Have you ever looked at a picture of a Hollywood star and thought to yourself, “I wish I had teeth like that.” Well, your dream of having straight, healthy pearly whites is possible – dentistry has come a long way in helping us to achieve that. This comes in the form of dental veneers. Studies have shown that the use of dental veneers have become increasingly popular due to its reliability and compatibility1.
But are veneers permanent, do teeth under veneers remain healthy, how can you ensure you get veneers that look natural? Most importantly, are there subsidies for dental veneers in Singapore? Let’s find out!
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of either porcelain/ceramic or resin composite materials, which are cemented to your natural teeth to improve its appearance. Aesthetics aside, veneers can also protect your teeth from damage.
If this procedure is suitable for you, you can have your perfect smile made in just a few days, lasting anywhere from 10-15 years. There are two main types of dental veneers available: porcelain/ceramic veneers and composite resin veneers.
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Porcelain/ceramic veneers |
As its name suggests, these are made of porcelain and they are permanently adhered to your natural teeth. They may be fabricated in either of two ways. 1) CAD/CAM 3-D Milled Veneers: They are individually milled from hardened blanks of porcelain, offering a balance of durability and esthetics. 2) Pressed Veneers: High strength porcelain is pressed into a mold under high heat and pressure. Pressed veneers can be made in thinner sections to conform to the tooth, and are suitable for cases which require less tooth to be drilled. They are then stained and glazed by hand to match neighboring natural teeth and give them life-like esthetics. The milled or pressed veneers have the option to be layered with multiple porcelain layers, to further enhance its colour for a better match to natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are the more popular choice as they are able to replicate the light reflecting properties of natural teeth2. They also maintain a smooth surface texture over time compared to resin composite veneers. Therefore, they look closer to natural teeth than any other materials. |
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Composite resin veneers |
There are two main types of composite resin veneers. 1) Direct composite resin veneers: They are built up directly onto the tooth and may be completed in a single appointment to restore minor areas of concern. 2) Indirect composite resin veneers: They are customised and made in a dental laboratory before they are fitted onto the teeth, hence requiring multiple appointments. Composite resin veneers have a similar appearance to teeth at first glance. They tend to be more monochromatic and can work well if the natural teeth have a mostly uniform colour. Both types of composite resin veneers are reversible and so are a popular choice for individuals who wish to maintain the original structure of their natural tooth3. As the composite resin material deteriorates over time, maintenance and replacement must be kept in mind. Do note that removal of these composite materials can slightly damage the surface of your natural teeth. |
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Am I a suitable candidate for dental veneers?
Dental veneers can be used to cover up a multitude of issues, allowing you to have a superstar smile. In Singapore, veneers are usually used for the following issues:
- Discoloured or stained teeth that cannot be whitened by conventional teeth whitening
- Slightly misaligned teeth
- Fractured, worn, or broken teeth
- Different sized teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Tooth discoloured by root canal treatment
Overall, they are a good option as they are long-lasting and provide good aesthetic outcomes4.
While some individuals are well-suited for dental veneers, there are some who are not a good match. If you have the following issues, dental veneers may not last:
- Poor oral hygiene, such as gum disease
- High Tooth decay risk
- Grinding your teeth (bruxism) — This however, can be mitigated by wearing a nightguard to reduce grinding forces while asleep.
- Cracked teeth that need stronger support such as dental crowns
- Severely damanged teeth which need replacement such as with dental implants
- Crooked teeth — In slightly malaligned teeth, dental veneers can be used to straighten teeth and give a more uniform smile. However, in severely crooked teeth, veneers might be too damaging to your teeth due to an increase in the amount of tooth structure needed to be removed. Therefore, in these situations, we usually suggest straightening your teeth first (such as Invisalign or braces) prior to dental veneers being done.
Process of getting dental veneers in Singapore
1) Consultation
- After a thorough examination (to ensure that there are no underlying issues), 3D scans and x-rays are conducted to help in the creation of your new smile
- Together with your dentist, you will decide on the best type, shape and shade of veneer
- This initial consultation is very important as our dentists work to understand your preferences and concerns
2) Preparation
- The surface layer is polished down to accommodate the thickness of the veneers (0.5mm on average) to avoid having a protruding or bulky appearance.
- Some patients may not require their teeth to be filed down as they are suitable for no-prep veneers (no-prep veneers allow for the porcelain to be bonded directly onto the teeth without having to file them down). These will tend to have a bulkier appearance on close examination with more lip support which may be desirable in individuals with low or thin lips.
3) Smile trial
- A temporary set of veneers are made as a practice run to see if it suits your expectations and esthetics
- After a week with your temporary veneers, you will provide feedback and if only minor changes are required, then we can continue with bonding your permanent veneers
- If major changes are required, another set of temporary veneers will be made
- This process repeats until you are satisfied with your new veneers
4) Bonding of veneers
- Your permanent veneers are ready but before they are bonded, you will try them on to make sure you are satisfied
- Once you are happy, the permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth
5) Review
- After a week, we will review your bite, stability of your veneers, and check on how comfortable you are with your new veneers
Are dental veneers any good?
As with all procedures, it is important to know the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. It is important to note that the amount of tooth structure needed to be reduced is dependent on a number of factors. These factors include:
- The underlying tooth colour that we need to mask and the desired final tooth colour
- The position of your tooth in relation to your desired smile curve
- The quality of tooth structure present
- The presence of entire tooth decay or dental fillings
- The need for additional lip support
- The material properties such as the minimum thickness requirements
Should there be excessive tooth reduction, it may cause teeth to be sensitive and may lead to root canal treatment in very severe cases. This is extremely rare.
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How much do dental veneers cost in Singapore?
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Types of veneers |
Cost (per tooth) |
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Porcelain veneers |
$1962 |
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a) Pressed Veneers (Add-on) |
+$436 |
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b) Layered Veneers (Add-on) |
+$436 |
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Composite resin veneers |
$434.91 - $599.50 |
*The prices are inclusive of 9% GST. These are rough ballpark figures, prices vary depending on complexity. Please speak to our friendly staff for more information.
What affects the cost of dental veneers?
Ultimately, how much you pay for your veneers will depend on various factors, which are listed below.
The complexity of your condition: Before you can be considered for dental veneers, your mouth and teeth will be examined to check for any underlying problems – if you do have some issues, they will have to be treated first before your veneers can be fitted.
The material of your veneer: Porcelain veneers will cost more than composite veneers. However, keep in mind that porcelain veneers last significantly longer and look the closest to natural teeth.
The clinic you go to: The cost of getting veneers fitted may vary across clinics, depending on factors like the dentist’s credentials, experience and clinic’s waiting time. Keep in mind the performing dentist’s track record and always ask for before/after photos.
Are dental veneers MediSave claimable?
Dental veneers are not MediSave claimable as only dental work that requires surgery can be claimed from your MediSave.
Are there cheaper alternatives to veneers?
If veneers are too expensive for you, depending on your goals and condition, you may consider alternatives like teeth whitening or Invisalign. Many patients have described veneers to be “worth it” and that the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. On top of that, veneers can last at least 10 years – this reduces the hassle of getting frequent dental work done.
Consider veneers a long term investment in your smile. Any questions? Please drop us a message! Read more on Dental Veneers.
References
- Dental veneers. (2020, July 20). Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
- El-Mowafy, O., El-Aawar, N., & El-Mowafy, N. (2018). Porcelain veneers: An update. Dental and medical problems, 55(2), 207–211. https://doi.org/10.17219/dmp/90729
- Nalbandian, S., & Millar, B. J. (2009). The effect of veneers on cosmetic improvement. British dental journal, 207(2), E3–73. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.609
- Alothman, Y., & Bamasoud, M. S. (2018). The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 6(12), 2402–2408. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2018.353