If you’ve always dreamt of having that perfect pearly smile, you must have at one time considered dental veneers. They are thin, tooth-coloured shells which are adhered to the front surface of teeth, designed to help hide or correct dental damage. This may includes stains and discolouration, chips and fractures, large fillings, crowding and spacing issues between teeth.
Dental veneers are quick and a minimally invasive procedure. Each one is customised to the requirements of the patient including the shape, shade and number that is needed. Treatment can normally be completed within two appointments.
However, for many patients, the cost of getting dental veneers in Singapore is what sets them back; typically, veneers can cost up anywhere from $300 for composite resin veneers and around $1100 for porcelain veneers per tooth, depending on the degree of treatment required.
While this might seem costly, the procedure does require very high quality materials, a tailor made approach and an eye for aesthetics and detail from an experienced dentist. Furthermore, with proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years. Many forward-thinking patients who have had veneers placed with us have said that getting veneers was one of the best investments they have made in themselves.
In this article, we will explain what goes behind that price tag of getting dental veneers, from the procedure to materials used.
What is the process of getting porcelain veneers like?
Stage 1: Consultation appointment
Before you receive your veneers, your dentist will schedule a consultation appointment to discuss the options that suit you best. You will have a discussion regarding concerns and requirements, and your suitability for veneers. The dentist will look at factors including the shade, shape and type material that should be used, as well as the number of veneers that you should have fitted.
At this stage, your dentist will perform a full dental examination and take x-rays to assess your dental health, and look out for signs of tooth decay and gum disease which will require treating prior to placement of veneers. Photos may also be taken which will help in designing the shape and size of your veneers.
After an in depth discussion with your dentist, a treatment plan will be proposed with full breakdown of costs which you can take away and think about.
Stage 2: Preparation of teeth
After approval of your treatment plan, you will return for an appointment where the teeth are prepared so that veneers can be placed onto them.
Impressions of your teeth and pre operative photos will be taken and then each tooth will be individually prepared by trimming down to the required amount depending on the final design and goal. Sometimes very little or no tooth preparation may be required. Further detailed impressions will be taken and these are sent to the dental technician for design and production.
During this waiting period, your dentist might fit on temporary veneers.
Stage 3: Fitting
After 10-14 days, your custom made veneers will return and with your dentist you will evaluate the fit, shape, and shade of the veneers to make sure they’re perfect for you.
After which, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, and check the fit of the veneers on your teeth. Minor adjustments may be required to ensure an optimal fit and slight modification of tooth shape can be made also. Very strong adhesive cement is then used to bond the veneer to the tooth. Your dentist will ensure you are comfortable with the new veneers and will show you how to look after them properly.
After this appointment, you will be ready to show off your new smile. Aftercare appointments can be arranged if required.
To ensure your veneers last as long as possible, we advise against:
- using front teeth to bite on hard objects
- biting nails and pens etc
- grinding teeth
- chewing very hard foods
- opening items with the teeth
What can dental veneers help correct?
The benefits of veneers range from cosmetic advantages to dental benefits.
- Correct stains and discolouration
- Reduce crookedness and gaps
- Hide chips and minor damages
- Prevent tooth decay
- They look and feel natural
- Minimally invasive compared to other dental correction devices like braces
In many cases, cosmetic procedures like veneers can help with oral health by preventing and helping to minimise certain dental conditions.
Which type of veneer is best for me?
The type of veneer you choose will depend on your budget, needs, and preferences. Your dentist will also assess the type of dental veneer that will work best for you. There are two types1 of veneers: porcelain and resin-based composite.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are made from thin and strong pieces of porcelain. They are placed on the tops and sides of the teeth. To attach2 them, your dentist will likely need to remove some enamel from the tooth before placing them.
Porcelain veneers are aesthetically super and can have the same colour as natural teeth, but it is possible to make them whiter too depending on your requirements. On that note – porcelain veneers are a fantastic option for patients with severe teeth discolouration that cannot be corrected with teeth whitening.
Resin-based composite veneers
Resin-based composite veneers are similar to porcelain veneers, but they tend to be less expensive and require less enamel removal. Sometimes, a dentist may not even have to remove any enamel before placing the composite veneer. These can normally be done in a single appointment.
However, compared to porcelain veneers, resin-based veneers are a less durable and are more prone to staining over time.
These are the main differences3:
| Factor | Porcelain Veneers | Resin-based Veneers |
| Cost | Around $1100 per tooth | Around $300 per tooth |
| Procedure | Usually requires enamel removal | May not require enamel removal |
| Length of time of the installation process | 2-3 appointments | Usually 1 appointment |
| Longevity of the veneers | Less likely to chip or fracture Will not stain | More likely to chip or break May stain over time |
| Replacement | Cannot be fixed when damaged – needs to be replaced fully | Reversible and can be repaired |
Can I pay for my veneers with Medisave?
Unfortunately, dental veneers are not Medisave-claimable as Medisave claims are reserved for surgical procedures only, such as wisdom tooth removal. Veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure.
Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us and our team of skilled dentists will be happy to help!
References
- Pini, N. P., Aguiar, F. H., Lima, D. A., Lovadino, J. R., Terada, R. S., & Pascotto, R. C. (2012). Advances in dental veneers: materials, applications, and techniques. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 4, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDEN.S7837
- Calamia J. R. (1996). The current status of etched porcelain veneer restorations. The Journal of the Philippine Dental Association, 47(4), 35–41.J. R., C. (1996). The current status of etched porcelain veneer restorations. The Journal of the Philippine Dental Association, 47(4), 35-41.
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