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.

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.

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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.

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.

Not Happy With Your Smile? Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Veneers

What Are The Advantages Of Getting A Cosmetic Veneer?

The major advantage of getting a cosmetic veneer is that this treatment option manages to keep most of your tooth structure intact. Since the tooth preparation is minimal, it does not require an intentional root canal treatment to be performed. Patients are also less likely to develop any post-operative sensitivity since most of the protective enamel remains untouched. Another advantage of the procedure is that patients may or may not be required to wear a temporary prosthesis during the interim when the final prosthesis is being fabricated. This is not an option with traditional crowns, especially in the anterior region, and it helps bring down the total cost of the treatment.

Can Everyone Get Cosmetic Veneers?

While a large majority of patients looking for an aesthetic correction of their smile can get cosmetic veneers, not everyone can. Whether cosmetic veneers are right for you or not will be decided by your dentist at an initial evaluation appointment. Major malocclusions and extreme crowding of the teeth are contraindications to getting cosmetic veneers as a lot more tooth preparation is required.

Another acceptable solution is to opt for orthodontic treatment to bring the teeth to an acceptable level and then provide the finishing touches with veneers if needed at all. Of course, this does not work for people who are in public facing jobs and thus cannot wear braces.

What Is The Best Way To Take Care Of Cosmetic Veneers?

Cosmetic veneers are relatively easy to take care of since they do not cover your entire tooth so food or debris is less likely to get lodged underneath the prosthesis. Care should be taken to avoid biting into hard food like an apple, as it can damage the prosthesis. A fork and knife will become your best friend, even for pizza.

Make sure you maintain a high level of oral hygiene and get a professional cleaning done twice a year at the very minimum. It is not uncommon for cosmetic veneers to need to be changed after a few years of service for a variety of reasons such as changing gingival architecture in the area, physical wearing away and damage to the prosthesis.

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Conclusion

Cosmetic veneers are an excellent option for people looking to correct their smile. It is a treatment option based on sound principles and has shown success over a long period of time. The cost of the treatment is steep but it offers some real advantages over lesser expensive options.