Are Porcelain Veneers Worth the Price?
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Cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to improve the appearance of your smile, with dental veneers being among the most popular. There are two primary options for veneers available: porcelain and composite (bonding).
Porcelain veneers may be more expensive than bonding, and this method of brightening and repairing damaged teeth offers superior benefits, but are they worth it?
Are Dental Veneers the Right Solution for You?
Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, you may or may not need dental veneers. If your oral health is good and you have straight teeth with surface discoloration but no structural damage, professional teeth whitening might be all you need for a brighter smile.
Dental veneers may be needed to achieve your cosmetic goals if your teeth and gums have other problems (including permanent intrinsic staining).
However, tooth decay, gum disease, and major orthodontic issues must be addressed before cosmetic dental treatment begins.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
While dental veneers cannot treat an unhealthy smile, they can address many cosmetic conditions, including:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Permanently stained teeth
- Teeth with gaps
- Minor misalignment
- Crooked and twisted teeth
Composite Veneers (Bonding) Vs. Porcelain Veneers
Composite Veneers
Dental bonding involves a cosmetic dentist coating your teeth with a tooth-colored, composite material to whiten teeth with deep intrinsic discoloration and conceal structural flaws.
Composite veneers only require one visit to complete and can be more economical in some cases.
Unfortunately, dental bonding does not offer the same strength as porcelain veneers, and they do not last as long. Composite veneers are also less resistant to stains and require regular maintenance to keep them in ideal condition.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are designed to be lifelike translucent restorations that reflect light, replicating the appearance of natural teeth. Treatment with these ultra-thin ceramic shells involves a multi-step process that usually requires at least two visits.
During your first appointment, the dentist prepares your teeth to receive the veneers, obtains a precise impression, and color-matches them to your natural teeth.
The impression and instructions are sent to a dental lab to create your custom porcelain veneers, which are typically received in about two weeks.
During the second visit, your finished porcelain veneers are carefully placed over your natural teeth. The dentist will check your bite and make any needed adjustments.
Porcelain veneers are strong, long lasting, and stain resistant. They can also be combined with teeth whitening of the surrounding teeth.
Professional dental cleaning is recommended before receiving either of these cosmetic dental treatments.
Porcelain Veneer Options
Another benefit of porcelain veneers is that they provide several options, including:
- Feldspathic porcelain is the standard material for porcelain veneers and resists cracking and staining.
- IPS Empress Esthetic Veneers are made from strong leucite glass and are known for their almost identical resemblance to natural teeth and durability.
- EMAX veneers are also able to replicate natural tooth enamel. This option is made with lithium disilicate ceramic and is more fracture-resistant than standard feldspathic porcelain.
Other Dental Veneer Considerations
Before deciding which option is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Are my teeth and gums healthy? A reputable cosmetic dentist will only proceed with dental veneer treatment if general dentistry needs have been taken care of.
- Do I practice good oral hygiene at home and regularly visit the dentist? Your teeth and gums will continue to require optimal care after receiving veneers.
- Do I grind my teeth? Bruxism can shorten the life of your veneers.
Are Porcelain Veneers Worth the Price? It’s a Personal Decision
As you can see, teeth whitening and composite veneers cannot offer the benefits that porcelain veneers do. The decision to receive porcelain veneers over dental bonding or professional teeth whitening alone is a personal one. We hope this information has helped.
Porcelain Veneers in Chicago, IL
Our well-known Chicago, Illinois, porcelain veneer provider, Dr. Vlad Fedin, is currently accepting new patients and welcomes you to call (312) 642-6631 to schedule a visit.
Click here to see our before and after photos.
Learn more about porcelain veneers by calling our Chicago, Illinois, top cosmetic dentist today!