What Are Tooth Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material that cover the fronts of teeth. They are made to order and are attached to the front of the teeth. A veneer can be used to treat dental problems such as a slightly crooked tooth, discoloured teeth, chipped teeth, or even to close gaps between teeth. Depending on the materials used and/or the patient’s needs, a veneer can be created by the dentist or in a dental laboratory.

Tooth veneers are one of the newest and most popular cosmetic dentistry techniques available today. They are typically indicated for anterior (front) teeth that are severely discoloured, chipped, rotated, poorly shaped, or poorly positioned, as stated in the definition.

To preserve tooth structure, a dentist may recommend a veneer rather than a full crown coverage. The final treatment for an individual patient can vary greatly depending on their occlusion (bite relationship between the upper and lower front teeth) and the size of their wallet.

When crowns are recommended, more tooth structure is removed, which takes longer and costs more money. Veneers are typically less expensive, but they have some limitations in terms of where they can be used for a good, long-term prognosis.

A tooth veneer is similar to a false fingernail, which many fashionistas use today to make their nails look longer and better with varying colour shades.

Tooth veneers are available in two varieties. The direct veneer procedure is performed in a dental office by a dentist, while the indirect method is initiated in a dental office by a dentist who then sends an impression to a dental laboratory for final processing.

As you might expect, the direct method is performed immediately in the dental chair, with the patient leaving with a better smile the same day. The indirect method is more time-consuming and involves the use of a dental laboratory to create the final product, which is then applied in a subsequent appointment.

A direct veneer should be significantly less expensive than a laboratory-made veneer! Why? The indirect veneer is more expensive because it requires more time in the dental office to prepare the teeth, provide provisional coverage, and pay an additional laboratory bill.

So, how much do Veneers cost per tooth?

After you’ve determined that you’re a good candidate for veneers, you can ask the obvious question: how much do veneers cost?

The cost of dental veneers varies greatly on a case-by-case basis, with the number of veneers required being the most important factor. It goes without saying that the more veneers needed for a smile makeover, the more expensive the treatment.

Another important factor in the cost of veneers is the state of the patient’s mouth. Treatment for someone with perfect oral health will usually be less expensive than treatment for someone with significant tooth decay, gum disease, or other health or functionality issues.

This is due to the fact that such conditions must first be corrected before veneers can be considered, which can take time and cost more money.

Some of the factors that influence the cost of dental veneers include (but are not limited to:

• Type of material (Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers)
• Veneer type (traditional veneers are more expensive than minimal preparation veneers such as

Lumineers are also more durable.)

• A location treatment was carried out (large metropolitan areas have higher health-care costs than smaller towns).
• The cosmetic dentist‘s and lab’s fees for fabricating the veneers
• Dental insurance protection (Because veneers are typically an aesthetic, elective procedure, they are frequently not covered by insurance.

Although the cost of veneers varies greatly, there are national averages that can be used as a price guide. The cost of composite veneers per tooth ranges between $250 and $1,500. Porcelain veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.

The direct veneer procedure is usually started and finished in a single dental visit. Typically, a composite resin-like material is used. There are no lab fees involved, and while the final result is satisfactory, the quality and appearance will not be as good as indirect veneers made in a dental laboratory.

The indirect procedure entails preparing the teeth, taking an impression of the prepared teeth, and placing temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth until the next visit.

The temporary veneers will be removed at the next visit, and the permanent veneers will be tried in to ensure that they fit correctly and, most importantly, that they are the correct shape, size, and colour.

Once this step is completed and you have given your approval, the dentist will apply a mild acid solution to the tooth’s remaining enamel surface. This is referred to as tooth etching. Following the etching procedure, the dentist will apply a bonding agent, followed by the use of a very bright light to cure the initial bond between the tooth and the veneer.

The excess bonding material will then be removed before a second light-curing procedure, which will be followed by a final polishing of the veneer to complete the process.

The results are absolutely stunning. You won’t believe the difference a veneer can make in your appearance.

Inquire with your dentist about the best veneer options for you! Obviously, the cost will be a deciding factor in which veneer procedure you choose.

One disadvantage of veneers is that they are not as durable as full crowns. Especially in cases of mal-occlusion. They may be contraindicated in this case due to their proclivity to fracture. Under similar conditions, crowns are much less likely to fracture.

The following are the benefits of veneers over crowns:

• necessitate less freezing for preparation
• less tooth reduction is required
• should be less expensive (especially the direct method)
• They usually appear better than most crowns.

The veneer procedure is primarily recommended to meet an aesthetic need and has very little to do with the functional stability of the teeth on which it is placed!

If you are thinking about improving your smile with veneers or crowns, you must first:

• Consult a dentist to see if you are a candidate for veneers or crowns.
• Determine the benefits and drawbacks that may apply to you specifically.
• Determine the costs involved.
• become aware of the pitfalls and disadvantages associated with veneers

ALWAYS REMINISCE! A SATISFIED AND HAPPY PATIENT IS A WELL-INFORMED PATIENT!