Should I Get Veneers? 7 Important Things to Know Before Getting Veneers

"Should I get veneers?" is a question we get a lot at our dental office. And it's understandable! Veneers are a great way to quickly improve the look of your smile, and they can be a very worthwhile investment.

Veneers can transform a dull, lackluster, or crooked smile into a smile worthy of a Hollywood red carpet. And while veneers are an increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, they're not right for everyone. Let's discuss some important factors to consider before you make your decision.

Consider The State of Your Oral Health

One of the more common questions people ask when considering this procedure is if they should get veneers in the first place. And there's no straightforward answer.

If you have smile imperfections, this can be a way to correct them and boost your confidence simultaneously. You'll be able to show those pearly whites as you speak or take photos without feelings of self-consciousness.

You also have to consider the state of your oral health. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, you might want to forgo this procedure or get it after you've addressed those issues. And if you grind your teeth or clench your jaws, you risk damaging them. Ultimately, they have benefits but aren't for everyone.

7 Important Things to Consider

1. Are You a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for veneers if you have any of the following issues:

• Crooked teeth
• Gaps
• Misshapen teeth
• Sizing issues
• Discoloration
• Stains
• Cracks
• Chips
• Crowded teeth

As a general rule, whatever issue you're using veneers for should be mild. For moderate and severe problems, there may be another cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry procedure more suited for your problem.

If you have gum disease, you'll need to have it addressed and under control prior to getting veneers. Those with extensive tooth decay may need that fixed first.

Veneers are not the answer to missing teeth. If you have a missing tooth, you'll probably be a better candidate for a dental implant.

Additionally, if you have bruxism, meaning you grind your teeth, you may crack or chip the veneer. It can also lead to premature veneer failure. The same applies if you clench your teeth.

Patients who have thin enamel may not be able to get veneers or may require special consideration. This is something we can determine during your consultation.

2. Can You Afford the Cost?

As you're deciding if this is the right procedure for you, factor in cost. The average price of one dental veneer is between $925 and $2,500. The price varies based on the type of veneer and how much prep work is entailed in the process. The price also depends on your physical location. And you must consider if you need any dental work first since that'll be an added expense.

Fortunately, patients who have their hearts set on the procedure don't have to forgo it due to price. It's possible to finance veneers and make low monthly payments, just as you would with a car or other major purchase.

3. Decide on the Type of Dental Veneers

Individuals who want veneers will need to decide what type of veneer they want, which affects cost. There are 3 primary types of veneers:

Porcelain Veneers:

These are the most popular type of veneer and for good reason. They mimic your tooth enamel better than other varieties and resist staining. They're also the most durable option, lasting up to 20 years with proper care.

Ceramic Veneers:

Ceramic veneers are relatively cheaper. This material is porous, though, and therefore, stains more easily than porcelain.

Composite Veneers:

Composite resin is affordable and takes little time to prepare and apply but doesn't last as long as porcelain. They are also not as durable.

4. Understand That Veneers Are Permanent

Before making a decision, understand that once you have them, you can't reverse the procedure. Veneers are permanent.

They're also difficult to remove should you change your mind later or if they break or chip. We can replace them, but the process is involved, and it'll be necessary to match the new veneer to your other teeth since they may have discolored over time.

5. You Don't Have to Get a Full Mouth of Veneers

All of your teeth don't have to have dental veneers on them. Some people choose to only have the ones seen when they smile altered.

Moreover, as with all other aspects of cosmetic dentistry, veneers are a highly customizable treatment tailored to your specific needs. Therefore, if you only need one or two veneers, it's possible. On the other hand, you may have eight to 10 or even the whole mouthful if you choose.

6. Consider How Long the Veneers Process Takes

While some restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in a day, sometimes the same day as the consultation, veneers aren't one of them.

Typically, it takes three appointments for you to get veneers. During the first appointment, a cosmetic dentist will evaluate your mouth and make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for veneers. You may need to schedule dental treatments first before qualifying. You can ask any questions, and the dentist will go over what finished results you can expect.

At the second appointment, the dentist will prepare your natural teeth by shaving off some of the enamel and roughing it up, though this depends on the type of veneers you're getting. A temporary veneer is then placed on every tooth that's getting a permanent one.

The third visit is when the dentist places the permanent veneers.

7. Veneers Can Change Your Life

Veneers can make you happy to smile again. You'll be ready for whatever life has in store for you, with the confidence boost veneers can generate. You also look more approachable when you're smiling all the time.

Veneers can not only alter your teeth but how you feel about yourself as well. You can walk into an interview or go on a date feeling comfortable smiling. While there are certain times this treatment isn't suitable for a person, most people qualify.

If you're ready to see if porcelain veneers are right for you, contact VIP Smiles today for a consultation by calling 855-2-VENEER.

Find The Best Veneers Dentist For You

When you finally decide that veneers are the right cosmetic dental procedure for you, the next step is finding the right dentist to do the job. Not all dentists are created equal when it comes to this particular procedure. You want a highly skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist who will take the time to understand your goals and give you the best possible results.

At VIP Smiles, Dr. Catrise Austin is a porcelain veneers expert and highly sought-after cosmetic dentist in New York City. She has over two decades of experience in the field and has helped countless celebrities, athletes, soccer moms, business professionals, and other patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

Ready to change your smile and boost your confidence with the help of porcelain veneers? Click here to complete a brief questionnaire to see if veneers are right for you.