Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-fit shells that are placed on the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution for crooked, chipped, or discolored teeth. There are a couple different materials that dental veneers can be made out of, both of which have their own unique benefits: porcelain and composite resin.

Porcelain or Composite Resin Veneers: Which Are Better?

Porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers each have their own pros and cons, so there’s no clear answer on which is better. If you’re wondering which is right for you, you should speak with your local cosmetic dental specialist!

Porcelain veneers are longer lasting but they require several visits to the dentist to fit, shape, and bond to your teeth. These veneers are highly resistant to stains and decay, even more so than natural teeth, so they can last for 15 years or longer!

Composite resin veneers are more cost effective than porcelain veneers and are easier to shape and bond to your natural teeth, so they can often be “installed” in just one visit. Composite veneers can also be color matched to your real teeth to form a more natural looking, uniform smile.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

The amount of time that your dental veneers will last depends on a few factors, including the type of veneers you get and how well you care for them. As mentioned above, porcelain veneers are the longer-lasting option because they are highly resistant to stains and decay, which means that if they are cared for properly, they can last well over 15 years. The downside to porcelain veneers is that if one is chipped, it can not be repaired and will need to be replaced. On the other hand, while composite resin veneers are not quite as stain & decay resistant as their porcelain counterparts, these veneers can be repaired if they are damaged without the need for complete replacement. When cared for properly, you can expect your composite resin veneers to last up to 8 years!

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The cost of dental veneers is highly dependent on where you get them done and the type of veneers you get. Some insurance companies will cover up to 50% or more of the total cost for dental veneers, but you should always speak to your cosmetic dentist and your insurance company before you decide to go through with the procedure!

Contact Gentle Dental Maine

If you have any other questions about dental veneers or are considering a cosmetic dental procedure, contact Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!