5 Alternatives to Veneers: Benefits and Risks

Dental veneers are custom-made coverings for your teeth. They are made of high-quality dental material and designed to look natural and improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are typically used to address chipped, broken, stained, or misshapen teeth.

Veneers can also help mask gaps in your smile. Unlike crowns, which cover the entire tooth, veneers only cover the tooth’s front surface. To apply a veneer, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel before bonding a porcelain or composite veneer over the tooth. 

Once impressions are made and fitted for your teeth, your dentist will clean the teeth before the veneer is applied. Veneers are not reversible once bonded to your teeth, but they can be repaired if they get chipped or cracked. Because veneers are a permanent solution, many people want to explore their options before committing to this procedure.

Tooth discoloration is a common complaint. As many as 80% of adults ages 18-49 pursue teeth whitening with their dentist. Although there are over-the-counter (OTC) options for whitening, many people opt for whitening procedures in their dentist’s office.

Benefits

Getting your teeth professionally whitened is effective and safe. Research indicates a one-day professional procedure can produce whiter teeth in 24 hours, while an OTC whitening tool may take 16 days to achieve the same level of whitening. Tooth whitening can also promote better oral hygiene, especially since people who get the procedure done brush more often and for longer periods.

Risks

There are very few risks with teeth whitening, though some people notice sensitivity during and after the procedure. It’s also possible to experience mild gum irritation, but this usually goes away. It is possible to damage your teeth, but this only occurs with very aggressive regimens and is unlikely in a dentist’s office.

Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers

Teeth whitening is a less invasive and more affordable procedure than veneers. Though teeth whitening can impact the enamel, the enamel is not intentionally disturbed like with veneers. Teeth whitening may need to be repeated and does not last as long as veneers.

Dental bonding, or tooth bonding, is a cosmetic procedure used to correct abnormalities like chipping, cracking, gaps, tooth discoloration, yellowing, or staining. Dental bonding is sometimes used to address minor cavities. With this procedure, a dentist uses resin to make the repairs, often resulting in brighter, whiter, and more even teeth.

Benefits

Dental bonding is a safe, relatively common procedure. It can also be altered if you want a more permanent solution. The material used is durable and long-lasting, and it can be molded and color-matched to adjacent teeth. In the end, you often receive natural-looking results.

Risks

There aren’t many risks with dental bonding, but the procedure is limited in its capabilities. It cannot replace a tooth like a crown and is more susceptible to staining or discoloration than other dental procedures.

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers

Dental bonding is minimally invasive compared to veneers because no enamel is removed, and the procedure is reversible. Dental bonding tends to be more affordable than pricey veneers. It also does not require multiple appointments. That said, veneers will last longer and are less likely to need repairs.

When a dentist applies a dental crown, they use a tooth-shaped cap to replace a damaged, misaligned, cracked, or chipped tooth. Crowns are sometimes used if you have a cavity and not enough tooth remaining to hold a filling. Getting a crown can also improve your smile and strengthen your teeth.

Benefits

Having a crown applied to a tooth is common procedure with very few risks. Crowns (and bridges) represent about 31% of all dental care procedures and help restore the tooth to its normal shape and size. They also can strengthen the tooth, relieve tooth pain, protect weak or cracked teeth from breaking further, and cover a tooth that is discolored or misshapen.

Risks

There are few risks during the procedure, but afterward, you must care for your crown by brushing and flossing regularly. Having a crown does not protect the tooth underneath from cavities. There also is a chance that the crown could fall off or that it may cause sensitivity in that area. In rare cases, bacteria can become trapped under the crown and cause an infection, requiring immediate treatment.

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers

Both veneers and crowns cover a tooth or several teeth and cannot be undone. With a veneer, the enamel is removed. With a crown, the tooth may already be damaged, or the structure may be changed to fit the crown, requiring the removal of more of the tooth’s natural structure. Getting veneers applied may require more trips to the dentist, while crowns can sometimes be applied in one day.

Some people opt for clear plastic aligners to correct their smile, especially if their teeth are slightly crooked. There are several different brands, but one popular option is Invisalign. These work particularly well for adults because they may be more willing to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours daily.

Benefits

Clear aligners are a discreet option for straightening mildly crooked teeth. With this method, people get the benefit of braces without the metal brackets—and there are no limitations on foods they can eat. Clear aligners may also help wearers control plaque buildup, sustain oral health, and prevent white spots on their teeth compared to traditional braces.

Risks

Some people have adverse reactions to clear aligners and experience swollen throats and lips, throat spasms, blisters, and even anaphylaxis. Clear aligners can also impact speech articulation, an important consideration for people who frequently make presentations for work or school. There is even some concern regarding gum recession and how clear aligners impact oral health.

Clear Aligners vs. Veneers

If you have mildly crooked teeth, you may wonder whether veneers or clear aligners would be best. The primary difference is the time involved in realigning the teeth. Veneers are a much shorter process, whereas clear aligners may take 18 months or more, depending on the level of correction needed. Clear aligners correct the smile without damaging the enamel, whereas veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed.

Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that are minimally invasive tooth coverings. Unlike traditional veneers, these thin, custom-made porcelain shells do not require anesthesia or removal of tooth enamel. Like traditional veneers, they can treat stained, chipped, misaligned, or misshapen teeth.

Benefits

Aside from Lumineers’ thinness, people also appreciate the significant reduction in discomfort or pain during the procedure. There is no need for anesthesia, it’s easy to take impressions, and there may be no need for interim restorations.

Risks

Like traditional veneers, the primary risk is how they will hold up. One study found that the porcelain may fracture or chip, requiring maintenance down the road.

Lumineers vs. Veneers

The primary difference between Lumineers and veneers is thickness. Lumineers are thinner, ranging between 0.2 and 0.5 millimeters thick, and require less prep work before being applied. Traditional veneers range in thickness from 0.3 to 1.0 millimeters, which is a more substantial tooth covering—and why the tooth’s enamel requires removal.

When selecting the best dental procedure to address your concerns, you will need to consider the cost, whether it is covered by insurance, how long the results will last, and what type of maintenance it requires. For instance, veneers last 10 or more years, while teeth whitening may need to be repeated every few years.

Some problems may be better addressed with a different dental procedure than veneers. A crown may be a better option for a tooth with a significant cavity or break, and Invisalign might be better for correcting tooth alignment.

You also should discuss your treatment expectations and reservations with your dentist, regardless of the type of procedure you’re considering. They will help you determine if veneers or an alternative are the right choice for your smile.

Here are some other things to consider:

• Veneers involve removing tooth enamel, meaning they are not reversible.
• Your dentist must treat cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems before veneers can be placed on your teeth.
• Veneers are usually strong, but there is a possibility that they may chip, crack, loosen, or wear down over time.
• Because veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry, insurance may not covere them.
• Veneers may not be a good choice if you have a deep overbite or if you clench or grind your teeth.

Veneers are custom coverings for your teeth made from high-quality dental material. They are designed to look natural and improve the appearance of your teeth. They are often used to address chipped, broken, stained, or misshapen teeth.

Because veneers are irreversible and potentially costly, you may want to explore other options for your dental concerns. You might consider tooth whitening instead of veneers to address stains. You might opt for a crown if you have a cracked or chipped tooth. Lastly, if you have crooked teeth, you may choose to straighten them with clear aligners.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on the specific concern, your dental history, and your budget.