By Maylands Dental Centre 
Are you currently considering having dental veneers placed on your teeth but wondering if there are other alternative treatments you could try first? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
Veneers are a viable option for improving your smile’s appearance quickly and effectively. However, they shouldn’t be seen as the only option.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some dental veneer alternatives that may suit your situation. We’ll explore the different types of dental veneers and some of the alternatives so you can decide which treatment is right for you.
So sit back, relax, and let us provide you with the information you need to help you decide which approach can meet your needs.
Blog Navigation
- Summary of the Article
- What Are Dental Veneers?
- What Alternative Treatments Are There for Dental Veneers?
- What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers vs Its Alternatives?
- When Would You Need a Dental Veneer?
- What Are the Types of Dental Veneers?
- What Are Some Risks and Complications Associated with Dental Veneers?
- What Factors Should You Consider Before Getting an Alternative?
- Are There Any Medical Conditions or Circumstances that Make Someone a Better Candidate for Alternatives Treatments than Dental Veneers?
- Cost Comparison Between Veneers and Alternatives
- Final Thoughts
Summary of the Article
- Dental veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth affected by issues such as discolouration, chipping, and gaps between teeth.
- Veneers are custom-made shells of dental material placed over the surface of the teeth.
- Veneers may not be suitable for everyone, but there are alternative treatments available, including dental bonding, dental crowns, Invisalign, traditional braces, teeth whitening and tooth-coloured fillings.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneer placement is a popular dental procedure that can help improve a patient’s smile. This cosmetic dental treatment is most commonly used in patients with cosmetic issues such as:
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Uneven teeth
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-shaped dental material placed over the surface of the teeth for an instantly beautiful smile. There are two main types of veneers according to the material used: porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers.
Among the major benefits of veneers are durability and longevity. Porcelain veneers can last from 10 years up to 25 years with proper oral care. Composite resin has an average lifespan of 4-8 years.
With porcelain dental veneers, patients can enjoy strong, aesthetically pleasing results without having to worry about staining or discolouration over time. Plus, dental veneers require minimal tooth reduction or trimming and involve only a few visits to the dentist. This makes them a viable option for patients desiring a beautiful and straighter smile.
What Alternative Treatments Are There for Dental Veneers?
While dental veneers have become a popular cosmetic dental treatment that helps improve the appearance of teeth, they may not always be a suitable choice for everyone. If they are not for you, here are some dental veneer alternatives that you might consider:
Dental bonding
This procedure applies a tooth-coloured resin to the tooth’s surface to improve its appearance. Dental bonding can be used to address chipped, discoloured, or misshapen teeth, and it is a less invasive alternative to dental veneers.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that covers the entire tooth. If you have a severely decayed tooth or damaged teeth, dental crowns can be used to restore strength and protect your teeth from further damage.
Traditional dental braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common method of straightening teeth. Metal brackets are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth and connected with an orthodontic archwire. The wire is adjusted and replaced over time to apply gentle pressure, gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign
If you want to straighten your teeth without using traditional braces, consider Invisalign. Invisalign is a set of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is custom-made for your teeth, giving you an effective and comfortable treatment experience.
Teeth whitening
If your concerns are mainly related to stains or discolouration on your teeth, then you may want to consider teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a quick and easy way to achieve a bright smile and improve the appearance of your teeth. It can be done professionally in-office, or you can purchase at-home kits for convenience.
Tooth-coloured fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings provide a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. They are made of composite resin and can be used to fill cavities or repair cracked or broken teeth. The colour of the filling is matched to your natural tooth enamel for a seamless look.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers vs Its Alternatives?
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of veneers compared to other dental treatments:
Dental veneers vs Dental bonding
Dental veneers are more durable than dental bonding and less likely to break or chip over time. Dental or tooth bonding can last up to five years with proper care, but veneers can last up to 15 years, sometimes even longer. Dental veneers also look more natural than dental bonding and are made from stronger materials that better resist staining.
However, one disadvantage of dental veneers against dental bonding is cost, as they are often more expensive.
Dental veneers vs Dental crowns
Dental veneers are a more conservative option than dental crowns because they don’t require as much tooth removal to fit them. Dental veneers also provide a more natural-looking result than dental crowns.
However, dental crowns provide more strength and protection for the underlying tooth than veneers, as they cover the entire surface of a damaged or weakened tooth. Dental crowns can also last much longer than veneers and are generally less expensive.
Dental veneers vs Traditional dental braces
Veneers and traditional braces are two very different options when addressing crooked or misaligned teeth.
Traditional braces are a form of orthodontic treatment. It involves metal brackets being bonded to each tooth and then connected with an archwire. This system gradually moves teeth into their desired positions over a period of several months or years, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
Conversely, veneers are shells of porcelain or veneers that cover teeth to mimic the appearance of straight teeth. They produce faster results, providing a straight smile in as little as two visits.
However, one downside to veneers, compared to traditional dental braces, is that they are not as precise as dental braces. They are limited by the position of the teeth since they only cover them to appear straight. Veneers can camouflage misaligned teeth, but they cannot move teeth as braces can.
Dental veneers vs Invisalign
Veneers are a quick and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of teeth. On the other hand, Invisalign treatment can take longer than veneers to achieve desired results.
However, It is important to note that, similar to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment involves the gradual movement of teeth to achieve alignment. In contrast, veneers are designed to conceal dental imperfections and do not address underlying misalignment. As a result, veneers may not be as effective in cases of significant misalignment or malocclusion.
Dental veneers vs Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to improve the appearance of teeth. However, it may not be effective in addressing stubborn stains and discolouration.
Dental veneers, on the other hand, provide a durable and long-lasting solution to whiten teeth. By covering the front surface of the teeth, it can make the teeth appear whiter and brighter.
Dental veneers vs Tooth-coloured fillings
Comparing veneers and tooth-coloured fillings, both can restore a damaged tooth.
Tooth-coloured fillings are used to restore decayed teeth and can fill cavities to make the tooth look whole again. But, unlike a veneer, a tooth filling does not change the overall shape or colour of the tooth.
Veneers are more aesthetically pleasing and can give a tooth a new look, but they are not always necessary for restoring decayed teeth.
Additionally, veneers cost more than tooth-coloured fillings and may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
When Would You Need a Dental Veneer?
Here are some situations where a dental veneer might be recommended:
- Chipped or broken teeth: A broken or chipped tooth can adversely affect the appearance of a smile. A dental veneer can ideally restore the tooth’s natural shape and appearance.
- Discoloured or stained teeth: If your teeth are stained, and discoloured and traditional whitening treatments are not sufficient to address them, a dental veneer may be the right dental treatment option.
- Gaps between teeth: If you have gaps between your teeth, especially in front, a dental veneer can help close these gaps.
- Misaligned teeth: A dental veneer can be used to address minor misalignments of the teeth, giving you a more even and uniform smile.
- Misshapen teeth: A dental veneer can help improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth, giving your smile more uniformity and symmetry.
- Unevenly shaped teeth: Unevenly shaped or sized teeth can be addressed with dental veneers. The thin shells are custom-made and applied to the teeth, giving them an even shape and size.
It’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for dental veneers. When considering whether you need a dental veneer, consult your dentist to determine if it is right for you.
What Are the Types of Dental Veneers?
Several types of veneers are available, and your dentist can help you decide which type is right for you. The different types of dental veneers are as follows:
Porcelain veneers
This type of veneer is made of thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, which makes them a popular choice among dental patients. However, the cost of porcelain veneers may be prohibitive to some people.
Composite Veneers
These veneers are made of a composite resin material applied directly to the teeth. Composite veneers can improve the appearance of teeth and blend with natural teeth like porcelain veneers but may not last as long. This type of veneer is a more affordable alternative than porcelain veneers, and they can usually be completed in a single office visit.
No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers, also referred to as minimal-prep veneers, are a variation of dental veneers that involve minimal or no removal of the natural tooth structure prior to placement. While no-prep veneers may not offer the same level of coverage and durability as traditional veneers, they are generally considered a more conservative and cost-effective alternative.
Lumineers
Lumineers are an ultra-thin type of porcelain veneer that is only about 0.2 mm thick, requiring less enamel removal than traditional porcelain veneers. They are strong, stain-resistant, and can be applied directly to the teeth without any alteration.
However, Lumineers may not be suitable for covering all types of dental imperfections, so it is important to consult with a dental professional before making the decision.
Snap-on
Snap-on veneers are a relatively new type of veneer that can be easily attached or detached from the teeth by the patient themselves. Unlike traditional veneers, they do not require enamel removal or alteration and can be done in just one office visit.
Snap-on veneers are less expensive than traditional veneers and can last for up to five years with proper care.
The type of veneer that is right for you will depend on several factors, including your budget, the condition of your teeth, and your desired results. Your dentist can help you choose from the different types of veneers to meet your needs and smile goals.
What Are Some Risks and Complications Associated with Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers can be a great way to improve your overall smile. However, despite numerous veneer benefits, risks and complications should be considered before investing in the procedure. These include the following:
- Tooth sensitivity: This happens due to the thinning of the natural tooth enamel that occurs when placing veneers.
- Gum irritation: If the veneers are placed too low on the gum line, it can cause inflammation and irritation.
- Staining: Porcelain veneers are stain resistant. However, composite veneers are not. Patients must be careful of their food and drink intake to avoid staining.
- Chipping or breaking: Porcelain veneers are durable but can still break if subjected to too much force.
- Tooth decay: Veneers cover dental imperfections, but they don’t protect teeth from decay. If plaque is allowed to accumulate around it, it can cause decay of the underlying tooth.
- Enamel damage: Removing enamel to place a veneer can cause permanent damage and make the tooth more susceptible to decay.
- Infection: Veneers can create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. Infection may happen if the procedure is not done properly or it is not maintained well.
- Gum recession: Placing a veneer may cause the gums to recede and expose more of the tooth’s root. This can lead to pain and sensitivity.
Talk to your dentist about these risks and complications before you decide to have veneers placed. Having the procedure performed by a qualified and experienced dentist can help minimise any risks.
Additionally, good oral hygiene habits should be maintained after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications and optimise veneer benefits.
What Factors Should You Consider Before Getting an Alternative?
Before jumping into the decision to get dental veneer alternatives, it’s important to consider various factors. These include:
- The nature of the dental issue
- Dental goals
- Budget
- Length of treatment time
- The patient’s current state of dental and overall health
Before making any decisions, make an appointment with a dentist who can help guide you in the right direction. They can help you decide which cosmetic treatment and which among the many alternatives to veneers are right for you.
Are There Any Medical Conditions or Circumstances that Make Someone a Better Candidate for Alternatives Treatments than Dental Veneers?
While dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution, they are not right for everyone. Certain circumstances or medical conditions make some people better candidates for alternative treatments rather than dental veneers. These include the following:
- Bruxism: This is a condition characterised by excessive teeth-griding. Dental veneers may not be a suitable solution for bruxism because the veneer material is not as strong as natural teeth and will therefore be easily damaged.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to oral infections, which could increase the risks associated with dental veneers. In this case, other cosmetic dentistry treatments may be safer and more suitable.
- Gum Disease: Dental veneers may not be the right option for you if you suffer from periodontal disease. This is because gum disease may lead to bone loss which exposes the roots of a tooth. In this case, veneers don’t bond with the tooth’s roots.
- Insufficient tooth structure: If there is not enough tooth structure for a veneer to bond to, then other treatments, such as bonding or crowns, may be more suitable.
- Sjogren’s Syndrome: For those with this autoimmune disorder, the condition can cause the mouth to dry out and become prone to plaque accumulation, decay and gum disease. This makes them unsuitable for dental veneers as these may cause veneer failure.
- Thin enamel: If the enamel of your teeth is too thin, then a veneer may not be an option for you. This is because a veneer attaches to the enamel. Thin enamel might compromise the veneer’s retention.
These conditions can raise the risk for both short-term and long-term dental health challenges. Alternatives should be considered to prioritise dental health over time.
Cost Comparison Between Veneers and Alternatives
| Dental Procedure | Cost |
| Dental Veneers (Composite or Porcelain) | $900-$2,100 |
| Invisalign | $6,000-$9,000 |
| Dental Bonding | $400-$1,800 |
| Dental Implants | $5,000-$7,000 |
| Dentures | $2,200-$4,000 |
| Dental Crowns | Average of $2,100 |
| Tooth-coloured fillings | $150-$400 |
| Traditional Dental Braces | $4,500-$8,000 |
| Teeth Whitening | Average of $260 |
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers are a popular option when it comes to improving the aesthetics of your smile, but there are other alternatives out there, too. Ultimately, it all comes down to you and your needs. You should decide based on what you feel comfortable with and what will help you reach your desired aesthetic goals.
Our team at Maylands Dental Centre is here to provide sound advice and guide you through all your dental options. We understand this can be an overwhelming process for some people. This is why we always take the time to explain in detail what each procedure entails and answer any questions you may have.
Book an appointment or call us today so we can help you explore the options available to you!
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