Dental Veneers Guide for 2021

Whether your teeth are crooked, chipped or you just want pearly whites at all times, you may want to know more about veneers.

How do veneers work?

Basically, a veneer is a layer of material placed over the visible part of a tooth (frontal part) to protect it from damage or improve aesthetics.  

At Genesis Family Dentistry in Uptown Charlotte, we help patients achieve the picture-perfect smile or fix a chipped tooth with veneers. This blog post is inspired by the questions our patients ask when they are introduced to veneers. 

So if you’re considering getting veneers in 2021, read this guide to understand the experience. 

What type of problems do veneers fix?

Dentists use veneers to fill gaps between teeth, fix a chipped tooth, cover stained teeth that cannot be bleached or fix crooked teeth. 

Whether you have one or all of the problems stated above, you can expect a solid dentition and a bright smile after getting dental veneers.

Veneers are preferred because of durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance.

What are the different types of veneers?

The most common materials used to create veneers are porcelain and composite resin material. Each material has unique qualities. Your dentist will select a material for you based on your needs. 

Composite resin Veneers

There are two types of composite veneers; direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers. The difference between these two types of composite veneers is the method of application.

Direct Composite Veneers 

Direct composite veneers are made of composite resin material. They are applied directly to the teeth. However, the dentist will scrape a half millimeter of your enamel (outer layer of your teeth) before the application of the veneers. 

If the bad tooth cannot withstand enamel scraping, then an indirect composite veneer or porcelain veneer may be the only option.

Indirect Composite Veneers

Indirect composite veneers are also made of composite resin material. They are not applied directly to the teeth, rather they are prepared outside the mouth. 

An indirect composite veneer can be prepared in a dental office or dental lab. Your dentist will provide a temporary veneer until the indirect veneers are made. 

At the next appointment, the indirect composite veneers will be attached to your teeth with an adhesive. Don’t worry the adhesive is safe for the mouth and won’t cause problems. 

Indirect composite veneers are stronger than direct composite veneers because they can be built to specification to withstand pressure and resist fracture. However, this special feature comes at an extra cost. Indirect composite veneers are more expensive than the direct version. 

Porcelain veneers

As the name suggests, porcelain veneers are made from porcelain. They are designed to fit the shape of the teeth like shells. Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than composite veneers. 

Also, they have light-reflecting qualities like natural teeth. These characteristics make porcelain veneers excellent for aesthetic treatments. 

Which type of veneer is right for you?

Your dentist is expected to recommend a veneer for you. However, the final decision rests with you because you’re paying for the service. So, if you decide to get composite veneers due to cost consideration, the dentist will provide the service.

Other than cost, the primary factor to consider before getting a veneer is the risk. Direct composite veneers require minimal preparation of the teeth because the veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth. So it doesn’t carry significant risk when done correctly.

Whereas, getting porcelain veneers requires preparation of the teeth that involves filing and wearing off the enamel. This process can be risky. Whenever you touch your teeth with dentist drills, there is a risk that the teeth will be damaged and you may need a root canal.

In the end, the expertise of the dentist determines the outcome. So it is vital to consult your dentist, discuss your needs and ask for success stories before making a decision.

Genesis Family Dentistry provides a comprehensive consultation. We outline the steps to fixing your teeth with veneers & the cost and show the outcome using previous work.

How much does it cost to get veneers?

According to Healthline, you can expect to spend between $900 – $2,500 per tooth for traditional porcelain veneers. On the other hand, Composite veneers could cost anywhere between $250 – $1000. 

Ultimately, the cost of your veneers depends on the brand name your dentist is using, the number of teeth you want to fix, the cost of healthcare in your area, and the expertise of your dentist.

How long does it take to get dental veneers fitted?

On average, the process of getting porcelain veneers lasts for 2 – 4 weeks from initial consultation to molding and fitting. During the wait time for the final veneers, your dentist will provide a temporary veneer to protect your teeth.

That said, your composite veneers can be placed in one day, especially direct composite veneers. Indirect composite veneers are fitted on separate appointments, which may take up to 1 – 2 weeks.  

Is getting veneers a minimally invasive process?

Getting veneers takes a lot of preparation but the process is minimally invasive. Before a veneer is fitted, the surface of your teeth and the enamel are prepared with water and dental tools. Depending on the type of veneer you’re getting, the preparation may involve filing the enamel to fit the veneer. 

How long do veneers last?

Composite veneers are quite durable. On average, composite veneers last between 5 to 7 years. On the other hand, porcelain veneers can last between 10 – 15 years. 

Several factors determine the durability of veneers; such as maintenance, quality of material, and fitting. After getting veneers, you must take care of them like your natural teeth. 

Conclusion

Veneers are an excellent solution for crooked, stained, or chipped teeth. However, before you can get veneers, you have to visit your dentist to assess your dentition. You should know that getting veneers is not the only way to correct crooked or stained teeth.

If you have stained teeth, your dentist could recommend bleach treatment  (teeth whitening) to remove the stain. Similarly, your dentist could recommend braces if you have crooked teeth. These alternatives are effective for treatments.

Do you have mildly crooked teeth, stained teeth, or a gap in your teeth? 

Visit a Genesis family dentistry in Uptown Charlotte, NC for a check-up. Our dentist will provide a detailed treatment plan after checking your dentition.

For more information on cosmetic dentistry in Uptown Charlotte, contact Genesis Family Dentistry. We can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.