How Much Do Veneers Cost? (And What Else Should You Know About Cosmetic Veneers?)

Ever wondered how is it that all the celebrities have perfect teeth? It is not due to their astonishing genetics, as much as they would like you to believe that. The answer lies with their cosmetic dentist. While there are a lot of methods to correct an imperfect smile, by far the most popular and least invasive method is the use of dental veneers.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic veneers — answered by a dentist.

What Are Cosmetic Veneers?

Cosmetic dental veneers are aesthetically-designed prosthetic appliances which are used to provide a better smile. They are used to correct minor to moderate imperfections in the aesthetics of a smile. Veneers are basically shells which are bonded to the outer surface of the teeth, thus changing the appearance of their size, shape and color. Material advancement and a more conservative approach to dental treatment have made their use extremely successful and desirable. Cosmetic veneers are also known as porcelain veneers or dental laminates.

READ Teeth Whitening: Is it a scam?

What Is The Difference Between Veneers And Traditional Crowns?

Traditional crowns require a tooth to be cut aggressively from all sides. It then envelopes the tooth completely from all sides, sitting on it like a cap. This is was the most popular method for aesthetic correction of teeth before the availability of cosmetic veneers. There are still some areas where traditional crowns are necessary, like in the case of a permanent prosthesis following root canal treatment. Cosmetic veneers cannot be used to correct minor malocclusions in the posterior teeth like traditional crowns can, either.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

While the exact cost of dental veneers might vary from place to place and from doctor to doctor, the cost of a cosmetic veneer is likely to be around three to five times the cost of a traditional crown. There are a few reasons why they cost so much more than traditional crowns. The first is that the tooth preparation required is much more precise and is often left to someone who is a specialist in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

The other is that the material costs involved in the procedure are also significantly higher. Everything from the clinical instruments, the impression-taking material and even the lab work is more expensive than for traditional crown preparation. Most cosmetic veneers are prepared with the help of a CADCAM (Computer Assisted Design Computer Assisted Milling) machine.

These CADCAM machines are able to mill extremely thin sheets of porcelain to produce a veneer that is only as thick as is necessary, without compromising on the strength of the prosthesis.

The shape and size of the final prosthesis is much more precise since it is made with computer-guided tools. The color matching and characterization of the veneers to make them life like and unique to each individual follows. This part is usually done in conjunction with the patient, keeping in mind the final outcome desired. It is this characterization and even the incorporation of minor naturally found artifacts that help make the prosthesis aesthetic and life-like.

A dentist who has specialized in the field of Prosthodontics or has had additional training in the field of cosmetic dentistry is one who is best equipped to provide the patient with satisfactory results.