What Do I Need to Know About Veneers?

Q.
Hello Dr Hughes. I would like to get veneers. How long do they last? Also, I have read that they file the veneer of your tooth. Would this mean that I would have to replace the veneers? I would like to have the top and bottom set of teeth veneered. How many teeth would this be, and what is an estimate of the cost?

If I was to get dental insurance, would I be able to claim? If so, could you recommend an insurer? Kind regards, I hope you can help me.

A.
Hi.  Please see my answers below:  How long do they last? This really depends on your individual situation. What type of veneers, if we have to remove enamel, what your bite is like, if you grind or clench your teeth, the quality of the veneers made, the skill and care taken during the preparation and fit of the veneers (skill of the dentist), the extent to which we might change the size and shape of your teeth etc. On average we would expect porcelain veneers to last at least 10 years on a patient who has the ideal situation and who does not grind their teeth heavily. I have patients whose veneers have lasted a lot longer.  I have read that they file the veneer of your tooth. Would this mean that I would have to replace the veneers? – I’m not sure I understand your questions here? Do you mean file the tooth before we fit the veneers – if so then yes sometimes this is necessary and it will vary depending on your situation and expectations.  I would like to have the top and bottom veneered. How many teeth would this be and an estimate of cost? – Again this depends on your smile, how many teeth you display, how much whiter than your own teeth you want them to be and how ‘perfect’ you might want the result to be. In most cases, for a complete smile makeover we place between 8 and 10 teeth per jaw.

Costs also vary: what type of veneer, the quality of the dentist your choose and the skill of the dental technician who makes them, how good a result you want, how complicated your teeth/bite are to correct, if orthodontic treatment is needed in addition before the veneers are placed. For extremely high quality porcelain veneers you will pay somewhere between £15,000 and £25,000 for both jaws and over 16 teeth. It can sometimes be less and sometimes be more.

If I was to get dental insurance would I be able to claim? – No – elective cosmetic dental treatment is a personal choice; it is not “needed” so is not covered by insurance.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to go and have a very thorough examination and detailed discussion and consultation with a very experienced cosmetic dentist for the best advice and results. It is a significant investment and I would always advise that you look for excellent care. This might cost more initially but will pay out over a long period of time by lasting and looking the best it can be.   Hope that helps,  Mark.

Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

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