal makes the surface of your teeth rough and helps keep the veneers in place. However, they are the most expensive type of veneer and are involve a more intense procedure than other options.
There are also lumineers, which are a kind of porcelain veneer that are much thinner than standard veneers, but less durable. Unlike other types, lumineers don’t require much (if any) prep work and involve a less invasive process. To apply other types of veneers, the dentist has to remove some of the enamel on the front of your teeth. However, with lumineers they are applied to your natural tooth. While they need to be replaced more often than traditional veneers, they could be more suitable for sensitive or fragile teeth.
Getting a dental veneer generally requires three trips to the dentist, with one for a consultation and two to make and put on the veneers. This treatment can be for one tooth or multiple teeth at the same time.
During diagnosis and treatment planning, you will discuss with your dentist about the result you want. During this appointment, your dentist will look at your teeth to make sure dental veneers are right for you. You'll discuss the procedure and some of its limits. They may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
In preparation, your dentist will reshape the tooth surface, taking off an amount roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer that will be added to the tooth surface. You can also decide whether they numb the area before trimming off the enamel. Next, your dentist will make a model, or impression, of your tooth. The model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which makes your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the veneers to come back from the lab. Temporary dental veneers can be used in the meantime.
Finally, when bonding, your dentist will place the veneer on your tooth to check its fit and color. They'll remove and trim the veneer – probably a few times – to get the proper fit before they cement it to your tooth. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, it will be cleaned, polished, and etched. Etching roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer, and it is then placed on your tooth. The veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement used. Once the veneer is properly positioned, your dentist will shine a special light beam on it to activate chemicals in the cement, which cause it to harden very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, checking your bite, and making any needed adjustments. Your dentist may ask you to come back for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check your gums and the veneer's placement.
The benefits of veneers include looking like a natural tooth, a brighter color can be selected to mask darker colored teeth, and they generally don't require as much shaping as crowns and are stronger. For porcelain veneers, gums are not usually sensitive to them and the veneers are not easily stained.
Veneers are known to be very sturdy and long-lasting, but they do have some drawbacks. First, the process is usually permanent and it's difficult to repair veneers after they chip or crack. Second, veneers are very expensive, costing more than composite resin bonding. Additionally, because enamel has been removed to apply the veneers, your teeth may become more sensitive. In terms of appearance, if you only get one or a few veneers, they may not exactly match the color of your other teeth, and using whitening toothpastes or other treatments may be abrasive to the veneer and not be successful in removing stains. Though not likely, veneers can come loose and fall off. To reduce the chance of this happening, do not bite your nails, chew on hard things, or put too much pressure on your teeth. If you clench or grind your teeth, porcelain veneers may not be for you, as the veneers could crack or chip. Finally, teeth with veneers can still decay and veneers are not a good choice for people with unhealthy or weak teeth or gums.
Generally, veneers last several years because most are physically joined to your teeth, and therefore they are permanent and cannot be reversed once they are put on. Some types of veneers – such as no-prep or pop-on – are reversible. Composite veneers last 5 to 7 years. They’re made from a combination of plastic and ceramic, so they’re not as strong and long-lasting as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years, often making the higher price tag worth it. They’re strong, less prone to getting stained or changing color, and will protect your teeth from further damage.
The cost of your veneers may depend on what country you live in and how much work you want done. The cost of veneers is usually not covered by insurance since veneers are often a cosmetic treatment to make your teeth look better. Insurance may cover the cost if the procedure is medically necessary. For example, if a veneer is needed to fix a tooth damaged in an accident. To be sure, check with your dental insurance company.
Generally, the price for porcelain veneers is between $900 to $2,500 per tooth, averaging at $1,500 per tooth. Most adults have 32 teeth, so the average cost of porcelain veneers for your full mouth is $48,000. Prices can vary based on dentist and country. Composite resin veneers your dentist puts on can cost about $800 per tooth. If they send them off to be made in a lab, it can be $1,100 for each tooth. Pop-on veneers are generally more cost-effective than other veneers, but that cost varies. Dentists can charge between $500 and $3,500 to cover both upper and lower teeth. While the initial cost may be lower than other types of veneers, you should keep in mind that pop-on veneers are not as strong and are more prone to stains, meaning you may have to replace them more often.
Alternatives to veneers include implants, bonding, and crowns. Veneers may be your best choice if you want to change the shape of your teeth more than just a little bit, as is done with bonding, but not enough to require a crown. Veneers only cover the front of your tooth to make it look whiter and brighter. It’s mainly a cosmetic procedure, while a crown is designed to repair and strengthen damaged or decaying teeth and covers the whole tooth. Implants are usually recommended if you have unhealthy teeth or some that are missing because of disease or an accident. Veneers are about one-third the cost of implants.
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure for teeth that are discolored, crooked, or chipped. A dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin material. Unlike veneers, bonding does not require the dentist to remove much enamel from your teeth. Every 3 to 10 years you’ll need to have the dentist touch up or replace your bonding. The process is reversible while in most cases, veneers are not reversible.
Dental veneers do not require any special care, but continue to keep up your good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Even though porcelain veneers resist stains, your dentist may recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, or red wine).
In conclusion, veneers are a great cosmetic treatment to alter the appearance of your teeth. Make sure to consult with your dentist to see if they are right for you and do NOT trust uncertified "veneer techs"!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board