Smiles are beautiful, contagious, and bright. But probably, you rarely smile because of the shame hidden in your teeth, and unknown to you, there is a remedy known as veneers.
You may have heard about them from friends or family, but with no clear answer, leaving you confused. And with such a confusing state, many questions may cross your mind. Some of them being; what are they? What types are there? Are veneers worth it? Are clip on veneers worth it?
However, not anymore. This article describes what dental veneers are, the costs, and their lifespan to help determine their worthiness.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin coverings that can be placed over the front of a tooth. They are mainly used to fix common teeth problems like:
- Gaps between teeth
- A rough enamel
- Nonuniform tooth size
- Stained teeth
- Tooth chips
- Misalignment
- Decay
Veneers are made of different materials and bonded to your teeth’s surface. Some are more durable than others, but this comes at a cost. A long-lasting veneer can cost several hundred dollars or more, depending on its size and complexity. This is in contrast with veneers that have a short lifespan.
Veneer treatment is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile without having to undergo a major dental procedure like crowns or implants. The process takes about two visits to complete, one for preparation and one for placement. Once placed, you may not even know they’re there.
How Do Veneers Work?
If you are wondering how do veneers work, the process is simple. They are attached to the front surface of your teeth using a special bonding agent. This bonding agent is applied to your tooth, and the veneer is carefully positioned over it to ensure a perfect fit.
The procedure also depends on the type of veneer you opt for. For instance, getting snap-on veneers is a fairly easier process. Once you make an impression of your teeth, your dentist or the manufacturer will send them to the lab to have your custom veneers made. However, with the craze surrounding such products, are clip-on veneers worth it? Read on to find out.
What Type of Veneer Should You Choose?
Veneers come in various materials; composite, porcelain, and no-prep veneers. There are other types of veneers that should not be confused with regular, permanently-bonded veneers․ Best pop on veneers are also known as removable veneers, home veneers, clip-on veneers, snap on teeth veneers and instant veneers. Your choice largely depends on your budget, quality, and lifespan desire. Whichever choice you make, it should be driven by the need to have an answer to the question; are veneers a good investment?
Composite Veneers
Composite dental veneers are natural-looking and a great choice if you want to save but still get relatively quality veneers. They are an excellent option because:
- They are less expensive than porcelain.
- They have a natural look, thus not easily noticeable
- Have a relatively long lifespan of between 5-7 years if well-maintained
- They are quick to fix, thus limiting visits to the hospital
Despite the pros, composite veneers have a few drawbacks, such as
- They are not immune to breaking
- They stain easily without proper oral hygiene
So, are composite veneers worth it? Based on their pros and cons, it will depend on your preferences but are a great option.
Porcelain veneers
Are porcelain veneers worth it? Yes, if you are looking for top-notch veneers that tick the stain-resistance and lifespan checkboxes. The porcelain veneer procedure is the most popular type of dental restoration for cosmetic purposes and offers a more natural look than other options.
Among the top reasons to choose porcelain veneers include
- Have a long lifespan of up to 15 years
- They are thin and easily blend in with your teeth, giving them a natural appearance.
However:
- They are not ideal for individuals looking for affordable veneers
- Have high maintenance costs because they require a special paste to keep them shining
- If they break, you must replace them as they are non-repairable.
No-Prep Veneers
As the name suggests, no-prep veneers require no prior preparation, unlike their counterparts. Your dentist will place them without removing, grinding, or filling your enamel.
Their advantages include:
- They are cheap as compared to other veneer types
- No drilling or removal of the enamel
- Easier to get
- Ideal for those looking for an immediate cosmetic solution
Despite the convenience of costs, no-prep veneers have a downside:
- They have a short lifespan, so they might not offer value for money in the long run
- They are often bulky and may feel uncomfortable
- They can easily stain compared to porcelain or composite veneers
Are Veneers Worth the Investment?
Are dental veneers worth it, and are porcelain veneers worth it? These are common questions, and rightly so because you do not want to see your money go down the drain. While the price tag may be high, it can be worth every penny.
Dental veneers are probably the best option for you if you are looking for a way to improve your smile and avoid having to wear metal braces for years on end. You will be able to get beautiful results without having to endure any pain or inconvenience.
Is the Cost of Veneers Worth It?
Now that you know what dental veneers are and how they’re made let’s look at the price tag.
What is the cost, and are veneers a good investment?
The cost of veneers can vary greatly, depending on your dentist and the type of veneer you choose. The average price is an upward of $1,000 per tooth, but it can get astronomically high depending on a few factors such as;
- Your dentist's experience. If they are less experienced, their rates might be lower than a dentist who has a ton of years in the trade.
- The type of material used for your new teeth. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive, while composite and no-prep are cheaper. This is because porcelain is durable, making it worth paying extra for, which means fewer replacements over time.
Whether you are looking for the cost of top veneers or the bottom set, the price tag is more or less the same and you may want to be financially prepared if you’re to get veneers for various teeth.
The Lifespan of Dental Veneers
Veneers can last anywhere from 3 to 15 years, depending on the type of veneers you choose. Three years it’s not a lot of time, but 15 indeed is! However, the trade-off is that they’re much more durable than dental crowns and can last up to 20 years if you take care of them, as the longevity of your veneer will depend on how well you take care of your oral health.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers may be just what you need if you’re looking for a long-term solution to your cosmetic problems. They can be expensive, but the results are worth it and last a long time.
FAQ
The veneer procedure is not painful. This is because it is majorly non-invasive, and where invasive, it is minimal.
In most cases, veneers will look natural and blend with your teeth. However, you should consult your dentist on the material choice and care routine.
Veneers do not last forever. They are just correctional additions, although they can last many years with proper care.
Yes, you can drink coffee with veneers and maintain their shiny look. However, porcelain veneers are better than the rest. If you want to keep veneers in perfect look, observe oral hygiene.
Generally, anyone can get veneers. However, your teeth’s alignment may affect their appearance, and your dentist will advise on the best option.
This blog explains everything one should know about veneers. Great article. Keep the good work up.