If you have ever admired a celebrity’s bright, perfect smile, chances are that dental veneers have played a part in creating that look. Veneered teeth are a popular dental solution for people who would like to improve the appearance of their teeth: to address discolouration, chips, unevenness, or gaps in the teeth.
If you are thinking about getting veneers, it is important to know what veneers are and whether they are the right choice for your dental needs.
What are Dental veneers?
Dental veneers or veneer teeth as they are popularly called, are thin, custom-made pieces of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of your natural teeth. Designed to mimic the shape, colour, translucency, and texture of your existing teeth, veneers provide a natural-looking smile. Compared to dental crowns, veneers require minimal alteration of your natural tooth structure, making them a less invasive option.
Cost of Veneers in Singapore
Dental Veneers can be an expensive procedure in any country. However, the prices vary significantly based on the types of veneers, the number of teeth treated, maintenance needs, and even your clinic’s location plays a role.
In Singapore, porcelain veneers typically cost between SGD 1,000 and SGD 2,500 per tooth. They tend to last longer and look more natural, which adds to the price. Composite veneers are more affordable, ranging from SGD 500 to SGD 1,000 per tooth. However, they don’t last as long as porcelain veneers and may require more frequent repairs.
On top of the veneers themselves, there are additional costs to consider, like consultation fees, dental scans, and follow-up appointments to check how your veneers are holding up.
Before any of these can be done, your dentist might recommend additional procedures to get the best results:
May be recommended if your gums are uneven or extend too far over your teeth. This can create a more balanced frame for your new veneers.
Before placing your veneers, your dentist may suggest whitening your natural teeth to colour match with the new ones perfectly.
In cases of severe misalignment, orthodontic treatment might be needed to prepare your teeth for veneers.
Several factors come into play when weighing the pros and cons of having veneers in place. You will notice some of the benefits of veneers can also become drawbacks depending on certain situations or individuals.
Pros of Veneers
Enhanced Aesthetics
Veneers improve your smile by adjusting the size, shape, and colour of your teeth to look natural.
Stain Resistance
Some veneers may resist stains from coffee, red wine, and tobacco better than natural teeth, allowing you to maintain a bright smile with less need for teeth whitening treatments.
Durability
Veneers are built to handle daily activities like eating and speaking. With proper care, the veneers stay in place strong and looking good for years without frequent repairs.
Minimal Tooth Removal
In general, veneers require only a small amount of tooth removal and are less invasive than crowns. Preserving your natural teeth, lowers the risk of sensitivity and damage.
Cons of Veneers
High Cost
Veneers can be more expensive (depending on the type of material chosen), with costs varying by material and number of teeth treated. Keep in mind the need for replacement or maintenance, adding to the overall expense.
Colour Matching
Veneers are matched carefully to your natural teeth, but slight colour changes can happen over time. Natural teeth may stain, causing minor differences in shade that may lead to occasional touch-ups.
Irreversible Procedure
Getting veneers may require some of your natural enamel to be removed, making the procedure permanent and non-reversible. (Depends on the type of veneer chosen)
Possible Sensitivity
As some of the natural enamel is being removed, some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity.
Susceptibility to Damage
Veneers can chip or crack if you put too much pressure on them. Avoid habits like grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, and eating very hard food with your dental veneers.
Types of Dental Veneers
The three most common types of dental veneers are porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and no-prep veneers. One might be a better fit for you than the others depending on your needs:
Porcelain Veneers
These are the most common and long-lasting types of veneers. Porcelain veneers are custom-made, thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. The process usually starts with your dentist trimming of a thin layer of your teeth, then scanning a digital impression of your prepped teeth. This scan is sent to a lab where the veneers are crafted with a master ceramist to fit your smile. While waiting for the final set, you will get temporary veneers to wear.
When ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and issue the final porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are prized for their natural appearance, strength, and stain resistance. Depending on the material, they can last years or more with proper care.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin material, similar to the material used for dental fillings. Applied directly onto your teeth in layers, your dentist sculpts and shapes the composite before hardening it with a curing light. This option is more affordable than porcelain veneers and can often be completed in just one visit. Composite veneers are easier to repair if damaged but tend to stain and wear out faster than porcelain, typically lasting around 5 to 7 years.
No-Prep Veneers
For those looking for a less invasive option, no-prep veneers might be a good fit. Brands like Lumineers, Vivaneers, and DURAthin are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that require little to no enamel removal. Since there is minimal alteration to your natural teeth, these veneers usually don’t require anaesthesia or temporary veneers. No-prep veneers are reversible and can last up to 10 years with proper care. However, they’re not suitable for everyone, especially if you have significant staining or damage, as they are thinner and less effective at masking darker discolouration on teeth.
Who Needs Veneers?
Veneers may be a suitable option for you if you have specific cosmetic concerns or imperfections with your teeth, such as
- Discoloured/stained teeth that do not improve with teeth whitening
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Teeth that are slightly misaligned or uneven
- Irregular tooth shape
Composite Veneers and Porcelain Veneers: Which to Choose
| Comparison Factor | Composite Veneers | Porcelain Veneers | Non-Prep Veneers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure Time | Same-day treatment | Require multiple appointments | Usually requires minimal preparation and fewer appointments compared to traditional porcelain veneers. |
| Durability | 4 to 8 years | 10 to 15 years | Around 5 to 10 years, depending on oral habits, material used, and maintenance. |
| Pricing | May cost between SGD 250 and SGD 1,500 per tooth | May cost between SGD 1,000 and SGD 2,500 per tooth | May cost between SGD 800 and SGD 2,500 per tooth, depending on the case and material used. |
| Aesthetic Value | Can improve tooth shape, colour, and minor imperfections, but may stain more easily over time compared to porcelain. | Offers a natural-looking, translucent appearance that closely resembles natural teeth and enamel. | Can provide a natural-looking smile enhancement while preserving more of the natural tooth structure. However, they may not be suitable for severe discolouration, large gaps, or major tooth alignment concerns. |
| Maintenance | Easier to repair | May require significant time and effort to repair due to the material’s properties. | Requires good oral hygiene and regular dental reviews. |
Dental Veneering Process
In general getting veneers typically involves three dental visits: the first for consultation, and the next two for the preparation and final placement of the veneers.
Step 1. Consultation
During the initial consultation, the dentist will discuss your cosmetic goals with you, assess your oral health and determine if veneers are suitable for you.
Step 2. Treatment Planning
If veneers suit you, your dentist will take dental scans, photographs, and X-rays. A personalised treatment plan will be created, with a digital smile design to show how your new smile will look. A mock try-in is done inside your mouth so you can approve the final look before preparation begins.
Step 3. Tooth Preparation
Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth to fit the veneers if necessary. Local anaesthesia is used to keep you comfortable.
Step 4. Dental Scans/Impressions
After preparation, your dentist takes scans or impressions of your teeth. They serve as a blueprint for making your custom veneers.
Step 5. Veneer Fabrication
The scans or impressions are sent to a dental lab. Technicians craft your veneers to match your preferred colour, shape, and size for a natural result.
Step 6. Temporary Veneers
Temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth and simulate the final look while you wait. You can still request changes to the shape and contour at this stage.
Step 7. Veneer Placement
Your dentist removes the temporary veneers and bonds the permanent ones using dental adhesive. They check the fit, and ensure your veneers blend naturally with your smile.
Step 8. Final Adjustments
Your dentist makes any final adjustments to your bite and fit. You will receive instructions on caring for your veneers to maintain their durability and appearance.
Dental Veneers After Care
1. Avoid Stain-Causing Substances
While veneers are resistant to stains, it is still recommended to minimise your consumption of foods or beverages that can cause discolouration as much as possible. Limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented foods. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
2. Avoid Excessive Force or Pressure
Although veneers are durable, they can still be damaged by excessive force. Avoid biting on hard objects such as ice, pens, or even your fingernails. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a nightguard to protect your veneers and natural teeth.
3. Practise Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush. Use gentle, circular motions to clean your veneers along with your natural teeth. Flossing daily can help to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
Dental veneers are a long-term and low-maintenance way to hide discoloured, crooked, or damaged teeth. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons that come with getting dental veneers. Like every dental treatment or procedure, you should consult a trusted dentist to explore the possibilities and make informed choices.
At An Dental and Le by An Dental, we believe everyone deserves quality dental care. We will work with you to find the veneer option that looks great, feels right, and fits your needs.
We are here to help you understand your options and if dental veneers are the right choice for your smile. Schedule your consultation with us today!
FAQs on Dental Veneers at An Dental
1. Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes. You can enjoy most of your favourite foods. Avoid hard or chewy foods that can damage or chip your front tooth.
2. Will veneers shift?
Only if the tooth it is bonded to shifts. If this happens, please contact your dentist.
3. Can I get veneers with missing teeth?
Unfortunately, veneers require an existing tooth structure. They aren’t suitable for missing teeth. Alternatively, dental implants may be recommended.
4. How do I take care of veneers?
In general treat them as your natural teeth and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Also, avoid biting into hard foods with them. We will also give detailed aftercare instructions.
Our Doctor
Dr. Hu Cidong
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