We all appreciate the real value of a perfect smile so when yours isn’t up to par or needs an upgrade there are certain things you can do. One of those is to be fitted with a set of dental veneers, but the question is ‘are veneers worth it?’
To see whether dental veneers are right for you, here are 4 factors you really need to understand. So let’s take a closer look…
Types of dental veneers
Dental veneers come in two forms – composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are made from a resin material – the same material, in fact, that white fillings are made from – and are applied directly to the front surface of the tooth. Whereas porcelain veneers are custom designed in a dental lab and attached (bonded) directly onto the tooth.
The cost of dental veneers
The price of teeth veneers varies greatly depending upon the type of veneers you have.
Composite veneers, for example, are considerably cheaper than porcelain veneers at around $250 – $350 per tooth.
However, they are more of a temporary fix lasting 3-5 years on average.
Porcelain dental veneers, on the other hand, are a more expensive procedure costing $800 -$1200 per tooth but are more of a permanent fixture lasting anywhere between 10 and 20 years.
So are veneers worth it?
In the right hands, dental veneers can instantly transform a smile and change lives so if you are looking to get back some much-needed confidence and a beautiful smile to boot, then these factors can more than makeup for the initial cost.
The problem you are trying to fix
Dental veneers can restore several cosmetic dental issues and bite problems. However, in some cases, other alternatives will also correct the problem. For example, if your teeth are stained or blemished, then both composite and porcelain veneers can solve the problem but professional teeth whitening carried out by your dentist can also make a significant difference. Teeth whitening is cheaper and (in the case of porcelain dental veneers) is also less invasive.
Veneers can also give the instant illusion of straighter teeth and if the problem is purely cosmetic then you may prefer to do this rather than undergoing months of fixed braces or clear aligner treatment to move a problem tooth or teeth.
So when asking if dental veneers are worth it in this given scenario, it would all depend upon the type of treatment. Your dentist, however, should be able to advise you on the best course of action for your needs.
Porcelain veneers are irreversible
Before porcelain veneers are attached to the teeth, a small section of tooth enamel needs to be removed. This is so that they sit flush with the rest of your smile once in position. Because tooth enamel doesn’t grow back, anyone looking to undergo cosmetic dental veneers should consider this an irreversible process. In other words, once you have veneers you will always need to wear them to achieve your perfect smile. This can sometimes play a big part in whether someone feels that dental veneers are worth it.
At Bondi Beach Dental we’re skilled in many aspects of cosmetic dentistry including dental veneers. If you would like to see whether dental veneers are worth it for you to achieve your perfect smile, then book a smile consultation and see for yourself.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.