Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option. Not only is it well-liked among the general population, but it’s a procedure that’s common among those in the public eye. Not to mention, it’s continuing to grow as time goes on, making it a more popular procedure than ever before.
So, what’s all the hype about? Below, we’ll discuss some of the most commonly asked questions about veneers. We’ll talk about what they are, their benefits, some of their drawbacks, and how much they cost.
- What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-like shells that are glued to the outer surface of the teeth by a dental professional. They’re mainly used for cosmetic purposes: to cover up chips, cracks, gaps, or help reshape the teeth to one’s desired look.
- What are the benefits of having veneers?
The primary benefit one can obtain from having veneers is an improvement in the appearance of the teeth. Stains, discoloration, gaps, minor fractures in the teeth, and misshapen teeth can be covered up with veneers, making the teeth look good as new.
Other perks of veneers are that they’re durable, realistic, are a quick procedure to get done, last a long time, and they can help boost the confidence of the wearer.
- Are veneers bad for your teeth?
In most cases, veneers are deemed a safe option for teeth. However, this doesn’t mean they’re without their drawbacks. Some cons of veneers include potential increased teeth sensitivity and the need to permanently remove your enamel surface, which helps protect your teeth, in order to get veneers installed.
- What happens to teeth under veneers?
Other than having its enamel layer removed, teeth under veneers stay the same. Veneers protect the natural teeth from stains or general wear and tear. However, the natural teeth are still prone to cavities if oral hygiene is neglected or if the bond between the tooth and veneer becomes weakened overtime.
- Are veneers painful to get?
Getting veneers shouldn’t be too painful. When the enamel layer is removed from the teeth, you normally receive local anesthesia to numb the pain. The mouth or teeth may feel sore after the enamel removal process, but the pain should be very manageable. One may also experience and increase in tooth sensitivity a few days after getting veneers installed.
- How much do veneers cost?
The cost of getting veneers depends on whether you pick between composite vs ceramic vs porcelain veneers and how many you’re getting installed. The cost could also be higher if you require certain dental work prior to the placement of your veneers. Not to mention, certain dental offices may charge more.
To give you a general idea of the cost, a single porcelain or ceramic veneer, the most realistic and durable options, costs about $900 to $2,500. One composite veneer costs around $250 to $1,500.
- Are veneers covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, most dental plans don’t cover the cost of veneers since they’re considered a cosmetic procedure. Speak with your dentist about financing options such as payment plans.
- Who shouldn’t get veneers?
Those with poor oral health may not qualify for veneers or require extensive dental work before getting them. Those with severe cavities, gum disease, weak teeth, severely crooked teeth, or who lack enough healthy enamel may not be good candidates for the cosmetic procedure.
- Do your teeth get yellow under veneers?
It’s possible for the natural teeth under veneers to slightly yellow overtime, especially when smoking and drinking dark-colored beverages.
The good news is, porcelain veneers themselves are pretty resistant to yellowing. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are more prone to staining with long-term use.
- Can you tell if someone has veneers?
For the most part, veneers are very realistic. While you can’t tell for sure if someone has veneers, there are some characteristics of one’s smile that may hint towards veneers, especially if their smile transformation was major.
Some signs someone has veneers include teeth that look too perfect, very white with uniform color, or somewhat bulky. When looking at the gumline, the natural tooth may be slightly exposed above the veneer.
For the most realistic option, consider porcelain veneers. Additionally, be choosy when selecting a dentist. Not every dental professional offers good quality work.
- How do you brush your teeth with veneers?
Brushing your teeth with veneers is almost the same as brushing them before you had the procedure done. There are some slight precautions to take, however, to ensure longevity of your veneers.
When brushing your teeth with veneers, use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle fluoride toothpaste without teeth whitening properties or other abrasives. A teeth sensitivity toothpaste would be ideal. You’ll also want to stay away from alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Failing to follow the latter advice could result in your veneers becoming scratched or damaged. It could also weaken the bonding of your veneers as time goes on.
- Do veneers fall out?
While properly installed veneers shouldn’t fall out with optimal upkeep, it isn’t impossible. Veneers may fall out if the veneer is old, if there was trauma or injury to your mouth or teeth, or if the bonding failed overtime. Grinding your teeth, opening items with your teeth, chewing ice, or consuming hard foods may also damage veneers or cause them to fall out.
On a bright note, if a veneer falls out, a dentist can reapply it with bonding material. If your veneer ends up breaking or getting lost, they can replace it with a new one.
- Can veneers get cavities?
Since veneers are not real teeth, they themselves cannot get cavities. However, the edges of where your natural teeth and veneers meet could still be prone to cavities if you don’t stay on top of your oral hygiene routine.
- How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last a good 10 to 15 years with proper care. Composite veneers, on the other hand, last around 5 to 7 years on average. A strong oral care routine, regular dental visits, and avoiding eating too many hard foods can ensure better longevity of your veneers.
- Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers?
Since your enamel layer must be removed to get veneers, you can’t technically go back to your original teeth completely. Enamel removal is permanent, and if you don’t have enamel on your teeth, your teeth lack the protection they require. Having teeth without enamel will increase your risk of tooth sensitivity and cavities, which can be risky.
If you decide to get rid of your veneers, there are some alternatives you can consider, such as dental crowns or dental bonding. There are also other dental procedures you can get done to correct the aesthetic aspects of no longer having veneers.
Conclusion
When it comes to any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to get all the answers to your questions and concerns. This holds true even with veneers. Now that you’re more familiar with veneers, it will be easier for you to decide whether or not this is a procedure you want to follow through with.
