Are you considering getting dental veneers? Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth. Getting veneers is a great way to improve the look of your smile and fix a variety of cosmetic dental issues. Here are 5 great reasons to get dental veneers.

1. Fix Chipped or Broken Teeth

One of the most common reasons people get veneers is to fix chipped or broken teeth. Veneers can restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken due to injury or decay. The porcelain or composite covers the entire front surface of the tooth, creating a natural and complete look. Veneers are a great alternative to crowns for minor chips and cracks.

2. Correct Gaps Between Teeth

Do you have unsightly gaps between your teeth? These gaps, known as diastemas, can make your smile look uneven. Veneers provide an easy solution by covering the front of the teeth to close these gaps. The veneers are shaped specifically for your mouth so that the spacing between teeth looks natural after they are placed. This can help boost your confidence and improve the aesthetics of your smile.

3. Replace Old Dental Work

Over time, dental work like crowns and fillings can become stained, chipped or worn down. Rather than replacing old dental work, you can simply cover it up with veneers. Veneers go over the top of existing dental work to provide a completely refreshed and flawless smile. It’s an easy makeover for your smile without undergoing extensive replacement procedures.

4. Align Crooked Teeth

While braces are the standard for realigning crooked teeth, veneers can provide quick cosmetic straightening in some cases. If you have mildly crooked teeth, veneers can mask their appearance by creating a uniform look. The veneer shells are shaped to provide the appearance of straight teeth. However, veneers generally aren’t a replacement for orthodontic treatment for severe misalignments.

5. Whiten Stained or Discolored Teeth

Veneers can give you a bright white smile makeover. Teeth often become stained or discolored from food and drink, smoking, medication use or simply from aging. Rather than undergoing teeth whitening treatments, veneers act as a quick fix. The thin shells are able to cover front teeth with a completely white surface. Veneers made from porcelain provide the most dramatic whitening effect.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Considering getting dental veneers? Veneers offer many benefits that make them a popular choice for improving the appearance of your smile. Here are some of the key advantages veneers provide:

• Dramatic and fast smile makeover. Veneers immediately improve the look of your smile, providing fast results with only 1-2 dental visits required.
• Stain-resistant. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural teeth and won’t discolor over time like dental work like crowns sometimes do.
• Natural looking. Veneers made from porcelain closely mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. The translucency and texture are very lifelike.
• Strong and long-lasting. Today’s veneers are very durable. With proper care, they can last 10-20 years or longer before needing to be replaced.
• Preserve natural tooth. Veneers are minimally invasive, removing only about .5 to .7 millimeters off the front surface of the tooth. This preserves most of the natural tooth structure.
• Easy maintenance. Veneers don’t require any special care. Just practice good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings.

For many people, veneers offer an ideal balance of aesthetics and strength. Talk to your dentist to see if you could benefit from these popular porcelain dental facings.

How Much do Veneers Cost?

If you’re considering getting dental veneers, one of your first questions is probably how much do they cost? On average, porcelain veneers cost $925 to $2,500 per tooth. However, veneer prices can vary significantly based on several factors:

Type of Material

• Composite veneers range from $250-$1500 per tooth
• Porcelain veneers range from $925-$2500 per tooth

Porcelain is more expensive but offers better aesthetics, stain-resistance and durability than composite resin veneers.

Extent of Treatment

The number of veneers needed and the amount of preparation and restoration work required can impact the total cost. More extensive treatments typically have higher veneers costs.

Your Location

Costs are usually higher in major metro areas and lower in rural areas. Where you get veneers done will influence the price.

Dentist Fees

Veneer costs vary from dentist to dentist based on their experience level, qualifications, and office location.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover a portion of the total veneer cost, usually about 50%. Check with your dental insurance provider.

When considering affordability, think about the upfront cost but also how long veneers last. With good oral care, porcelain veneers can last 10 years or longer, making them a wise long-term investment for a beautiful smile.

Options for Affordable Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an effective way to improve the look of your smile but can be pricey. If you’re concerned about the cost, don’t worry. Here are some tips for getting affordable dental veneers:

• Shop around – Costs vary greatly among dentists so it pays to check pricing at multiple dental offices. Get 2-3 estimates before deciding where to get veneers done.
• Ask about payment plans – Many dentists offer flexible monthly payment plans to make veneers more budget-friendly. Long-term financing spreads out costs over 12, 24 or even 36 months.
• Consider composite veneers – Composite resin veneers are cheaper than porcelain. While not as strong, composites can be ideal for minor chips or gaps.
• Get cosmetic dental insurance – Plans like DentalPlans.com cover a portion of cosmetic treatments including veneers. It provides access to discounts of up to 50%.
• Travel abroad – In popular dental tourism spots like Mexico or Costa Rica, prices for veneers and other dental work are much lower.
• Opt for minimal prep – If your teeth just need minor reshaping, “no-prep” veneers may suffice. Less drilling means lower costs.
• Watch for holiday sales – Some dental offices offer holiday promotions and specials on veneers, especially in December.

With a little shopping around, having a budget and finding discounts, you can get the smile transformation you want at an affordable price.