Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment and can achieve wonderful results. They consist of thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit precisely over the tooth’s front surface, usually including its sides and the incisal or biting edge. Because they are custom-made, porcelain veneers can be a more expensive cosmetic dental treatment as specialized techniques are required, and it takes time to prepare the tooth, take a dental impression, fabricate the veneer, and fit it in place. It is also generally necessary to provide temporary veneers while the porcelain veneers are being made to protect the prepared tooth, all of which adds up. The price of porcelain veneers can depend on your dentist’s location, as a dentist in a large city will have to pay more for rent and staffing. It also depends on your dentist’s training and experience and their popularity.
One of the reasons why porcelain veneers are so popular is that they can create an aesthetically perfect smile if you desire. Because they cover the front surface of a tooth, they can hide many problems like small chips and cracks or fractures in teeth. They can mask the appearance of a tooth that is worn down or too small. Porcelain veneers can help to minimize or close unsightly gaps between teeth. They can also give a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to a tooth that is perhaps oddly shaped. Sometimes porcelain veneers can be used instead of orthodontic treatment to realign teeth that are only slightly out of place and where there are no major bite problems.
It’s up to you whether you have one or multiple porcelain veneers. Some people choose to veneer all their upper and lower teeth visible in their smile line, but this may not be necessary. When you see your cosmetic dentist, they can examine your teeth and discuss how many veneers might be needed to achieve your desired results.
The process for porcelain veneers is very straightforward: after determining the number of veneers needed, your dentist will carefully prepare your teeth. They will numb the teeth before removing a small amount of tooth enamel which is necessary to create enough room for the porcelain veneers. Once your teeth are shaped, a detailed dental impression is taken, and your dentist will choose the right color for your veneers. All the information is sent to their dental lab, where the veneers are custom-made to their exact prescription.
In the meantime, you are fitted with temporary veneers; otherwise, your teeth will feel too sensitive to hot and cold. These temporary veneers will also give you an idea of how your permanent veneers will look and feel and might be based on the actual design, so if there is anything you wish to change, you can discuss this with your dentist before your permanent veneers are made. Once your new porcelain veneers are ready, you return to the dental office so your temporary veneers can be removed and your new veneers fitted in place. When you and your dentist are happy with the fit and appearance, they are bonded onto your teeth, and you are ready to enjoy your new smile.
Because some tooth enamel is removed, it’s important to know that porcelain veneers are an irreversible treatment. You will always need to protect these teeth in the future and must budget to replace the veneers when they begin to fail.
Yes, as some veneers are called prepless or prep-free. These veneers are still made from porcelain but are stronger than normal and, therefore, much thinner. An ordinary veneer is around 0.5 mm thick, whereas a prep-free veneer is around 0.2 mm thick. Because they are so much thinner, your dentist may need to do minimal or no preparation before making and fitting these veneers. Prep-free veneers might initially cost a bit more than ordinary porcelain veneers, but they can last longer. However, they are only recommended in specific circumstances, so you must discuss with your dentist if these could be an option. When no tooth modifications are needed, treatment is reversible in theory.
Although porcelain veneers can be a relatively expensive option initially, they can last for quite a while. With the right care, your veneers can last ten years or longer. Prep-free veneers may last as long as 20 years. Looking after porcelain veneers is simple as they can be brushed and flossed like real teeth, and it’s important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional dental cleanings so they can check the condition of your veneers and clean around them thoroughly, prolonging their natural life. Good ongoing preventive dentistry, including daily oral care and regular professional dental care, is the easiest way to keep your dental bills lower and increase the longevity of dental restorations, including porcelain veneers.
Read more: How Long Should a Typical Dental Cleaning Take?
Various other treatments can be used instead of porcelain veneers. These include composite resin veneers or dental bonding. Dental bonding is inexpensive and quick to complete, using tooth-colored composite resin applied directly to tooth surfaces to hide minor imperfections. Often treatment can be completed in a single visit. However, the results can be much more subtle, but they can be a good option if you are generally happy with the appearance of your teeth but want to improve the appearance of perhaps one or two. Another consideration is that composite resin doesn’t last as long as porcelain and can stain more easily, so you will need to budget to replace composite resin veneers within a few years.
Other possible treatments include teeth whitening and orthodontics. Teeth whitening might be a good choice if you are generally happy with the shape of your teeth but not the color. Professional teeth whitening treatments can lift the overall color of teeth by several shades in as little as an hour. This treatment can also be combined with veneers for a more cost-effective solution. For example, if you whiten your teeth first, your dentist can selectively veneer only those that need to be covered. These may include teeth that are the wrong shape or size, have imperfections like chips and cracks, or will not respond to a teeth whitening treatment because they are stained internally.
Adult orthodontics is worth considering if you have teeth that are overlapping or crooked but which are generally a nice shape and size. Correcting the alignment of these teeth can be a worthwhile investment because your dentist will not need to remove any tooth enamel. Cosmetically oriented braces can be quick to use, so you may complete treatment within a few months, which is reflected in the price. Suppose your teeth are significantly misaligned, and you have a poor bite. In that case, adult orthodontics can be a great investment in your oral health because afterward, your teeth will be easier to keep clean and wear more evenly.
The cost of porcelain veneers varies based on factors like the dentist’s experience and location. While they can be a significant investment, they offer long-term benefits in improving your smile. Consult Century Medical & Dental Center for an accurate estimate and explore payment options or insurance coverage. Investing in veneers can be a great choice for a flawless smile.
SHARE THIS POST Page Updated on Apr 10, 2025 by Dr. Dvorkina (Primary Care Doctor) of Century Medical & Dental CenterCentury Medical and Dental Center is an accredited healthcare facility in NY that operates in accordance with Article 28, a public health law. This law regulates and recognizes accreditation for public healthcare facilities, ensuring they are licensed and operated correctly. By undergoing the Article 28 process and achieving accreditation, Century Medical and Dental Center demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest standards of care.
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