Lumineers are an alternative to full porcelain veneers. These are a very thin type of veneer that can be placed on top of your natural teeth without the need for filing. In the United States, dentists typically charge per tooth for full-mouth veneers. Before asking “How much do veneers cost?”, it is important to make sure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.
The ideal candidate will have healthy gums and bones, as well as relatively healthy tooth enamel. If there is significant structural damage or existing restorations, veneers may not be an option. Porcelain veneers provide the highest level of aesthetic results when planning a smile change. As a semi-translucent material, porcelain mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel for the most flattering color and tone.
They are also very durable and stain resistant. Composite veneers are placed by hand by your cosmetic dentist and are made of the same type of material used for white dental fillings. They are best for treating only 1 to 2 teeth at a time, rather than the entire smile area. The disadvantage of composite veneers is that they are opaque, stain more easily, and are more brittle than porcelain or unprepared options; they are not ideal for treating multiple teeth at any given time. If you want to be able to remove your dental veneers one day in the future, unprepared veneers are the perfect solution.
Due to its minimal placement process, dental structure is not altered during treatment. Veneers adhere directly to natural, healthy tooth enamel. These “same-day” dental veneers next to the office are similar to having a tooth attached, except that the compound covers the entire front of the tooth rather than a smaller area. Composite bonding is a conservative way to quickly mask cosmetic defects in specific teeth. Tooth colored material is made directly on the broken, chipped, or hollowed area to change the way the tooth looks.
Typically, the entire process is completed in less than half an hour and requires only one appointment; results are immediate. Cosmetic bonding is similar to composite veneers, but only covers a part of the tooth rather than the entire visible surface. Veneers don't ruin teeth, but they do require a slight reduction in tooth structure (at least for porcelain veneers). Veneers are single sets, and full-mouth veneers are what is commonly referred to as the Hollywood Smile procedure. Porcelain dental veneers provide maximum aesthetics and durability with a natural-looking semi-translucent shine.
Since dental veneers are an elective cosmetic procedure, the fees associated with this treatment are usually the responsibility of the patient. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years or longer with proper dental care, good oral hygiene, and regular check-ups. What dentistry aims to achieve with veneers is to give you a set in which both the shape of the veneers and the color match you. Dental lab technicians create a bespoke veneer set for you, which is then mailed to your dentist. Veneers can be made from a variety of materials and all can affect the cost of full-mouth veneers. Once your teeth are filed, cleaned and polished, your dentist will use dental cement to attach each veneer.
Direct application of veneers means that your dentist can use clay to shape them directly on your teeth. Some people may receive only one veneer for a broken or chipped tooth, but many receive between six and eight veneers to create an even, symmetrical smile. But concerns about the cost of veneers can deter many people from discussing them with their cosmetic dentist. Dental veneers can last more than a decade depending on their type making them a semi-permanent investment that can make you more confident in your smile.