What Are Porcelain Veneers & When Are They a Good Idea?

Do you envy people who have beautiful white, straight teeth? Most people do.

In fact, 96% of people find a person with a nice smile more attractive than those without a nice smile.

Have you been thinking about cosmetic dentistry? Porcelain veneers can help fix discoloured and misaligned teeth to give you a better smile.

So what are porcelain veneers, and when should you opt for them? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

What are Porcelain Veneers? 

Do want a movie-star smile? The easiest and best way to achieve that if you don’t have one naturally is with veneers.

Porcelain veneers are really thin shells made of tooth-coloured porcelain that the cosmetic dentist cements over the surface of your teeth to cover worn enamel, discolouration, chips, cracks, or spacing problems.

If you have any of these issues, then porcelain veneers might be a great option for you. Consult with your dentist for advice.

Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers

Sometimes patients opt for non-porcelain veneers. These are referred to as composite veneers. They are made of resin and cost significantly less than porcelain, at approximately $250 to $1500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers start at $925 and go up to $2500 per tooth.

Composite veneers don’t require reshaping of your teeth and can be done as a same-day treatment.

Porcelain, on the other hand, takes a lot of prep work. The natural teeth need reshaping before the porcelain veneers are attached. Porcelain veneers are sculpted in a lab. This takes time and requires temporaries to be worn while you wait.

How Much Are Porcelain Veneers? 

The porcelain veneers procedure usually takes two visits after your initial consultation, depending on how much work your teeth require.

The price range listed above takes into account many different factors.

How many teeth are being treated? Where are you located? Just like most things, prices vary depending on which region of the country you reside in.

Does your insurance cover any of the procedures? How specialized is the cosmetic dentist? How skilful is the ceramist making the veneers?

So if you’re having veneers placed on 5 – 10 teeth, you can very likely pay up to $20,000 for your new smile.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last? 

Porcelain is a much stronger material than resin. Porcelain veneers last anywhere from 10 – 15 years compared to 5 to 7 for composite veneers. You have to weigh the cost with the durability of the two.

Are Veneers Right for You? 

Now that you have the answer to “What are porcelain veneers?”, do you think they’re the answer to your dental problems?

If you’re looking to hide misaligned teeth, we can offer you another option. We at ALIGNERCO offer a free assessment to determine whether you’re a candidate for our clear aligners.

Check out how the process works. You’ll be on your way to a better, more beautiful smile.