The obsession with looks is undeniable in our society. The prevalence of online platforms like Instagram and Facebook intensifies this self-image fixation. Consequently, dental aesthetics greatly influence individuals’ self-perception and their assumptions about how others perceive them. Remarkably, dentistry ranks second only to the makeup industry in terms of enhancing non-surgical beauty. Among these procedures, porcelain veneers stand out as the most common method for improving one’s appearance. When it comes to instantly enhancing smiles, dental veneers reign supreme.
Statistics and data highlighting dentistry as the top non-surgical cosmetic treatment
Here are some statistics and data points highlighting dentistry as a top non-surgical cosmetic treatment:
- According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, over $2.75 BILLION was spent on cosmetic dentistry procedures in 2020 in the United States.
- The dental cosmetics market is predicted to grow at a rate of 7.4% from 2022-2027, indicating strong consumer demand.
- Teeth whitening remains the most requested cosmetic dental procedure. Over $1 Billion was spent on teeth whitening in the U.S. in 2021.
- Dental veneers are also among the top 5 most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, with over 5 Million placed annually!
- Cosmetic dental procedures ranked 2nd only to injectable treatments like Botox and fillers in terms of dollars spent on nonsurgical enhancements in 2020.
- Among consumers surveyed who considered cosmetic treatments in 2021, 33% expressed interest in cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening or dental veneers.
- Common procedures like teeth straightening and whitening were listed as providing “very high satisfaction” by over 70% of those polled who underwent the treatments.
Here are some statistics and facts about porcelain veneers:
- Porcelain veneers are among the top 5 most popular cosmetic dental procedures, with over 5 million placed annually.
- The global market for dental veneers is predicted to reach $2.74 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% as demand increases.
- About 30% of adults have some natural imperfection in their front teeth that could benefit from porcelain veneers.
- The typical cost for porcelain veneers in the United States ranges from $925 to $3,500 per tooth.
- Up to 20% of requests for cosmetic consultations with general dentists are for porcelain veneers.
- Dental labs fabricated over 7.5 million veneer restorations in 2020 in the United States. 91% of patients report being satisfied with the look and feel of their porcelain veneer restorations.
- Porcelain veneers typically last 7-20 years before replacement is needed, assuming proper care.
- Newer high-strength ceramic options for veneers resist cracking or chipping better than earlier porcelain types.
Indication and Contraindications of Dental Veneers
The smile catches people’s attention right away. Our looks, whether we approve or not, leave an impression that can influence various aspects of our lives, including our professional prospects. A study conducted by Daniel Hamermesh at Yale University revealed that attractive employees receive a five percent higher salary. Consequently, it is not surprising that veneers, a vital dental procedure, provide remedies for teeth imperfections, such as the following examples:
- Close diastema
- Peg laterals
- Fractured incisal edge (chipped or worn)
- Discoloration
- Surface defects such as pits or grooves
- Tetracycline stains
- Misaligned dentition
Conversely, there are instances in which dental veneers may not be the optimal choice for a particular patient. It is vital to recognize when alternative restorative solutions should be contemplated in order to guarantee the durability, contentment, and effectiveness of veneers.
Listed below are several contraindications associated with dental veneers:
In instances where the criteria for prescribing a dental veneer are met, the outcomes can be astonishing. This treatment option has the potential to significantly improve the appearance of one’s smile, offering transformative benefits to patients.
At Burbank Dental Lab, we have extensive experience with numerous cases, leading us to develop three distinct dental veneer types to cater to individual requirements. These options include:
- Nano Press & Layered Veneers
- SimplyThin Veneers
- Classic Feldspathic Porcelain Veneers
Nano® Press & Layered Veneers
When strategic block-out is necessary, Burbank Dental Lab’s proprietary Nano® Press & Layered Veneers are recommended.
These veneers are made from IPS Empress, a leucite-reinforced ceramic, with a flexural strength of 160mpa, or IPS e.Max, a lithium disilicate material with a flexural strength of 470mpa.
They undergo a pressing and layering process to achieve the desired outcome. Prescribing these veneers is crucial for cases that require more aggressive preparation design.
They are effective for closing gaps between teeth, correcting significant alignment issues (instant orthodontics), addressing flat papilla, and correcting shade changes of up to three or more steps, such as from an A4 to an A1.
The wide range of available ingot shades and varying opacity levels contribute to the color shifts in these restorations.
SimplyThin Veneers with E.Max
Burbank Dental Lab offers the SimplyThin Veneer, a proprietary product that utilizes IPS E.max (lithium disilicate) to create fully contoured veneers.
The fabrication process involves selecting a suitable color ingot, applying opal essence stains for characterization, and sealing the color with a glaze layer. These veneers are recommended for cases where minimal or no-preparation veneers are needed, especially when there are minor color adjustments required and the teeth are properly aligned.
Classic Feldspathic Porcelain Veneers
These handcrafted dental veneers are made using feldspathic porcelain, which has a flexural strength of 100 mpa.
They are ideal for achieving moderate color and shape changes. As layered porcelain veneers, they can effectively cover darker underlying colors on natural tooth surfaces. This technique allows for a translucent, natural-looking appearance while blocking out unwanted tones.
These porcelain veneers have a thickness of .5mm and can be fabricated on platinum foil or directly on a refractory die.
Smiles By Design Team
The majority of dental practices offer porcelain veneers as a significant service. These procedures can have a profound impact on patients’ lives. When their expectations are not only met but surpassed, these patients become valuable advocates for the dental office. Word-of-mouth referrals are crucial for the growth of a practice. Hence, it is crucial to ensure the success of these veneer cases from the outset. This is precisely why our Smiles By Design® team at Burbank Dental Lab was established – to greatly reduce the chances of any veneer mishaps.
The technical staff of the Burbank Dental Lab Smiles By Design® team is highly trained to handle complex cases and ensure a positive experience for both the doctor and patient during the veneer process. These skilled technicians have undergone extensive training, including advanced courses and hands-on programs like live patient over-the-shoulder programs, LVI, Spear Institute, and more. They possess in-depth knowledge of occlusion, tooth morphology, color, and internal characterization.
By adopting a team approach at Smiles By Design®, the case is carefully managed from the initial appointment to final delivery. To achieve the best results, it is crucial to involve the team’s expert technical support right from the start of the porcelain veneer procedure.
