What Are Dental Veneers? Cost, Procedure & Advantages

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are an effective way to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, stained, chipped, or have gaps between them. Here is an overview of what you need to know about dental veneers, including their cost, the procedure to get them, and their advantages.

What Are Dental Veneers Exactly?

Dental veneers, sometimes called porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. They are custom-made from either composite resin or ceramic materials that closely match the color of your natural teeth.

Veneers can mask a variety of cosmetic dental flaws, including:

Stained or discolored teeth
Chipped or worn teeth
Misshapen or irregularly sized teeth
Crooked or unevenly spaced teeth
Teeth with gaps between them

The veneer covers the entire visible surface of the front of the tooth. It is permanently attached with dental cement and usually does not require the removal of much natural tooth structure.

Veneers provide an aesthetically pleasing smile by creating the illusion of evenly sized and shaped white teeth. Dental veneers are sometimes referred to as "instant orthodontics" because they can provide the effect of straightened teeth.

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The cost of dental veneers varies widely depending on the materials used and the dentist performing the procedure. The cost also goes up if you need veneers on multiple teeth. However, on average you can expect to pay:

$925 - $2,500 per porcelain veneer
$250 - $1,500 per composite veneer

Some factors that affect the dental veneers cost include:

Type of material. The least expensive option is composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant but cost significantly more.
Some veneers. The more veneers you get, the higher the total cost. But pricing is not always linear, as most dentists offer packages or bundled pricing.
Your location. Veneers tend to be more expensive in areas with a higher cost of living.
Dentist expertise. More experienced cosmetic dentists often charge more for veneers.

Many dentists offer financing options to help patients budget for veneers over time. Getting dental veneers at an affordable price is possible if you shop around.

The Dental Veneers Procedure

Getting dental veneers is a multi-step process that involves more than one dental visit. It begins with a consultation to determine your eligibility and treatment goals. The overall process goes as follows:

Consultation. The dentist will examine your teeth, take x-rays and impressions, and discuss expectations. They will advise if veneers are suitable for you.
Tooth preparation. The dentist will slightly shape the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneer shells. Local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort.
Impressions. An impression will be taken of the prepared teeth. These models go to a dental lab that fabricates the veneers.
Temporary veneers. The dentist may fit you with temporary veneers while the permanent ones are made. This takes about 2-3 weeks.
Bonding. At your next visit, the dentist bonds the custom veneers onto the fronts of your teeth with dental cement. Adjustments are made to ensure proper fit and comfort.

It takes 3-4 visits total over a few weeks to complete the dental veneer procedure. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are key to ensuring your veneers last many years.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Some of the benefits that dental veneers offer include:

Dramatically improve the appearance of your smile - Veneers can fix a wide range of cosmetic flaws for a beautiful smile. The porcelain covers stained enamel and makes teeth look perfectly straight and evenly sized.
Strengthen damaged teeth - The shells reinforce teeth that have been weakened by decay or excessive wear. By protecting surface enamel, veneers help prevent future damage.
Long lasting - With proper care, dental veneers can last 20 years or longer before replacement is needed. The bonding technology has greatly improved their durability.
Minimally invasive - Unlike dental crowns, veneers require the removal of just a thin layer of enamel. This preserves more of the natural tooth structure.
Quick to get - Because they do not require as much reshaping as crowns, veneers can be placed relatively quickly. Most procedures just take a few dental visits.
Improve whiteness - Veneers made of porcelain or composite resin are custom colored to give you a bright white smile. Teeth appear whiter without the need for harsh bleaching treatments.

Veneers offer an easy way to transform your smile without aggressive tooth alteration. Talk to your dentist to see if they may be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

Considering getting dental veneers? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

Are veneers suitable for everyone?

Veneers can only be placed on healthy teeth with adequate enamel. Extensive tooth decay or periodontal disease may preclude veneers. A good candidate also has realistic expectations of the results.

Do veneers fall off or stain?

With proper oral care, dental veneers should not stain or fall off. Avoid biting hard objects, grinding teeth, and chomping on ice to prevent damage. See your dentist every 6 months.

Does getting veneers hurt?

You may feel slight sensitivity or discomfort during the tooth reduction process. But local anesthesia is used for a comfortable experience. There is no pain when bonding the veneer shells.

Can veneers be removed?

Veneers are meant to be permanent and cannot easily be removed. However, your dentist can drill them off if necessary.

How long do veneers last?

The typical lifespan of dental veneers is 10-20 years, though some may last longer. Their longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene practices and avoidance of teeth grinding.

Consult With a Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers offer an easy way to transform the look of your smile without aggressive tooth removal or orthodontics. Though not inexpensive, they provide long-lasting cosmetic and dental health benefits. Meet with a cosmetic dentist to discuss whether veneers may be right for your smile goals and budget.