Veneers?
August 11, 2016 4:56 AM Subscribe
One of my teeth (a lateral incisor) is a fair bit bigger than the corresponding tooth on the other side, which I'm a bit self-conscious about. I've discussed this with my dentist and he recommended bonded composite veneers. Could you please tell me about your experience with veneers (especially the bonded composite variety)? Should I go for it, or should I just try to get over my goofy smile?
My teeth will never be completely perfect, at least not without a lot of very expensive work, but I feel like this a relatively non-invasive, not overly expensive way to improve the appearance of my teeth a fair bit. I try not to be a complete perfectionist over my looks - I'm not running out to get plastic surgery to fix my big nose - but this one tooth really bothers me.
My dentist's recommendation would be to put veneers over the front four teeth, so as to blend everything in together properly. He recommended bonded composite because he said the material is almost as good as porcelain, but at a substantial price difference (something like $500 per tooth instead of $2000 per tooth). He said that bonded composite generally lasts for 10 - 15 years, so I understand that I should expect to pay for replacements in the future. I floss and brush regularly and don't smoke, so I hope that would help look after them.
My dentist did a lot of complicated orthodontic work on me when I was a teenager, so I know that he's a good dentist. He would also make a cast of my teeth and a model of the veneers which I would be able see before he did the work.
Overall, this would set me back just over $2000. I know I could spend the money on something more important (like my savings account, or a trip I want to take in the future), but I could probably cover it with my tax return and I've spent more money on even sillier things in the past.
Is there anything else that I need to know or take into account when making my decision of whether to go through with this?
My teeth will never be completely perfect, at least not without a lot of very expensive work, but I feel like this a relatively non-invasive, not overly expensive way to improve the appearance of my teeth a fair bit. I try not to be a complete perfectionist over my looks - I'm not running out to get plastic surgery to fix my big nose - but this one tooth really bothers me.
My dentist's recommendation would be to put veneers over the front four teeth, so as to blend everything in together properly. He recommended bonded composite because he said the material is almost as good as porcelain, but at a substantial price difference (something like $500 per tooth instead of $2000 per tooth). He said that bonded composite generally lasts for 10 - 15 years, so I understand that I should expect to pay for replacements in the future. I floss and brush regularly and don't smoke, so I hope that would help look after them.
My dentist did a lot of complicated orthodontic work on me when I was a teenager, so I know that he's a good dentist. He would also make a cast of my teeth and a model of the veneers which I would be able see before he did the work.
Overall, this would set me back just over $2000. I know I could spend the money on something more important (like my savings account, or a trip I want to take in the future), but I could probably cover it with my tax return and I've spent more money on even sillier things in the past.
Is there anything else that I need to know or take into account when making my decision of whether to go through with this?
I had my front four teeth bonded with composite resin about seven years ago. I think this isn’t quite the same as what you’re talking about as my dentist applied and sculpted the “freehand” rather than creating a veneer and then applying it, but it’s likely similar as far as materials and durability. I’ve had no problems at all with staining even though I regularly drink coffee, tea, and red wine.
I couldn’t be happier with it and I wish I’d had it done years earlier. I had been so ashamed of my teeth and now they look normal. Even other dentists and hygienists can't tell I've had it done until I tell them. I didn’t have to pay a lot for mine as my insurance paid for them (it was a fix for crumbling enamel and the cosmetic improvement was a side benefit), but it would have been worth every penny at $2,000. I'd even venture to say that I've benefited more than $2,000 from them due to increased confidence at job interviews and professional meetings (although it doesn't sound like your issues are that dramatic).
posted by Kriesa at 7:31 AM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
I couldn’t be happier with it and I wish I’d had it done years earlier. I had been so ashamed of my teeth and now they look normal. Even other dentists and hygienists can't tell I've had it done until I tell them. I didn’t have to pay a lot for mine as my insurance paid for them (it was a fix for crumbling enamel and the cosmetic improvement was a side benefit), but it would have been worth every penny at $2,000. I'd even venture to say that I've benefited more than $2,000 from them due to increased confidence at job interviews and professional meetings (although it doesn't sound like your issues are that dramatic).
posted by Kriesa at 7:31 AM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
i had composite veneers on 4 of my front teeth. they were GREAT and so much cheaper than the porcelain veneers. until they started wearing out after about 5-6 years. at that point i started getting huge stains on the edges of the veneers, which honestly were worse than the things i was trying to cover. i had the veneers ground off last year (about 10 years after having them done) and the difference was remarkable. i had SO MUCH STAINING on the veneers.
anyway. if you can hold out for porcelain, that's my advice. much more expensive, but last a lot longer (tho not forever).
posted by misanthropicsarah at 12:58 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
anyway. if you can hold out for porcelain, that's my advice. much more expensive, but last a lot longer (tho not forever).
posted by misanthropicsarah at 12:58 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
I had 4 veneers put on my front teeth, not sure what the material was. My teeth were straight but pitted and the veneers are realistic but really nice and smooth and I love them. I actually smile much more and I m OK getting my picture taken now. It was pricey but definitely worth it, a confident smile is priceless.
posted by j810c at 3:45 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by j810c at 3:45 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
I got veneers (not sure of the material) to fix a small gap that was making me super self conscious and, at the risk of sounding like an infomercial, I wish I'd done it sooner and I really do smile more now. They're great.
I don't know if this will apply on your case, but one possibility to be aware of: I was told that since the color was matched to my teeth, I'd have to have them redone if I wanted to do any significant whitening.
posted by eponym at 3:58 PM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
I don't know if this will apply on your case, but one possibility to be aware of: I was told that since the color was matched to my teeth, I'd have to have them redone if I wanted to do any significant whitening.
posted by eponym at 3:58 PM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: All really helpful answers. Thanks everyone.
I'm going to keep thinking about this for another couple of months and see how I'm feeling. I'll probably at least get the moulds done, as I think that will help me make a final decision.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 9:03 PM on August 13, 2016
I'm going to keep thinking about this for another couple of months and see how I'm feeling. I'll probably at least get the moulds done, as I think that will help me make a final decision.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 9:03 PM on August 13, 2016
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They work very well for me. Occasionally one of them will wear down and break off. It is no big deal to get it replaced.
I say go for it. It doesn't sound like that much money given the work to do. And I think you would be surprised how having a nicer smile will boost your confidence.
posted by jtexman1 at 5:22 AM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]