What Are Veneers and Do You Need Them?

After drag superstar Trixie Mattel performed at the Hollywood Bowl, her dentist called after seeing her face magnified on the screen with the curt message: “It’s time for veneers.” Until that moment, the Drag Race alum didn’t realize her teeth were “bad,” but after seeing the dental shells on, she cried tears of joy. So, what are veneers exactly? And do you need them to improve your smile?

Veneers or laminates are custom-made shells that envelop the surface of teeth. According to dental hub BeSeen, they can be made with porcelain, zirconium, or composite resin. Veneers can address many dental issues, such as alignment, color, chips, and crowding. However, since other, more affordable treatments, like braces, caps, or lasers can fix these problems, many people consider veneers a cosmetic solution.

To attach veneers, dentists shave as much as 0.5 millimeters off the enamel. The laminate is then secured to what’s left of your tooth. Because of this, veneers are often considered permanent since you’ll be left with tiny teeth under the shell. It's what happened to Jennifer Lawrence, who lost a veneer while filming Don’t Look Up. The cameras had to shoot one side of her face for the rest of the production.

There are many types of veneers, including temporary ones. Recently, dental manufacturers have developed no-prep veneers that require zero dental shaving.

Veneers can fix nearly every smile issue so long as they’re dental-related. The idea is that they essentially hide your teeth under a literal, well, veneer.

If you’re the type to have dream teeth, whatever that may be, chances are you can achieve them by getting veneers. However, if you’re low-key about your dental health and you’re happy so long as you are bad breath- and cavity-free, you can probably consult your dentist for other options. Here are some things to think about if you’re on the fence about veneers.

They give off a realistic appearance.

Most high-quality veneers are stain-resistant.

Veneers offer a versatile solution. They can fix minor crowding, yellowing, worn enamel, and gaps. If your gummy smile makes you uncomfortable, veneers can achieve tooth lengthening.

They’re very durable. Well-maintained veneers can last up to 20 years.

They can look still fake. The temptation to get that dream smile can throw you overboard. Getting laminates lighter than your current teeth could look unnatural. Consult your dentist for the best shade.

The procedure is irreversible.

Veneers are expensive to install. They also require replacement after several years – fewer if you’re not particularly conscious about dental care.

Veneers cannot fix major misalignment issues, particularly if they’re jaw-related.

The price of veneers varies, depending on the material (porcelain ones tend to cost the most), practitioner, and clinic.

Composite veneers, which are made of tooth-colored resin, are the most affordable and can set you back between P5,000 to P8,000 per tooth. Porcelain, on the other hand, are much more expensive due to the fabrication of materials and the multi-step installment process. Porcelain mimics not just the color but the translucency and color variations of real teeth. They can cost at least P25,000 per tooth.

Be wary of clinics peddling veneers that cost much lower than the prices mentioned above. Attaching veneers properly and safely requires training. Unauthorized dental practitioners might also use counterfeit shells made with substandard materials.

Veneers are only one step towards better teeth. To make them last, you need to practice basic dental hygiene. If you have them, brush with soft bristles and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the surface.

While the laminates won’t decay, your real teeth under might. Don’t forget to floss to take care of your gums and prevent the accumulation of debris. You should also schedule regular dental appointments to ensure the shells remain secure. Loose veneers can let in germs and wreak havoc on your teeth.

Veneers may make your smile more picture-perfect, but they do nothing for other oral issues. Stock up on closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc Red Hot or closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc Menthol Fresh to deal with halitosis-causing bacteria.

So, what are veneers again? Now you know why so many of your favorite influencers suddenly have conventionally perfect smiles. They’re a nice-to-have but remember that healthy, well-take-care-of teeth are great, too! Capped or not, the best smiles are from the heart.