Porcelain veneers, also called dental laminates or dental veneers, are thin, custom-shaped pieces of porcelain used to cover the front of teeth. Porcelain veneers are commonly used to cover cosmetic problems with the teeth. The dental laminates offer many benefits such as improved self-confidence with the improvement in the smile.
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth may be transformed with porcelain veneers. The dental veneers can also hide gaps between teeth and minor misalignment. Teeth with stains or discoloration that cannot be whitened may be fixed with veneers.
In the past, these problems were commonly fixed with crowns. In order to prepare the tooth for a crown, much of the tooth must be shaved. Veneers are an improvement over crowns in that much less of the tooth needs to be removed for veneer placement.
Bonding is another treatment for these cosmetic problems. The benefit of veneers over bonding is that bonding tends to become discolored over time. Dental veneers are stain resistant and are unlikely to change color after placement.
Dental veneers cost between several hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars per tooth. Since it is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, most dental insurance policies do not cover any of the costs for veneers. When considering the cost of veneers, the patient should ask the dentist how often the veneers need to be replaced.
While veneers may need to be replaced every five to ten years, some newer veneers claim to last for twenty years. However, porcelain veneers can crack or break which can require an earlier replacement. People with dental veneers should avoid biting on hard objects such as ice or bones. People who grind their teeth may not be able to get veneers since the teeth grinding can crack or break the veneers.
Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. The person may develop tooth decay if the person neglects to continue proper dental hygiene after getting veneers. Dental veneers do not eliminate the need for good dental hygiene and regular dental visits.
Whether or not to get porcelain veneers is a big decision. Not only is the initial cost significant, but the person must plan for the cost of replacement when necessary. Because part of the surface of the tooth is removed to prepare the tooth for the porcelain veneer, this process is not reversible. The exception to this is the Lumineers brand of porcelain veneers since they do not require tooth reduction.
