The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers for Your Teeth

Looking to enhance your pearly whites? An array of cosmetic dental procedures promise to do exactly that, but dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure that has grown in popularity with Americans by more than 250% in recent years.¹

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers can enhance the shape, color and alignment of teeth, providing a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for a brighter smile.¹

While dental veneers are a relatively fast and effective way to help you achieve a brighter, more symmetrical smile, they may have drawbacks for some people.

Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if dental veneers are the right cosmetic dental procedure for you.

5 Benefits of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can be an effective way to improve the look of your teeth, addressing various cosmetic concerns. Let's look at five benefits dental veneers can provide.

1. An instant smile enhancer

One advantage of dental veneers is that they can instantly correct imperfections such as stains, chips, cracks, gaps or misshaped teeth to provide a natural-looking smile. With dental veneers, your dentist can sometimes address minor orthodontic issues without using braces or aligners. Each veneer is created individually to blend with the size, shape and color of your existing teeth for a custom-made smile.²

It’s important to note that veneers shouldn’t be used on patients with underlying oral health issues, severely damaged teeth or gums or who have more complex orthodontic needs. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to ensure you get the most out of your veneers.²

2. Durable and long-lasting

High-quality veneers are designed to weather the wear and tear of daily life. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can maintain their integrity for 10 to 15 years, making them a good long-term cosmetic dentistry investment.³ Veneers may need to be replaced approximately every 15 years or as they wear out.⁴

3. Easy to care for

Veneers don’t require special care or changes to your regular oral hygiene routine, which means you should keep brushing with an ADA-approved toothpaste and flossing twice a day. When participating in a sport or activity that could damage your teeth, it’s a good idea to wear a mouthguard.⁵

Additionally, avoiding habits like biting your fingernails, pens or pencils, chewing ice or opening things with your teeth can help you prevent damaging your veneers.⁵ And, of course, it’s important to continue to see your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and oral health evaluations.

4. Stain resistance

Patients who frequently whiten their teeth at home or in their dentist’s office will appreciate the permanent bright glow that stain-resistant porcelain veneers provide. Their glazed surface prevents substances like coffee, tea, wine and certain foods from discoloring the teeth, which can help maintain a bright, white smile.⁶

Remember that natural teeth change color over time and may need to be whitened occasionally to even out the contrast between your natural teeth and your sparkling white veneers.⁶

5. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedure

Unlike other procedures like crowns or dental bridges, dental veneers are applied using a minimally invasive technique. Your dentist removes about 1 millimeter of tooth enamel before cementing the custom-made veneer into place.²

Anesthesia is not usually required to apply dental veneers, but patients who are mouth-sensitive can request a numbing agent if desired.⁴

The process usually takes about two visits to your dentist. One visit is needed to take scans or molds of your teeth to create the veneers, while the second visit is when the veneers are applied.⁵

5 Drawbacks of Dental Veneers

While veneers are a relatively fast and effective way to help you achieve a brighter, more uniform smile, they may have drawbacks for some people. Here are five to consider.

1. Irreversible

Veneers require your dentist to permanently alter the shape of your tooth by removing a small portion of your tooth enamel, which does not grow back. Dental veneers, therefore, are an irreversible, long-term commitment to care and maintenance.²

You should be prepared to replace or repair dental veneers over time or if they become damaged.⁴ Remember that while the color of your veneers won’t change with age, your natural teeth will and may require whitening to ensure your smile is symmetrically bright.⁶

2. Expensive

The national average cost* for a single veneer is $1,765, but the cost ranges between $500 and $2,895.⁷

The number of veneers your dentist recommends will depend on several factors, including your cosmetic goals, oral health, size of your mouth and budget. Because veneers can be a considerable up-front investment, make sure your dentist is aware of your budget and that their treatment plan aligns with your goals.³

3. May increase tooth sensitivity

Because a small portion of protective enamel is removed from the tooth to apply the veneers, some people experience an increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. This sensitivity may last for several days following the procedure or longer, but is usually temporary and goes away with time.²

4. Weaker than natural teeth

Though veneers are made to be strong and durable, they’re not indestructible, nor are they as strong as your natural teeth. Even with good care, they can be susceptible to chips, cracks or popping loose under some circumstances.⁴

If a veneer becomes damaged or loose, it’s important to see your dental professional right away for repair so that the exposed natural tooth isn’t vulnerable to further damage.

5. Not for everyone

For patients suffering from severe tooth or gum decay, certain chronic illnesses or injuries, dental veneers are not likely a good option. Some patients may need to complete orthodontic treatment before considering veneers. Patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) should talk to their dentist about wearing a night guard to protect their veneers from damage.⁴

The Bottom Line

Dental veneers are a long-lasting investment in a flawless smile, but they come with permanent changes and maintenance considerations. Consult with your dentist to determine whether veneers are a good option for your dental health and aesthetic goals.

Financing Dental Veneers With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting dental veneers or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.