Pros and Cons of Veneers

By: Carly Fan

Question: Should I get veneers, and what should I know before getting them?

Dental veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options for transforming smiles. They’re thin porcelain or composite shells are bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment, offering patients a fast track to a flawless smile. However, while veneers have significant benefits, they also come with limitations, and the rise of unlicensed “veneer techs” offering cheaper services poses serious risks to patient health.

Veneers can make drastic aesthetic changes for the teeth as well as functional benefits, but this is only true when placed by a qualified dentist. They’re effective for covering tooth discoloration, repairing chipped or worn teeth, as well as closing small gaps. It could even improve mild cases of misalignment (Mackenzie & Thomson, 2017). High-quality porcelain veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel, providing a realistic and durable result. With proper care, veneers can last 10–15 years, offering a long-term investment in a patient’s smile and self-confidence (American Dental Association [ADA], 2023).

Downfalls and Risks:

Despite these advantages, veneers are not without drawbacks. The procedure typically involves irreversible removal of some natural enamel, which can increase tooth sensitivity and the risk of damage if veneers chip or debond (Peumans et al., 2000). Veneers are also not suitable for patients with significant tooth decay, gum disease, or those who grind their teeth heavily, as these factors can shorten the lifespan of the restoration and can cause irritation to the gum even more. Also, another thing to keep in mind is that veneers can also be costly, and not affordable since they often range from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth, making them inaccessible for some patients (ADA, 2023).

How to Spot Veneer Techs (and Why They Are Dangerous):

Recently, social media has fueled a dangerous trend, where non-dental professionals, often called “veneer techs,” are offering cheap veneer applications, sometimes referred to as “composite bonding” or “clip-on veneers.” These individuals are not licensed dentists and typically work outside regulated dental settings. Some of the warning signs include services advertised on Instagram or TikTok, treatments offered in non-dental environments like hotel rooms or beauty salons, or providers unwilling to show their dental license.

Using a veneer tech can lead to severe oral health problems. Since those who are in this field do not have proper dental training, these individuals may place restorations that trap bacteria, damage gums, or irreversibly harm natural teeth (British Dental Association, 2023). Moreover, because they lack knowledge of occlusion (how teeth come together) and proper bonding techniques, patients can experience bite issues, pain, or rapid veneer failure. But the most important thing to look out for, treatments by veneer techs bypass critical health checks, meaning underlying conditions like cavities or gum disease go untreated.

All in all, while veneers can give you a potentially new smile, it is important to be fully informed about the pros, cons, as well as the importance of receiving an opinion from a licensed dentist. Choosing a qualified professional ensures not only aesthetic success but also the long-term health and safety of the patient’s smile.