You’ve probably seen them on celebrities or your friends, but you may be asking yourself, “Are veneers worth it?” “What are the pros and cons of veneers?”
I get it. It’s a big decision and not one to take lightly.
What are veneers? Veneers are a type of cosmetic treatment that can drastically improve the appearance of your front teeth.
They are thin, custom-made coverings that are placed over the front teeth. Veneers are commonly used for cosmetic reasons, such as correcting stained, chipped, decayed, or crooked teeth. They may also be used to correct uneven spaces or gaps between the teeth, referred to as diastemas.
New to veneers? Watch my video as I give you an introduction to veneers.
But before you make the decision to get veneers, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of dental veneers.
The Pros of Dental Veneers
If you’re looking for a way to transform your smile without having to undergo extensive dental treatments, then dental veneers might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Here’s why dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular.
Pro #1: Veneers Improve the Appearance of Your Smile
Let’s face it—we all want our teeth to look their best.
Whether you’ve always had crooked, stained teeth or your teeth were damaged due to an accident, dental veneers can make them look brand new.
Your dentist can help recommend the right shade and shape of veneer material that will best complement your existing teeth so that it looks completely natural once placed.
Pro #2: Veneers Are Stain-Resistant
Another great advantage is that veneers made from porcelain are resistant to stains from tea, coffee, or red wine.
The material used in making them resists discoloration. This means you don’t have to worry about your smile looking dull and dingy over time. Your veneers will stay bright and white for many years. But keep in mind that the natural surrounding teeth may change color with time.
Pro #3: Veneers Are Minimally Invasive
Unlike traditional braces or dental crowns, which may require multiple appointments and invasive procedures, dental veneers can often be placed in as little as two visits to the dentist.
Additionally, dental veneers require very little tooth modification; in most cases, only a small amount of enamel needs to be removed in order to fit the veneer comfortably over your tooth.
And because they are a non-invasive treatment option, there is no risk of damage or infection associated with them. This is why veneers are a great option for those who want to make changes to their smile without having to undergo more extensive treatments.
Pro #4: Veneers Replace Damaged Tooth Enamel
Veneers can be used to replace damaged tooth enamel that has been stained, chipped, or eroded over time.
This can be especially beneficial for those who have severely discolored teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional tooth-whitening treatments.
They also help protect your enamel from acidic foods or drinks, which can lead to erosion over time if left unchecked.
Pro #5: Veneers Are Durable and Long-Lasting
How long do veneers last? With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years or more, depending on the type and quality.
This means you don’t have to worry about constant maintenance or repairs like you would with other treatments.
They will not chip or break as easily as natural teeth, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged during everyday activities such as eating and drinking. But, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect them if you grind your teeth.
Pro #6: Veneers Require No Special Maintenance
Once the procedure is complete, there isn’t much maintenance required for the upkeep of your new smile.
When it comes to taking care of your new dental veneers, routine brushing and flossing should do the trick!
While there are some restrictions on certain foods (such as hard candies or nuts), most foods don’t pose any threat to your new porcelain veneers.
And with regular cleanings and checkups at your dentist’s office every six months, your dental veneers should stay in great shape for many years to come!
The Cons of Dental Veneers
While dental veneers do have many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks as well.
Here are some things you should consider before getting them.
Con #1: Veneers Are More Expensive Than Teeth Whitening
Although dental veneers may be more affordable than some other dental treatments out there (such as dental implants), they still usually come with a hefty price tag. They can cost up to $2,500 each, which is more expensive than a professional teeth whitening treatment. On average, you’re looking at about $1,800–$2,000 per veneer in San Diego, California.
That doesn’t include the cost of other preparatory procedures like an exam, X-rays, teeth whitening, braces, and/or crowns on other teeth that may need to be completed before having veneers placed.
Con #2: Veneers Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity
The removal of enamel before placing a veneer can lead to tooth sensitivity and discomfort. You might also experience pain if pressure is applied too quickly or too heavily while brushing or while eating foods that are hot or cold in temperature
This sensitivity can last for a few days or months but usually goes away over time as your mouth adjusts to its new look and feel. This is usually temporary. It may be more intense or long-lasting than expected in unusual cases.
Con #3: Veneers Are Permanent and Non-Reversible
Once you get dental veneers, there’s no going back. They are a permanent solution that cannot be reversed without replacing them entirely with new ones.
In addition, they cannot be easily repaired once they break or chip; they will need to be replaced with a new one.
So if you’re someone who often changes their mind about decisions, then veneers may not be the best choice for you, as there is no way to undo them.
Veneer Tip: Select a meticulous Cosmetic Dentist for your dental veneers. Top dentists will save you a lot of time, money or regrets by delivering beautiful results that you desire.
Con #4: Veneers Are Still Susceptible to Damage
Despite their durability, veneers can still crack or fracture if exposed to extreme force.
Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles, bite into hard foods, or chew on ice. These are all activities that could lead to cracking and damage to your new veneers.
Dental Veneer Tip: Find a dentist that provides warranties for your veneers. At Blyss Dental, I provide a 5 year guarantee on your porcelain veneers. It’s our way of showing that we stand behind our work.
Con #5: Veneers Are Long Lasting… But They Don’t Last Forever
Ceramic veneers have a lifespan of 10-15 years, depending on how well they’re cared for. However, this doesn’t mean they will last forever.
At some point, you will have to replace your veneers again.
As we age, our gums may recede and cause a space between the gum line and the edge of the veneer, making it appear longer than before.
Our faces also change over time, and this can cause the shape of our teeth to change as well. If this happens, it’s possible that the original veneer won’t match your smile anymore.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
There are different types of veneers available, such as porcelain or composite resin, that vary in price.
Porcelain veneers are usually more expensive but also tend to last longer than other types of veneer materials and offer more natural-looking results. Resin-based composite veneers are often less expensive and can also be used for minor dental corrections such as gaps between the teeth or chips in the teeth.
In San Diego, California, veneers can cost up to $3,500 each. On average, you’re looking at about $2,000 per veneer.
Nationwide, however, you may spend anywhere from $1200 – $2,500 per porcelain veneer, according to the American Dental Association. While, composite veneers cost approximately $250 to $1,500. This means if you were to get a full-mouth of veneers (say, 8-10 teeth), you may be looking at a total cost of around $9,600–$25,000.
Several factors affect the cost of your treatment, including
- Type of veneer you choose
- Quality of the dental laboratory. At Blyss, we use master ceramists to make your dental veneers to deliver perfect Hollywood smiles.
- The number of teeth being treated
- Your area’s cost of living
- Your dentist’s expertise
Also, keep in mind that dental insurance plans often do not cover veneer costs because they are considered cosmetic procedures. For those who cannot afford it upfront, there are still ways to pay for this treatment.
For instance, some dentists offer payment plans, discounts on treatments, or in-house financing options. At Blyss Dental, we offer some of the best loans that can get you started on your journey to a new smile. Give us a call to get pre-qualified today.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, whether or not dental veneers are worth it is a personal decision only you can make.
Weighing out the pros and cons can help you decide if this procedure is right for you. But ultimately, it comes down to how much value it brings into your life as well as its affordability within your budget.
Keep in mind that there are alternatives, such as bonding and crowns, that might be better suited to meet your needs depending on what you want to change about your smile.
If you’re considering veneers, I recommend booking a free consultation at Blyss Dental.
I can help you figure out if veneers are the right choice for you, and if they are, I can start the process of giving you the smile of your dreams!
Sources Cited From
- American Dental Association & Elsevier Inc. (2003, August 1). Improving your smile with dental veneers. https://jada.ada.org/. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)65062-5/fulltext
- American Dental Association. (n.d.-c). Veneers. https://www.mouthhealthy.org. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers
- Beier US, Kapferer I, Burtscher D, Dumfahrt H. Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers for up to 20 years. Int J Prosthodont. 2012 Jan-Feb;25(1):79-85. PMID: 22259802.
- Alothman Y, Bamasoud MS. The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018 Dec 14;6(12):2402-2408. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.353. PMID: 30607201; PMCID: PMC6311473.
- Cost of Cosmetic Dental Procedures | American Cosmetic Dentistry. (n.d.). http://www.
americancosmeticdentistry .org/ cost-of-cosmetic-dentistry/