Pros and Cons of Veneers

Veneers are among the most expensive shanghai dental procedures, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully when considering them.

Advantages of veneers:

Because veneers are made of material that mimics natural teeth and are individually shaped for each patient, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between veneers and natural teeth.

Unlike other cosmetic options, porcelain veneers won't be stained by cigarette smoke, coffee, tea, and red wine.

The color of veneers can be selected from many whiteness shades. But you may want to resist the temptation to choose the lightest shade, cautions Harms. “Blinding-white veneers often don’t look natural,” she says.

For healthy teeth, veneers can be a good substitute for crowns (also called caps), which require removal of more of your natural tooth structure.

Disadvantages of veneers:

Depending on where you live, veneers can cost $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth, and they're rarely covered by insurance. To save money, you can opt to have veneers placed only on the teeth that show when you smile. Your dentist can then bleach the rest. “I just did six veneers for a patient yesterday,” says Harms. “Many of my patients choose to get veneers only on the top 6 to 10 teeth.”

After veneers are applied, your teeth may be more sensitive since some of the protective enamel is removed.

Also, keep in mind that once the teeth are prepared for veneers, the process cannot be reversed.