Are Veneers Worth It? 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Them

Do you have broken, discoloured, or missing teeth?

Having an imperfect smile can take a toll on your self-esteem. Fortunately, veneers can protect the surface of your teeth from further harm and improve the look of your smile!

You may have a few questions about getting veneers from a dentist in Bondi.

So if you find yourself asking, “Are veneers worth it?” here are three things you need to know to make an informed decision.

1. What Are Veneers?

Veneers are shells made from porcelain or composite resin that fit over the front of your teeth to improve their appearance and functionality. The shells are coloured and shaped to look like your natural teeth and are then firmly bonded to your teeth. Veneers are strictly cosmetic and can’t be used to cover up problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Today, porcelain veneers are the more popular option because they’re thinner and last longer than composite veneers. However, porcelain veneers are more expensive and will require an additional trip to the dentist.

Speak to the team at our Bondi Junction dental practice about cosmetic dentistry and veneers!

2. How Do Veneers Work?

Porcelain and composite veneers both fit over your teeth to improve their appearance, but each material will yield different results and require a different procedure.

Porcelain veneers will require two or three trips to the dentist but are worth it because they’re known for looking similar to natural teeth and being stain resistant. First, the dentist will have to remove a thin layer of your enamel and take an impression of your teeth. This impression will then have to be sent to a lab where your porcelain veneers will be made.

While you wait for your veneers to be made, you will be fitted with a temporary set. Your porcelain veneers will be bonded to your teeth during your second visit.

On the other hand, composite veneers require a dentist to fit, place, and polish them. Dental care providers usually have the material on hand to make these veneers, so this procedure can typically be done in one visit.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to get veneers for all of your teeth. If you have one broken tooth you want to fix, you can just have a single veneer bonded to that tooth.

3. Are Veneers Worth It in the Long-Term?

Porcelain veneers can last about 10-15 years and composite veneers can last about 4-8 years when cared for properly. You’ll have to maintain them, but they can give you a beautiful smile and make your teeth stronger for years!

Be aware that veneers are permanent because once you’re fitted for them, you’ll always need them.

When veneers are placed on front teeth, it is important to exercise caution when eating hard, crunchy or sticky food, this is to protect the veneers and the tooth underneath. Particularly for ceramic veneers, if the material is chipped or broken, they require a laboratory fabricated replacement for best strength and integrity of the veneer material.

For people who have teeth clenching or night time grinding but wish to improve the appearance of their teeth, it is possible to have veneers but an important consideration is that wearing a night guard or splint is a must to protect their veneers from damage.

Veneers With a Bondi Dentist

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Are veneers worth it?” you can decide if you want them. A dentist in the Bondi Junction can even help you figure out if veneers are right for you.

Book an appointment or contact The Bondi Dentists today!