Dental Veneers Overview

Veneers, also known as laminate veneers are thin (0.5mm) shells made of porcelain or resin composite materials fitted over an individual’s natural teeth. They are used to cover up flaws such as stains, cracks, worn enamel and uneven teeth.

Veneers can be functional or aesthetic but are often a combination of both. If you have always wanted that perfect smile, veneers are a minimally invasive and very effective way of achieving fantastic results.

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because they give you subtle or drastic results. You can choose to get a single veneer or an entire row.

They are relatively strong and last 10-20 years if well taken care of. Unlike dental implants or dental crowns which are more invasive treatments, veneers do not change your existing teeth to the same degree. One of the main advantages of veneers is the protection they provide your original teeth from being damaged any further.

The cost of veneers can vary widely from place to place. The number of veneers you need, the dentist and clinic fees and the type of veneer you choose are all factors that contribute to the final cost. Many patients are realizing that the cost of dentistry in Mexico is significantly cheaper than what they would pay in their own country. Increasingly, individuals are choosing to travel for dental treatment abroad. Also a progressively attractive option for many European dental patients is dentists in Turkey, renowned for their professional and artistic skills in cosmetic dentistry. Low cost of dental veneers in Malta has also lured many travelers, not just for dental veneers, but also dental implants and dental crowns treatments.

A Good Candidate for Dental Veneers

Do you have stained or discolored teeth that have been resistant to teeth whitening? Do you have chipped or cracked teeth where enamel has worn away over time? Do you have spaces between your teeth or misaligned teeth that give you a crooked smile? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you might be a good candidate for dental veneers.

The first thing you need to do is book an appointment with a dentist to further discuss what you would like to change about your teeth. It is vitally important for your dentist to know exactly what you expect from the treatment. You should have realistic expectations of this treatment. Veneers can fix many things that can ultimately make you unhappy, but if you need more extensive work the dentist may discuss dental implants or dental crowns with you.

A good candidate for dental veneers will be committed to practicing good oral hygiene. Veneers need to be taken care to ensure they last. Your teeth and gums need to be kept healthy so no further complications arise.

Veneers are a permanent solution and this is something that needs to be accepted by a potential patient. Some individuals have very small teeth and the gaps between their teeth cannot be closed by traditional orthodontics. Veneers are a good solution in this case because they can quickly and effectively close up these gaps.

Older patients whose teeth have been worn away over time make good candidates for veneers. They may have jagged edges or their teeth may be smaller than they were in the past. Veneers can easily correct these flaws and give them a healthy, youthful looking smile.

Multiple veneers can make your teeth look amazing by giving them a uniform color, shape and symmetry. Your teeth will look straighter, whiter and more even. Teeth are naturally worn away over time but veneers can protect your teeth from further damage simply by covering and protecting them.

Types of Dental Veneers

There are two main types of dental veneers: porcelain and composite. Each have a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully considered before making a decision. An alternative to the traditional dental veneers are similar products, such as lumineers.

These are more advanced forms of veneer that may be more appropriate for some patients. When you visit your dentist he will ensure that you are a good candidate for dental veneers and explain the difference between the types available.

All dental veneers are custom made to fit you perfectly. This minimizes the dental veneer risks and side effects. It is worth researching the types of dental veneers available to help you make an informed choice.

Veneers are a fantastic way to get that smile you have always wanted and they are not as invasive as other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Porcelain Veneers:

· Thin, glass like strips of porcelain are employed to correct flaws in teeth

· The most popular type of dental veneer used today

· Porcelain veneers are very strong and quite resistant to chipping

· Porcelain veneers will not experience tooth decay

· The cost of porcelain veneers is more expensive than the cost of composite resin veneers

· Original tooth needs to be shaved a fraction to fit porcelain veneers

· Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years if well looked after

· Look most like your original teeth, light is reflected more naturally

· This type of dental veneer is resistant to staining, even from substances that normally discolor teeth

· Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired but need to be replaced

Composite Veneers:

· This type of dental veneer can be created when you go to the dentist so you don’t have to wait for custom made porcelain ones to be created in a dental laboratory. Only one visit is required.

· Composite veneers are made out of engineered resin or reinforced plastic

· This type of dental veneer is quite porous which means that it stains more easily and absorbs water

· Less tooth reduction is required when bonding the dental veneers to your teeth

· Composite veneers need to be highly polished so they look natural

· The composite dental veneer procedure takes less time than the porcelain veneer procedure

· Not as expensive as porcelain veneers, this is a major advantage

· Last 4-8 years but require a significant amount of maintenance

Dental Veneers Procedure

The dental veneers procedure is carried out over 2-3 visits to the dentist. At your first consultation, you will talk to the dentist about what you are unhappy with and how you would like to change your teeth. The dentist will make sure that you are a good candidate for dental veneers by explaining the procedure details and what to expect from it.

You need to understand and completely accept the dental veneers risks and complications. However dental veneers have minimal risks compared to other dental treatments, such as dental implants.

The dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough to support dental veneers. If it looks like you require much more extensive treatment, your options regarding these will also be discussed.

Now is a good time to get your teeth whitened if you desire. Dental veneers are resistant to whitening treatments and they will be matched to your teeth color. If you would like whiter teeth, undergo this procedure first. If you get your teeth whitened later, the veneers will remain the same color while your teeth will be whiter.

The different types of dental veneers available today target particular flaws so ask the dentist to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each one. This will aid you in making your decision accordingly to what your desired outcome is.

At your next appointment the surface of your teeth will be prepared for the veneers. The dentist will do this by shaving off nearly .5mm of enamel from your teeth. The dental veneers you receive will replace this enamel and protect your natural tooth underneath. Most patients find the part of the dental veneers procedure painless but some patients may require local anesthetic if they are particularly sensitive.

The second part of the appointment involves taking an impression of your teeth so the dental veneers can be custom made to fit you perfectly. A perfect fit prevents your bite from changing and you will not be able to feel the veneers when they are bonded. The dentist will attach temporary veneers to your teeth so they are protected while your veneers are being custom made. This should not take longer than 1-2 weeks.

When your permanent dental veneers are ready the dentist will remove the temporary veneers and thoroughly clean your teeth. It is important that there are no food particles or bacteria build up on the tooth before the veneer is bonded.

A dental cement and local anesthetic will be used to permanently fix the new dental veneers to your teeth. To make sure the cement hardens properly, the dentist will also use a light beam to strengthen the bond. Your fabulous new smile is ready for the world!

Risks and Side Effects of Dental veneers

Unlike other cosmetic dentistry procedures, the dental veneers procedure is moderately safe and non- invasive. During your initial consultation the dentist will explain the dental veneers risks and side effects as well as what do should any arise.

It is important that you understand and accept these conditions as part of your treatment. As a patient, you ultimately want to get the most out of your dental veneers. To do this, you need to be committed to following the dentist’s instructions closely and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Differences in Tooth Color: It is best to get your teeth whitened before the placement of veneers because they are resistant to whitening treatments. Veneers are also resistant to staining so over time your regular teeth may become stained while your veneers stay the same.

Cracking and Chipping: If you are not careful with your dental veneers, they may crack or chip. Chewing hard foods and teeth grinding contribute to fractures and veneers are not completely resistant to high impacts.

Tooth Decay: The dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly before bonding the dental veneers to them but you need to clean your teeth regularly so that tooth decay does not develop under and around the veneers.

Tooth Sensitivity: This is common following receiving dental veneers but should disappear after a week. Some individuals with particularly sensitive teeth and gums may need to talk to their dentist about how to handle this issue if they are experiencing severe pain.

Unhappy with the Results: Most dental veneers are a permanent solution so you need to be sure that they are what you need and want. Make sure you research this treatment thoroughly and choose an experienced dentist who will help you achieve the results you desire.

Costs of Dental veneers

While you are considering treatment, it is equally important to research the cost of dental veneers. You will find that the price can vary significantly from location to location and from clinic to clinic. Other factors that contribute to the final cost include the type of dental veneer you end up choosing and how many you require.

In countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the cost of dental veneers ranges from $600 to $2,000 per tooth. If you need more than one dental veneer, this can add significantly. The reason why treatment is so expensive in western countries is because they have high standards of living and the cost of living is high. Dentists can charge more while clinics have massive accumulating costs that are passed on to the patient.

The cost of dental veneers abroad, however, is much less. In places such as Turkey, Hungary and Malta, you will spend $200 to $600.

Over the last few years, Croatia has grown in popularity among affordable dental tourism destinations. The cost of dentists in Rovinj attracted a host of dental patients from neighboring Italy, other European countries, and the US. Many clinics offer cost-saving, attractive treatment packages that include transport and accommodation.

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure which is not covered by insurance companies. If you are seeking affordable treatment, it is well worth considering dental tourism.

Get a free quote for the cost of dental veneers abroad today!