Are Veneers Worth It? Everything You Need to Know

“​Are veneers worth it?”, will depend on your cosmetic goals, dental health, and dentists’ recommendations.

I love seeing how expertly applied veneers can completely transform smiles. Watching a patient walk away with newfound confidence in their smile is one of the highlights of my years in the dentistry industry.

If you’ve been wondering if veneers are right for you, this guide is dedicated to helping you decide. I’ll cover the benefits of veneers, how are veneers done, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Understanding Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that get bonded to the surface of teeth to cover up imperfections underneath. The custom-made shells get bonded to tooth enamel to

change the colour and shape of teeth, depending on your goals.

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment for concealing damage, covering up stains, and creating a brand new smile.

 

Types of Veneers

There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Here’s a brief overview of composite vs. porcelain veneers:

• Composite Veneers: Composite veneers involve the application of composite resin over the front surface of the tooth. The composite resin is built up in layers and hardened with a curing light.

The process is fast and can be completed in under an hour. Composite veneers also involve less enamel preparation than porcelain veneers. However, their lifespan is shorter.

• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are constructed from dental porcelain. They cover the entire front surface of the tooth. Manufacturing custom porcelain veneers requires several weeks at a dental lab.

More enamel removal is required for porcelain veneers and they cost more than composite veneers. Although they cost more than composite veneers, they offer a longer lifespan.

 

	Porcelain Veneers	Composite Veneers
Lifespan	Approx. 10 to 12 years	Around 4 to 8 years
Cost	More expensive than composite resin veneers	More budget-friendly veneer option
Durability	Durable and highly stain resistant	Not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain veneers
Appearance	Most natural looking result; porcelain mimics the appearance of natural teeth	Effectively conceals stained, misshapen, or damaged teeth underneath
Prep	More intensive prep work needed	Minimal prep work required to apply composite veneers
Treatment Time	Getting porcelain veneers typically takes several weeks and three appointments	Can often be done in a single visit and under an hour

 

Who Can Benefit from Veneers?

The best candidates for veneers are individuals with good oral hygiene, sufficient enamel, and healthy teeth. Veneers are an excellent solution for a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

• Discolouration or staining
• Chips
• Gaps
• Misshapen teeth
• Minor damage

 

How Are Veneers Done?

The Veneer Procedure Step-by-Step

Getting composite veneers is a quick, straightforward procedure. Composite veneers require minimal tooth preparation. Layers of composite resin are applied to the surface of the teeth and cured. Often, this can be completed in a single visit.

The process of getting porcelain veneers typically includes three visits. We begin with a consultation followed by two appointments to complete the process.

Here’s a step-by-step look at “How Are Veneers Done?”:

• 1. Initial Consultation: We’ll evaluate your oral health and habits and discuss your concerns and goals to ensure you are an ideal candidate for veneers.
• 2. Impressions and X-rays: We begin the process by taking detailed digital dental impressions and X-rays of your teeth.
• 3. Creation of the Custom Veneers: The impressions get sent to a dental lab so custom veneers can be created that will match your colour preference and blend in with your natural teeth.
• 4. Tooth Preparation: We prepare the teeth by strategically shaping the surface and removing a minimal portion of the enamel.
• 5. Application: The porcelain veneers are bonded to the prepared teeth.
• 6. Follow-Up: We perform a follow-up appointment to ensure you are happy with the placement and appearance of the veneers. We also evaluate gum health and bonding and discuss a maintenance plan.

Learn more about the process of getting veneers here on our Genesis Dental Perth Veneers page.

 

How Long Does the Process Take?

Porcelain veneers take longer to complete than composite veneers. Composite veneers can be completed in a single visit, often in less than an hour.

Since custom porcelain veneers need to be made in a lab, the process takes several weeks and multiple appointments.

 

 

Are Veneers Worth It? The Pros and Cons

Advantages of Veneers

• Quick Solution: Veneers are a relatively quick way to fix crooked, chipped, or stained teeth. The fastest choice is composite veneers.
• Stain Resistance: Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than natural tooth enamel. This makes porcelain veneers an excellent option if you are interested in permanent tooth whitening.
• Boosted Confidence: Veneers can turn a stained smile with misshapen teeth and transform it into a bright, healthy-looking smile. Veneers offer a natural-looking appearance that can be an incredible confidence boost.
• Long-Lasting: Porcelain veneers can last up to 12 years when properly maintained.  
• Less Enamel Removal Than Crowns: Although veneers do require enamel removal, they require less enamel prep than crowns.  
• Low Maintenance: Caring for veneers is similar to caring for natural teeth. Practice a good oral hygiene routine, see your dentist regularly, avoid smoking, and eat a healthy diet, and protect your mouth during contact sports.
• No Bite Changes: Veneers only cover the front of your teeth, ensuring your bite stays the same.

 

Drawbacks of Veneers

“Are veneers bad for your teeth?”.  I’ve had many patients ask me this question and it is one of the biggest misconceptions of veneers. Although they do require tooth prep, the enamel removal is minimal. This is particularly true if you opt for composite veneers.

Still, here are some important considerations I tell my patients to keep in mind with veneers:

• Irreversible: Getting veneers is not a choice to take lightly. The procedure is irreversible and must be a decision you consider carefully. Follow your dentist’s recommendations to ensure veneers are the right choice for you. Once a tooth is prepped and enamel is removed, it cannot be reversed.  
• Cost Considerations: Veneers can be a costly investment, especially porcelain veneers.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: If a dentist removes too much enamel, you may be at risk of sensitivity issues. You can limit this risk by working with a dentist with extensive veneer experience.

 

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The lifespan of veneers will depend on the type of veneer, your oral health, and your oral hygiene routine.

 

Longevity of Porcelain vs Composite Veneers

• Composite Veneers Lifespan: Composite veneers are less durable and have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers. In general, I tell my patients they can expect to get about 4 to 8 years out of composite veneers. Composite resin is more porous than porcelain, making composite veneers more prone to staining.
• Porcelain Veneers Lifespan: Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers, giving them a longer lifespan. With proper maintenance,  porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 12 years.

 

Factors That Affect Veneer Lifespan

Whether you opt for porcelain or composite veneers, here are factors that affect the lifespan of veneers:

• Oral Hygiene Habits: A good oral hygiene routine is crucial for maintaining veneers. Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent plaque build-up and staining. Regular dental check-ups are another critical part of maintaining oral health and your veneers.
• Quality of Materials: Higher quality materials will support a longer veneer lifespan.
• Dietary Choices: Certain foods and drinks can damage or discolour veneers. Avoid or limit hard candy, coffee, red wine, and highly pigmented foods and beverages that promote staining.
• Lifestyle Choices: Certain habits can shorten the lifespan of veneers, including chewing on hard objects (pens, ice, fingernails) or clenching or grinding teeth. Avoid chewing on non-food objects and discuss treatment options for teeth grinding with your dentist to protect your veneers.
• Smoking or Tobacco Use: Along with damaging your oral health, smoking or tobacco use also shortens veneer lifespan.
• Protective Measures: Wearing a custom mouthguard during contact sports can prevent mouth trauma and maximise the lifespan of your veneers.
• Dentist Skill: Choose a dentist with extensive veneer experience to make sure your veneers last as long as possible.

Read my blog How Long Do Veneers Last? for an in-depth breakdown of veneer lifespan.

 

Are Veneers Right for You?

Questions to Consider

I recommend asking yourself these questions to help decide if veneers are the best option for you:

• What are my cosmetic goals?
• What is the current state of my oral health?
• Am I prepared for long-term veneer maintenance?
• What does my dentist recommend?
• What is my budget?

 

Consultation with a Dentist

The most important part of deciding on veneers is a consultation with your dentist. A personalised assessment will ensure that veneers are suitable for your cosmetic goals and that your oral health, teeth, and enamel can support veneers.

A General Checkup is an excellent time to bring up veneers with your dentist. Visit our General Dental Checkups page to schedule your consultation with one of our caring dentists.

 

Are Veneers Worth It?

Veneers are an effective way to produce stunning results and a completely new smile. From gaps to staining to damage, veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic dental issues.

Although veneers will eventually need replacement, they are a long-lasting solution to many cosmetic concerns. To maximise the life of veneers, practice good oral hygiene, avoid tobacco use, attend regular dental checkups, and limit the consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages.

If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for veneers, we would be happy to be your trusted guides. We can evaluate your oral health, individual goals, and enamel to help you make an informed decision.

Ready to transform your smile? Book a consultation with Genesis Dental today and discover if veneers are the perfect solution for you. Whether you’re looking to fix chips, gaps, or discolouration, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.