If you’re thinking about veneers and investing in your smile, it’s worth understanding how they work, what they cost, and whether they’re the right solution. I’m Dr. Joseph Houlik, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. At Houlik Family Dentistry in Wichita, KS, we do a lot of smile makeovers—and this is the core information I share with patients.
What Veneers Are
Veneers are thin porcelain, ceramic, or composite restorations bonded to the front or edge of your teeth. They can change the shape, color, and length of your teeth or improve the appearance of alignment. Think of them like a contact lens for your tooth—usually about 0.5–1.2 mm thick.
Veneers vs. Crowns
Veneers typically cover just the front and edge of a tooth and require less reshaping, while crowns cover the entire tooth and need more reduction.
Our goal is always to be as conservative as possible while achieving excellent results.
- A crown is usually recommended if a tooth has large decay, cracks, or failing fillings—it provides more strength.
- Veneers are ideal when the tooth structure is sound, and the goal is to correct discoloration, spacing, minor rotations, or uneven edges.
Porcelain/Ceramic vs. Composite
- Porcelain/Ceramic veneers are the most lifelike, stain-resistant, and durable option.
- Composite veneers (a bonded filling material layered on the front) can look great and are more budget-friendly but tend to pick up stain and don’t last as long.
At our Wichita dental office, we primarily place porcelain because they look better and hold up longer. Composite is a good option when budget is the main concern.
Longevity & Maintenance
How long do veneers last—and are they permanent?
No dental work is truly permanent. High-quality porcelain veneers typically last 12–15 years, with studies showing about 80% survival at 20 years when properly cared for.
Composite veneers last around 7–10 years and may need periodic touch-ups or polishing.
Over time, gums can recede slightly, revealing a faint line where the veneer meets the tooth. Porcelain itself doesn’t discolor, but composite can lose gloss and stain more easily.
Do you have to replace veneers regularly?
No. Veneers are replaced only when there’s decay, fracture, debonding, or cosmetic changes.
If veneers frequently come off, the tooth may need a crown for more retention.
Tips for long-term success:
- Choose high-quality dental work
- Maintain excellent home care and hygiene
- Protect your veneers with a custom night guard
Costs & Insurance
Cost range:
- Porcelain veneers start around $1,500 per tooth and can exceed $2,000, depending on location and complexity.
- Composite veneers cost around $800 per tooth.
- Additional costs may include a smile design/wax-up ($300–$1,500) and a night guard for protection.
Insurance coverage:
Insurance usually classifies veneers as cosmetic and does not cover them.
Crowns, however, may be covered up to 50% if clinically necessary (e.g., due to decay or fracture), potentially saving $400–$600 per tooth.
FSA/HSA funds typically follow “medical necessity”—cosmetic veneers may not qualify, while medically indicated crowns often do.
When Veneers Help Most
Veneers are especially helpful for:
- Worn or thinning enamel
- Craze lines, chips, asymmetry, and discoloration
- Full smile makeovers involving changes in color, length, or shape
For minor rotations or small gaps, veneers can camouflage alignment issues—but straighter teeth allow for more conservative results.
Often, we recommend short-term Invisalign or clear aligners first to enhance predictability and minimize reshaping.
Process & Timeline
- Consultation: Discuss goals and evaluate oral health.
- Smile Design/Wax-Up: Create a visual “blueprint” for your new smile.
- Prep Appointment: Conservative reshaping, impressions/scans, and provisionals (you “test drive” the look).
- Seating: Try-in, adjust, and bond your final veneers.
- Protection & Follow-Up: Provide a night guard or retainer and schedule maintenance visits.
Timing:
Expect about 2–3 months from consultation to final bonding:
- ~3 weeks for smile design/mock-up
- ~6–8 weeks for lab fabrication after prep
Chair time varies with case size—single-arch preps can take a few hours, while full-mouth cases take longer. Delivery visits are typically half that.
Comfort & Common Questions
Do veneers hurt?
Prep visits are long but should be comfortable. With conservative techniques, post-op sensitivity is minimal.
Can veneers get cavities?
Yes—the underlying tooth can still decay, so great hygiene is critical.
How much tooth structure is removed?
Most cases require some minimal enamel reshaping for ideal contours and esthetics. Once reshaped, returning to “untouched” natural teeth isn’t realistic.
Prioritize conservative preparation, proper bite design, and consistent protection with retainers or a night guard—think of veneers as an investment worth protecting.
Alternatives to Consider
Depending on your goals, a full veneer makeover may not be necessary. You might achieve your ideal smile with:
- Whitening (in-office or take-home)
- Clear aligners
- Cosmetic bonding to repair small chips
- Crowns as needed
- Gum contouring for symmetry
Many patients choose a blended approach—whiten first, repair small edges, then veneer or crown select teeth for harmony.
Cautions & Expectations
Veneers aren’t always the right starting point. Some goals are better met with whitening, aligners, or minor bonding.
Work with an experienced cosmetic dentist who provides a clear plan and walks through all your options.
Final Thought
Veneers aren’t for everyone, but when thoughtfully planned and executed, they can be life-changing—enhancing confidence, symmetry, and color with a natural, lasting result.
If you’re considering veneers in Wichita, KS, schedule a consultation at Houlik Family Dentistry. We’ll help you design a smile that fits your goals, budget, and long-term oral health.
