Veneers: Perfect Pearly Whites…for a Price

by guest blogger Anne Houseman of Beauty Expose

When Anita Beshirs invested in dental veneers 10 years ago, she expected to get a bright white smile that would cover teeth stains left behind by a childhood illness. What she didn’t count on was that, over time, the veneers themselves would crack and stain, requiring another hefty price tag to get them fixed.
Beshirs, of San Francisco, says her dentist advised her that the veneers would be permanently-affixed and would not require replacement.
“He said they would last forever and that they would never stain – both lies,” she said.
With several cracks now showing in her smile, Beshirs is working to save up enough money for four new veneers, estimated to cost her approximately $4,800.

Before: Patient with Cracked Veneers
There are approximately 2.69 million cosmetic dental patients in the U.S., according to research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Many choose veneers to enhance their smile, but some are unaware of the potential risks and long-term ramifications. Without a full understanding of the procedure and ongoing costs, they may end up scrambling for a quick-fix solution down the road – a particularly daunting challenge during financially-difficult times.
Made of either porcelain or composite resin, veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that are bonded to the front of teeth. In order to assist with bonding and to compensate for the thickness of the veneer, the patient’s natural teeth are filed down. Once applied, the process is irreversible, and the patient can not revert back to natural teeth.
Dr. Bernie B. Villadiego, one of only 300 dentists accredited by the AACD, asserts that not all veneers are created equal – they range in quality, much like diamonds. Premium porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive ($1,500 to $3,000 per tooth) and are expected to last 10 to 15 years. Villadiego says since they are professionally sculpted, these veneers have a very natural appearance. Those made of composite resin, however, cost approximately half, but are prone to staining and begin deteriorating after five years.

After: Patient with New Veneers by Dr. Villadiego
Villadiego, who performs an average of 48 porcelain veneer cases per year, says many of his patients requesting replacements had their teeth treated originally by general dentists claiming they perform cosmetic dentistry.
“Since anyone can claim to be a cosmetic dentist, there have been many unsatisfied patients with unmet expectations,” he said. “Some patients are unhappy because their veneers look over-contoured and bulky, or their teeth look too opaque, white and unnatural. The shape and form of veneers require a dentist and ceramist who are artistically-minded.”
Regardless of their construction or skill of the cosmetic dentist applying them, eventually, veneers will deteriorate. Exactly when depends on a variety of factors, including how attentively the patient cared for them.
As for Beshirs, does she regret her decision to get veneers? She says both yes and no. While she would have come to the same verdict, Beshirs believes she would have handled the process differently if she knew all the facts.
“I still think that I am more confident to smile with veneers…but I would take better care of them – no biting into apples, and no smoking – things like that. And I would have shopped around for dentists too.”
Thinking about getting veneers? Consider these points first:
Benefits
• Veneers can enhance the appearance of your smile and promote greater self-confidence
• They can cover stained, chipped, misshapen, crooked or unevenly-spaced teeth
• They offer a good alternative to traditional crowns, which require a more invasive procedure
• The translucent quality of today’s porcelain veneers give a more natural look than those available in the past
Risks
• The procedure is irreversible – once your tooth has been shaped (i.e., shaved down), you will need to permanently cover them
• Veneers will need to be replaced after time
• You may need to alter your diet (e.g., refrain from staining foods like coffee and avoid biting into hard foods like carrots) in order to extend the life of your veneers
• According to Villadiego, there is a possibility of decay of the natural tooth if left exposed or underneath the veneers if a patient has a poor diet
• You may have to wear a protective appliance in your sleep, especially if you tend to grind your teeth
• Dental insurance typically will not cover the procedure, so if you opt for veneers, set aside additional savings specifically for replacing them later


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