Porcelain Veneers in Singapore: Are They Worth It?

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made, super-thin shells made from high-grade dental ceramic and bonded to the front of teeth to transform your smile. Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers require multiple visits to complete, making them ideal for patients seeking a premium, long-lasting smile transformation. 

The ceramic material used in porcelain veneers creates a natural-looking result that mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. This material can be colour-matched to your existing teeth or designed to create a brighter, more uniform smile. 

Porcelain veneers are ideal for addressing cosmetic concerns, including stubborn staining, chips or cracks, gaps between teeth, and teeth that appear misaligned or irregularly shaped. These durable shells offer a long-term solution for smile enhancement; however, they require more removal of natural tooth structure than composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are ideal for covering up cosmetic imperfections, making them a popular choice for aesthetic enhancements.

Types of Porcelain Veneers: Traditional and Minimal-Prep

Porcelain veneers can be classified into two main types: traditional and minimal-prep.

Traditional porcelain veneers require more tooth surface preparation. These traditional veneers offer exceptional durability and aesthetic results, making them ideal for significant cosmetic enhancements. Your dentist must remove about 0.5mm of the tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer thickness. While this creates space for a natural-looking result, it’s irreversible.  

Minimal-prep (sometimes called ‘no-prep’) porcelain veneers require less tooth structure removal. These ultra-thin veneers are about the thickness of a contact lens and require minimal to no reduction of the tooth surface. It is not suitable for all cases but offers a more conservative approach for patients with specific clinical situations. After the minimal-prep process, the final veneers are cemented onto the patient’s teeth.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Which One Is Right for You?

Understanding the difference between porcelain veneers and composite veneers will help you make an informed decision that suits your aesthetic goals, budget and lifestyle.

Porcelain veneers have been the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry for years. Known for their durability and stain resistance, these restorations can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Their glass-like surface creates a natural-looking result that mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. Porcelain veneers must be fabricated in a dental laboratory. However, they require more tooth preparation and typically require multiple dental specialist visits.

Composite resin veneers are more reversible than porcelain veneers and can be applied during a single visit. However, they do not last as long. Still, composite veneers have their advantages. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are reversible and can be completed in a single visit. The procedure is less invasive and preserves more of your natural tooth structure. Your dentist can sculpt the composite resin material directly onto your teeth, providing same-day results without needing temporary restorations. This direct application also means adjustments or repairs can be done more easily. For these reasons, composite veneers are more affordable, quicker, and less invasive than the disadvantages of porcelain veneers.

From a financial perspective, porcelain veneers cost about twice as much as composite veneers, reflecting their longevity and aesthetics. Their 10+ year lifespan often justifies the higher initial investment compared to 5-7 years of composite alternatives.

The choice of veneer depends on your specific circumstances, cosmetic goals, budget constraints, and the desired completion time of your treatment. For many patients seeking the ultimate in aesthetics and longevity, porcelain veneers offer an exceptional blend of natural beauty and durability.

Porcelain Veneers: Pros and Cons

As with any dental procedure, porcelain veneers have pros and cons that need to be considered:

Pros

• Superior aesthetics: Porcelain veneers have unmatched translucency and light reflection that mimics natural teeth and looks very natural.
• Longevity: With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years, a great investment in your smile.
• Stain resistance: The glass-like surface of porcelain veneers resists staining from coffee, wine, and other pigmented substances, maintaining its brightness for years to come.
• Colour stability: Unlike composite materials, which may discolour over time, a porcelain veneer maintains its original shade throughout its lifespan.
• Strength and durability: Once bonded to teeth, porcelain veneers provide excellent structural support and resist chipping and breaking with regular use.

Cons

• Higher cost: Porcelain veneers are a more expensive option than composite veneers.
• Irreversible procedure: The preparation required for traditional porcelain veneers means your teeth will always need some form of restoration.
• Multiple appointments:  The fabrication process requires at least two visits, with temporary veneers in between.
• Difficult to repair:  If a porcelain veneer chips or cracks, it usually requires replacement rather than repair.
• Not suitable for severely compromised teeth: Teeth with extensive decay or structural damage may require extensive treatment before placing porcelain veneers.

Who Is a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ideal for patients seeking a dramatic, long-lasting enhancement to their smile’s appearance. However, not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. A good candidate is someone who has healthy teeth and gums with enough enamel for bonding. Patients should address any existing oral health issues, such as active gum disease, before the procedure. Porcelain veneers are ideal for individuals seeking to address discolouration that won’t respond to whitening, minor to moderate alignment issues such as misaligned teeth, chips or cracks, gaps between teeth, and teeth that are worn, misshapen, or slightly crooked. Veneers can also improve the shape of teeth that are unusually shaped.

Can Porcelain Veneers Straighten Teeth?

One of the most common questions about porcelain veneers is whether they can address alignment issues. While porcelain veneers can’t move teeth like orthodontic treatments, they can create the appearance of straighter teeth through a technique called ‘instant orthodontics’.

For mild to moderate misalignment, carefully designed porcelain veneers can reshape the visible surfaces of teeth to create a more harmonious alignment. However, this optical correction works well for slight rotations, small gaps, minor crowding, and mildly crooked teeth. The advantage is immediacy – rather than waiting months or years for orthodontic results, patients can have the appearance of straighter teeth in just two visits.

However, significant misalignment or bite issues require proper orthodontic intervention. In some cases, a combination approach is most effective, with orthodontic treatment addressing functional alignment followed by porcelain veneers.

Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend whether porcelain veneers are the right solution for addressing your tooth alignment concerns or if traditional orthodontics would be more suitable for your long-term dental health.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure: What to Expect

The journey to a new smile through the veneers process typically involves several steps to ensure a precise and personalised result.

The process starts with comprehensive planning. Your dentist will create a digital mock-up of the intended result, allowing you to see the transformation before any permanent changes are made. This is important because the changes to your smile may be dramatic, and seeing a 3D real-time digital impression helps you and your dental team make informed decisions. You may also be able to try on temporary veneers before confirming your choice, as veneers can’t be removed once they are bonded to the tooth.

The procedure begins with the application of a local anaesthetic to ensure patient comfort. Your dentist will then prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the veneers. This step is precisely calibrated to maintain the natural contours of your smile while allowing room for the porcelain material. Creating custom veneers for each patient ensures the final result is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

After preparation, detailed impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab, where skilled technicians will custom-craft your porcelain veneers. This fabrication process takes 1-2 weeks, during which you’ll wear temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth and preview your new smile.

The temporary veneers are removed at your second appointment, and your new porcelain veneers are evaluated for fit, colour, and shape before being bonded to your teeth. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort before polishing the veneers to their final lustre.

The entire process typically requires two visits, approximately two weeks apart, with appointments lasting 2-3 hours, depending on the number of teeth being treated.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers are renowned for their long-lasting durability compared to other cosmetic dental options. On average, they last 10-15 years, but many patients enjoy their veneers for 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Good oral hygiene is important to ensure the underlying teeth remain healthy and decay-free.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining the longevity of your porcelain veneers. If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to prevent damage. 

Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers maintain their colour and lustre for their entire lifespan, resisting staining that can affect other materials. By following your dentist’s care recommendations and scheduling regular professional maintenance, you can maximise the life of your investment in porcelain veneers.

Do Porcelain Veneers Stain Like Natural Teeth?

Unlike natural enamel and composite materials, porcelain has a smooth, glass-like surface that prevents staining agents from penetrating. The glazed surface of porcelain veneers is resistant to discolouration even from notorious staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, berries and tobacco products. This stain resistance is one of the reasons many patients choose porcelain over composite veneers, especially those who regularly consume staining foods and beverages.

To keep your porcelain veneers looking bright, follow these practical tips:

• Continue to brush and floss to prevent staining at the veneer margins
• Schedule professional cleanings every 6 months
• Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of the veneers

With minimal care, your porcelain veneers will maintain their appearance for their entire lifespan.

Are Porcelain Veneers Reversible?

For many patients considering cosmetic dental procedures, reversibility is a major consideration. Traditional porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment because they require removing a small amount of natural tooth enamel.

The preparation process for traditional porcelain veneers involves removing approximately 0.5 mm of enamel to create space for the veneer. Since enamel doesn’t regenerate, teeth prepared for veneers will always need some form of restoration. If a veneer is removed in the future, it must be replaced with either a new veneer or another suitable restoration.

Minimal-prep or ‘no-prep’ veneers offer a more conservative alternative that requires little to no enamel removal, making them potentially reversible in some cases. However, even these ultra-thin veneers typically require some tooth surface modification for optimal results.

The permanent nature of traditional porcelain veneers requires thorough consultation and planning before treatment. During your consultation, your dentist can discuss the possible degree of reversibility in your case.

Porcelain Veneers Cost

Porcelain veneers cost $800-$1,500 per tooth, depending on the case, the ceramist, and the location. That’s a significant investment compared to composite veneers, which cost between $300 and $600 per tooth.

When considering the cost of veneers, think long-term, not just the initial price. Porcelain veneers last 10-15 years, compared to 5-7 years for composites. They are also stain-resistant and aesthetically pleasing, making them more cost-effective in the long run despite the higher upfront cost.

Additionally, porcelain veneers require less maintenance and fewer replacements than composite veneers, potentially resulting in lower long-term costs. Many dental practices offer financing options to make this procedure more affordable through monthly payments.

At your consultation, your dental team will discuss the cost of your treatment plan and payment options that fit your budget.

Ready to Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry?

Porcelain veneers are a durable, stain-resistant, and natural-looking solution for your smile. The procedure can correct discolouration, alignment issues, chips, or gaps to achieve excellent results that last for many years.

TEETH @ Tiong Bahru’s cosmetic dentists are experts in creating custom porcelain veneers that look and feel like natural teeth, only better. Dental treatments such as extractions, retainers, fillings, and cleanings play a significant role in enhancing smiles and extending the longevity of veneers. We take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and develop a personalised treatment plan to address your concerns.

Don’t let imperfections in your smile hold you back any longer. Contact us today at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru to book a consultation. We’ll answer your questions and guide you through the process. Your perfect smile is waiting!