There are a few reasons why people may choose to get dental veneers. These include: To change the length, color, shape, and size of teeth, to fix chipped, cracked, or broken teeth (from injuries, nail-biting, etc.), to fix white spots/streaks on teeth (typically caused by excessive fluoride use), to cover up teeth stains and discoloration (from dark-colored foods, certain drugs, natural aging, etc.)
Veneers typically make up about 26 percent of all cosmetic procedures performed by dentists. In cases of root canals, your dentist will likely recommend a crown or 3/4 crown to protect your tooth from fracture. Veneers are not routinely performed on teeth that have had a root canal, but they can be placed on premolars and molars in rare cases.
Veneers Replacement
You and your dentist will work together to choose a veneer shade that looks natural with your smile. To make room for the veneer, your dentist will remove some enamel from the front and sides of your teeth. With lumineers or temporary veneers, this step is skipped.
Next, your dentist will make an impression (a mold) of the prepared tooth. They’ll send the impression to a dental lab so they can custom-make the veneer to fit your tooth perfectly. This usually takes a few weeks, but in the meantime, your dentist may cover your teeth with temporary veneers.
At your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and place the permanent veneers on your teeth. They’ll also check to make sure the fit and appearance are just right. And before bonding the veneer, your dentist will give your teeth a good cleaning.
People with untreated dental conditions before veneer placement, such as enamel erosion from acid reflux or eating disorders, may be more at risk of veneer failure. Alternative restorations, including crowns or cosmetic bonding, may be recommended in the future to replace failed veneers.
Side Effects & Risks of Veneers
Dental veneers are a popular way to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. They are a great option for those looking to improve their smile quickly, safely, and effectively.
As with any dental procedure, there are risks. The risks are not life-threatening, and they can be avoided with proper care. Common conditions and side effects of veneers may include:
Tooth sensitivity is common for the first few weeks after you get veneers. If it lasts longer than 3 months, there might be another issue going on. For example, the procedure might have inflamed the nerve in your tooth irreversibly. If that’s the case, contact your dentist to discuss treatment options.
While dentin damage is less common, it can occur during enamel removal. Additionally, poorly fitted veneers can change the alignment of a patient’s bite, resulting in tooth sensitivity, bruxism, or jaw pain. If you’re considering veneers, be sure to talk to your dentist about all of the risks and benefits.
Veneers vs. Other Dental Treatments
Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
Veneers are usually bonded to the front surface of patients’ teeth. Because they are less invasive and thinner than crowns, they have a higher risk of fracture or dislodgement.
However, they also improve a patient’s appearance by changing the shape and color of teeth, which may be why some people choose to go with veneers instead of crowns. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are thicker than veneers.
They require more tooth structure removal before placement, and unlike veneers, they are used for restorative purposes. Crowns can be used to fix severely decayed or broken teeth.
Veneers vs. Teeth Whitening
Veneers are a more permanent solution to yellowing or discolored teeth, while at-home or professional teeth whitening is only temporary. Everyone’s teeth are affected differently by things like diet, lifestyle, and habits like smoking, so it’s hard to say how long whitening will last for any one person.
Veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of veneer and how well you take care of your teeth. Porcelain veneers in particular are resistant to staining from coffee, wine, and smoking. If you are looking for a cheaper and less invasive than veneers, professional teeth whitening is a great choice. Both veneer options and whitening procedures are safe, though there may be some side effects. One thing to keep in mind is that veneers are permanent and cannot be removed after they’re placed.
Veneers vs. Orthodontic Treatment
Veneers can resolve dental issues like large gaps or overcrowding within a few office visits, while orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners can take 18 months or more to complete. Aligners usually take 20 weeks. You’ll need to visit the orthodontist’s office more often while receiving orthodontic treatment.
Even though it might take a bit longer, orthodontic treatment is sometimes the best option for patients – especially kids. That’s because braces work to reposition the teeth and correct the bite without getting rid of any enamel (which isn’t reversible). Veneers are usually placed for cosmetic reasons, which is different.
If you’re looking to save some money on your dental care, braces are generally a more affordable option than veneers. Most veneers cost at least $1,000 per tooth, whereas Invisalign ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 for the full treatment. Clear aligners are a great alternative if you want to straighten your teeth at home, and they tend to be less expensive than Invisalign.
Key Takeaway
It can be tough to decide which dental service is right for you when there are similarities between veneers, crowns, whitening, and orthodontic treatment. Your dentist may suggest only one of the treatments as the best option to address the specific problems that you’re having with your teeth.
