A perfect smile is a coveted attribute; those genetically blessed with beautiful teeth smile more than people with healthy but misaligned or malformed teeth. Studies have shown that people who smile more actually get paid more over the course of a lifetime, and are generally perceived by others as being happy and confident. One Orbit chewing gum survey showed that 71% of those surveyed believed that people with lovely teeth would make friends more easily than would individuals with crooked teeth.
Serious problems, especially those involving misaligned jaws, require orthodontic work or maxillofacial surgery. Minor problems such as chipping may merely call for a little bonding on a few teeth. Many other unattractive tooth problems can only be solved with porcelain or composite veneers, which are basically perfect little “false fronts” placed over the teeth. They are not cheap by any means, but they are the easiest and often the most satisfying way to obtain a perfect smile.
The High Cost of Tooth Veneers
Since veneers are cosmetic in nature, they are usually not covered by dental insurance. The total price of tooth veneers depends on how many are applied. Porcelain veneers cost about $925 to $2500 per tooth; composite veneers cost around $250-$1500 per tooth. However, porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 or even 20 years, while composites need to be replaced after about 5-7 years. Porcelain veneers are also less porous and less likely to stain.
A full set of tooth veneers involves having ten top and ten bottom teeth veneered. Aesthetic dentists who work on Hollywood stars charge about $45,000 for a full-mouth set of veneers. Luckily, most people do not need quite so many; and can often get a gorgeous smile with just a few veneers combined with bonding and professional bleaching and/or reshaping.
The First Steps of a Tooth Veneer Procedure
An initial dental visit will be needed to make sure no cavities or other problems are present. A periodontal evaluation should also be performed to check for gum disease. If plaque is present, the teeth should be thoroughly cleaned by a dental hygienist.
Next, a good cosmetic dentist will analyze the patient’s face from the front and sides to figure out what size and shape the veneers should be. She will also determine how many teeth show when the patient is smiling widely.
The patient will also be advised as to which veneer color is aesthetically best for him; many of today’s patients seem to want what dentists privately (and derisively) refer to as “Chiclet teeth:” huge, blindingly white teeth that can end up looking like ill-fitting dentures. It is usually best to heed an expert cosmetic dentist’s advice on veneer color, size, and shape. Women are often advised to get rounded veneers rather than square ones, which are associated with a more masculine look.
The Application of Tooth Veneers
The surface of the natural tooth must be sanded down by approximately one-half millimeter. Provisional or temporary veneers are then placed on the teeth while the permanent set is created by technicians. After 7-14 days, the permanent veneers should be ready. Patients who decide they do not like the way the temporary veneers look should tell their dentists immediately; he can then order any necessary changes to the permanent set.
Once the permanent veneers are ready, a very strong composite resin cement is used to bond them to the teeth. High-intensity light is then applied to harden the cement and make sure the laminate is bonded securely to the underlying teeth. Veneers rarely pop off the teeth; if they do, they can simply be reapplied.
Application of veneers requires a dental visit of a few hours. Unlike many dental procedures, no recovery time is necessary.
Pros and Cons of Getting Teeth Veneered
Veneers do not pick up stains like bonding does; veneer wearers can drink red wine or bright lipstick shades with impunity. Tooth veneers also chip and crack less frequently than do bonded teeth. Actually, veneers are not only every bit as strong as natural teeth, but also resist stains better .
There are some disadvantages to getting veneers placed on the teeth. The process described above takes at least two dental visits; and the application procedure is quite time-consuming. Once the teeth have been veneered, the person should continue to wear veneers for life; since the size of the underlying tooth has been reduced.
Using a special, ultra-thin type of veneer called Lumineers will alleviate this last problem, since only about .2 mm of tooth surface needs to be shaved down to fit them correctly. However, they are quite fragile; and can only conceal relatively minor tooth defects.
Finally, if a veneer chips or cracks, repairing it may be both difficult and expensive. Of course, even the initial cost of veneering may be prohibitive for many people. But for those who can afford it, veneering the teeth can make an amazing difference to the appearance of the entire face.
Readers of this article may also enjoy “Really White Teeth” and "Getting a Perfect Smile with Snap-on Teeth" in Suite 101’s Home & Style section.
Sources
- Abain, Dr. Michael, “Lumineers and Porcelain Veneers,” Senior Fitness.
- Johnstone, Greg, “Dental Veneers Cost & Procedure,” updated May 18, 2010.
- Kuczynski, Alex, Beauty Junkies, New York: Doubleday, 2006.
- Levine, Dr. Jonathan B. (with Larkworthy, Jane), Smile! The Ultimate Guide To Achieving Smile Beauty, New York: Warner Wellness, 2006.
- Semel, Dr. George and St. John, Dr. Jeff, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cosmetic Surgery, Indianapolis, IN: Alpha, 2001, Chapter 13.
- Wood, Dana, “Stealth Splurgers,” W, April 2010.
Amy Sillup - I have a B.S. in Chemistry from Delaware Valley College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. I have worked as a ...
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