Ever wondered how Hollywood has managed to get those beautiful smiles and perfect dentition? Well, the answer isn’t too far fetched—dental veneers.
With dental veneers, perfect teeth don’t have to be a myth. They can be your reality—for a little investment. Sound simple enough? Well, not quite. In getting dental veneers, you need to know which one is best for you. Porcelain or composite veneers? And more importantly, you can’t go to any dentists; you need skilled dentists that do veneers. You need Knight Street Dentists.
In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about dental veneers. And when you’re ready to flash that beautiful smile that just might land you on the cover of Vogue, we’re here to help you.
What Are Veneers And How Do They Work?
Basically, dental veneers are thin shells, coloured like your teeth, that are bonded or sculptured to your tooth. They are placed on the front of the teeth to cover defects like broken, stained, gapped, crooked and uneven teeth.
You can get a veneer on one tooth or many teeth. And you can get either partial veneers or full veneers, depending on your need or budget.
Veneers are the best option for dental issues that cannot be fixed with regular teeth whitening or braces. So, no matter how your teeth look now, whether it’s discoloured, chipped or broken, veneers can help boost your dental confidence. In fact, your all-around confidence.
Types of Veneers: Composite vs Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are either porcelain or composite (bonded) and they differ in different ways:
Nature
Porcelain veneers are strong, thin caps placed on the tops and sides of the teeth.
Before porcelain veneers are placed, a small amount of your teeth’s thin protective outer covering—enamel—is removed. And once the veneers are placed, you cannot do without wearing them.
They have a natural teeth colour but can be whitened for even better results.
Composite veneers are similar to porcelain veneers but may not require enamel removal. And they are easier to replace if they get broken or damaged. They are made from thin composite resin, tooth coloured, to look natural.
Longevity
Porcelain veneers are more long-lasting than composite veneers. Typically, if done well, porcelain veneers can last up to 10 to 15 years. Composite veneers, on the other hand, last for 2 to 7 years.
This is because porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and made from stronger materials. So, they are less likely to get chipped or damaged. On the other hand, composite veneers are weaker and tend to chip more often.
Cost
Porcelain veneers are costlier than composite veneers. However, if you do the math, you’ll see that in the long run, composite veneers end up costing more. This is because they are replaced more frequently than porcelain veneers which can last for more than a decade.
However, whichever one you choose, veneers are made to look natural and function naturally without any issues.
Beauty and overall appearance
Porcelain veneers look more natural than composite veneers. They have the translucent property that regular teeth have and a nice smooth texture.
Due to recent developments, composite veneers also have a translucent look. However, they cannot be compared to porcelain veneers. And no matter how polished composite veneers are, they won’t look as glossy as porcelain veneers.
Dental Veneer Procedure
The procedure involved in porcelain veneers is irreversible. You cannot undo the shaving done to your teeth to attach the veneer securely. It doesn’t matter how minimal the shaving is.
While composite veneers can be moulded in your mouth directly or externally first, then cemented to your teeth, porcelain veneers must be made externally. They are carefully sculpted by hand in a laboratory by a qualified technician.
Also, getting composite veneers requires just one appointment, while getting porcelain veneers requires multiple appointments.
Furthermore, porcelain veneers require more people to be involved in the process. For composite veneers, your dentist is the only one who does the sculpting and layering. As such, they have to be skilled both in sculpting and in orthodontics. Basically, you need dentists that do veneers like us here at Knight Street Dentists.
For porcelain veneers, a qualified technician skilled in working with dental veneer ceramics sculpts the veneer. Then the dentist does the placement and must, therefore, be skilled in facial aesthetics.
Are Dental Veneers Permanent?
The procedure involved in porcelain veneers is irreversible and cannot be undone. So, you’ll have to always have it replaced when it needs replacement. However, the veneer itself is not permanent as it can be damaged and/or replaced.
Composite veneers are also temporary, although porcelain veneers last way longer. The procedure involved in a composite veneer is temporary as well and may be undone.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Composite veneers generally last 2-5 years, although, with improved technology, they can last 5-7 years. On the other hand, porcelain veneers last for more than 15 years, even up to 20 years.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Generally, dental veneers range from $300 to as high as $3,500 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer. Composite veneers can cost between $300 to $1000, while porcelain veneers cost roughly $1,500 to $3,500 per tooth, depending on how complex the treatment is.
Can You Whiten Veneers?
Yes, you can whiten veneers, porcelain and composite veneers. They usually come in different tooth-coloured shades, and you can have them whitened to your preference.
Can Veneers Go On Crooked Teeth?
While dental veneers are not the best treatment for crooked teeth, they can work as an instant treatment for mildly crooked teeth. The best type of treatment would be Invisalign or braces, but they take a year or longer.
That’s why for teeth that are not severely crooked, veneers are called “instant orthodontics.”
Dental Veneers Procedure
First things first, get a consultation with a dentist that does veneers. Discuss your desired result and which type of veneer is best suited for you.
If you’re going for porcelain veneers, then the next appointment involves trying out mockups specially designed at the lab to fit your preference.
At the next appointment, the custom veneers are fixed on your teeth.
For composite veneers, the dentist will start by cleaning, reshaping the teeth and preparing them for fitting. After this, the composite veneers are sculpted and bonded into the teeth, with the colour adjusted for a more natural look.
Afterwards, the dentist will use a light to dry the veneer, and once it’s hardened, they’ll smooth and polish the veneer. This will give your teeth that glossy look and feel.
A follow-up appointment is necessary, so the dentist can make sure the veneers stay in place and are comfortable.
We Are Dentists That Do Veneers
You don’t have to live with a childhood incident that resulted in a broken tooth or two. That can be easily fixed with veneers. And at Knight Street dentists, we offer top cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, teeth whitening and dental bonding.
Ready to love your smile again? Then, contact us today for friendly service, a unique experience and quality expertise. You are sure to begin many years of perfect smiles with us.
