One of the quickest ways to completely change the appearance of your smile is by having porcelain veneers put into place. Veneers are thin shells of tooth-like material that are affixed to the outside of the teeth in order to change their size, shape, and color. Veneers can fill gaps between the teeth and even make your smile appear straighter. If you are looking for a fast smile makeover, veneers are the way to go. However, there are a few things that you should consider before getting veneers put in place.

Your Teeth Will Be Altered Permanently

While veneers can make a huge difference in your smile, it's important to remember that your teeth will be altered permanently. Some of your  enamel must be removed in order for the veneer to be able to be affixed. With veneers your dentist will remove enamel and then take an impression of the tooth. This impression is sent off to a lab and your custom veneers are created. Once they arrive they can be affixed to the tooth. You can expect to have around 1/2 millimeter of tooth enamel removed from the surface of your teeth. It will also take around 2 to 4 weeks for your veneers to arrive.

The Cost

When it comes to veneers prices can vary depending on how many teeth you want to have them on, what material you prefer, and the rates of your dentist. Veneers are available in porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are typically more natural looking and stain resistant. Composite veneers are another option and are often more affordable. On average you can expect to pay between $925 and $2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers. Composite veneers typically range between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.

Lifespan

While veneers are an excellent solution if you are unhappy with your smile, they do not last forever and will eventually require replacement. This is something that should be considered if you are thinking about veneers. Typically porcelain veneers will last between 10 and 15 years before replacement is needed while composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years. It's important to consider lifespan when you are deciding whether or not veneers are the right option for your needs. 

If you have discolored teeth, crooked teeth, or gaps between the teeth, dental veneers are a great option for a quick smile makeover. However, it's important to consider a few different things to before committing to veneers. First, you should know that tooth enamel is removed during this procedure meaning that having veneers put in place will change your underlying teeth permanently. Costs can also vary, but you will likely end up paying thousands of dollars for multiple veneers. The lifespan of veneers can also vary, but most will eventually require replacement.