If you are interested in a less intrusive way of changing your smile, dental veneers are a great option. Unlike dental implants, dental veneers don’t involve any drilling or attaching screws to bones. Travelling to Turkey over the last decade has become extremely popular for many reasons including price, quality of service and facilities. In this article, dental veneers and what they are, the procedure, advantages/disadvantages as well cost comparison will be discussed. Keep reading below to find out more.
What are Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers are a layer of porcelain which are placed on top of your teeth. The easiest way to think of dental veneers is to compare them to false nails. The thin porcelain is shaped and created specifically to your gums, teeth and mouth and then stuck on top afterwards. Since veneers are usually used for cosmetic reasons, in a lot of cases only the front teeth which are visible when smiling require them.
There are many reasons to get veneers, these include:
- Covering chipped or cracked teeth
- For discoloured or stained teeth
- Teeth with inconsistent sizes (teeth which are too small or big in comparison to the rest of them)
- Unaligned or gaped teeth
Depending on the number of veneers you need, the porcelain coverings will be created to match the colour of the rest of your teeth. Veneers are a long term solution when looked after right and can last up to 15-20 years. One important consideration with veneers is that your dentist will need to shave down a small layer from your teeth to glue them on.
Types of Dental Veneers
There are several different types of dental veneers. Each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages ranging from durability, price and material used. It is also worth calling out that depending on the type of veneer you opt for, it may be a non removable option. The different type of dental veneers are:
- Porcelain (ceramic) veneers – Porcelain veneers are the most common type of veneers. Due to the high quality of porcelain, this type of veneers is also the most natural looking and most durable. This type of veneer is made from porcelain, also referred to as ceramic, which is a strong material making these the longest lasting veneers if cared for properly. Porcelain veneers require some enamel (the outer, protective layer of the tooth) to be removed to be applied.
- Composite resin veneers – Composite veneers are veneers made from a composite resin material. They are a more affordable option which are also durable. The easiest way to think of the composite filling used in this type of veneer is to compare it to the bonding dentists use for fixing small chips or fillings on your teeth. Due to the material used, the application process for composite veneers is usually much shorter than porcelain as well.
- Removable veneers – Removable veneers are exactly how they sound – removable. This veneer type is made from a composite resin as well but also gives you the option to remove them when not necessary for wear, similar to a retainer. While this may sound appealing, removable veneers also have some disadvantages such as impacting your ability to speak and eat. Make sure to consult with your dentist about the advantages and disadvantages before opting for this treatment.
- Lumineers – Lumineers refer to a specific brand of veneers made out of a thin and more durable porcelain. Due to the thinner material, they require less enamel to be removed from your teeth and have a quicker application process. While a lot of other veneer types would require at least 3 visits to the dentist, Lumineers allow you to complete the process in 2. Some disadvantages however include that the thinness of the material may show the colour of the tooth underneath and can break easier due to the thinness of the material.
- Other veneer types – While the above mentioned veneer types are the most popular globally, there are some other types of veneers available as well. These are:
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- Zirconia veneers used for excessively damaged teeth.
- Palatal veneers used when there isn’t enough of the base tooth to hold a porcelain veneer.
- Same day veneers which as the name suggest allows you to complete the entire process in a day. Mainly used for smaller cover ups, they can be a great option as well.
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Dental Veneers Advantages & Disadvantages
Dental veneers serve a wide variety of use cases. Now that you understand a little more about what veneers are, you may be wondering who is eligible for this treatment. The answer to this question is, dental veneers are suitable for anyone looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. Due to how veneers are created and added on, they are a great solution to hide things such as:
- Discoloured teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Unaligned/gapped teeth
- Inconsistently sized teeth
Since this treatment only acts as a camouflage of your actual teeth, there are of course some advantages and disadvantages worth considering before making a choice. Different types of veneers will have different pros and cons so for this article, we are highlights the advantages and disadvantages at an overall level. A breakdown of the pros and cons for different types of veneers will be covered in a future article.
Advantages
- Can be completed in 2 visits to the dentist
- Porcelain and resin both look very real
- Are a lot easier and less intrusive in comparison to dental implants
- Due to the material used in veneers, they are stain resistant and stay white throughout their entire lifetime
Disadvantages
- Veneers are an irreversible solution. Once attached, you cannot remove them.
- A layer of enamel has to be removed to make space for the veneers. This can be uncomfortable and may cause sensitivity to teeth
- Veneers are a cosmetic solution which covers up any issues with teeth. As a result, they are not a complete solution.
- Veneers can be expensive
- Veneers while durable, are still prone to chipping and breaking
Dental Veneers Cost
The cost of dental veneers are based on a number of factors. These include:
- Type of veneer you choose
- Dentist you choose
- Country and location of dentist/treatment
- How many veneers you need/want
With all of these factors taken into consideration, it can be said that dental implants in many European countries and the U.S. is significantly more expensive than a country such as Turkey. The difference in cost between Western countries and Turkey is covered below:
- In the United Stated:
- Porcelain veneers cost between $800-$2,500 per tooth.
- Resin veneers cost between $250-$1,500 per tooth.
- In the U.K., Ireland and other Western European countries:
- Porcelain veneers cost between £600-£1,200 pounds per tooth ($780-$1,500)
- Resin veneers cost between £150-500 per tooth ($200-$650)
- In Turkey:
- Porcelain veneers cost between £170-£250 pounds per tooth ($220-$325)
- Resin veneers cost between £70-100 per tooth ($90-$150)
The savings when compared are pretty significant. While the other reasons why Turkey has become such a medical tourism hotspot will be covered in the next section in more detail, it is easy to see from a price perspective why a patient would choose to travel for treatment. You can expect to save between 4-10x for dental veneers in Turkey.
Why Travel to Turkey for Dental Veneers
There are many reasons why Turkey has become so popular for dental care and medical tourism overall in the last decade. These reasons include:
- Affordable Care
- Due to the difference in currency between most western countries and Turkey, the currency exchange is favourable for those travelling from abroad. As a result, dental care in Turkey is a lot more affordable in comparison to other countries such Dubai and Singapore.
- Top of the range, modern clinics
- Turkey boasts top of the range, modern clinics for both domestic and international patients. The healthcare system for citizens is highly regarded for its quality and as a result, the country constantly invests in clinics and hospitals.
- Highly qualified dentists
- Dentists in Turkey have to train for 5 years before becoming qualified to start working in a surgery. After qualification, dentists are also required to work along another dentist for 2 years before being able to work alone. This means the quality of dentists are high as they go through substantial training before practicing legally. It is recommended to find a reputable dentist with good reviews however instead of opting for the cheapest option you can find.
- Opportunity to combine treatment with holiday
- One of the most common reasons patients decide to travel to Turkey for dental care is the diverse country offers the opportunity to combine your treatment with a holiday. Whether you are looking to relax by the beach or do a city break, Turkey offers it all.
- Geographical Location
- Turkey is located in a very ideal location for many medical tourists. Those travelling from Europe and many Middle Eastern countries can fly there within a few hours and for those coming from the U.S.A., it is still closer than many other medical tourism hotspots further East.
FAQ's
- What are Dental Veneers?
- Dental veneers are thin porcelain or composite coverings that are placed over your natural teeth. They are custom-made to improve the appearance of your smile, like false nails for your teeth.
- Why Would I Need Dental Veneers?
- Veneers can address various cosmetic concerns:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Gaps or misaligned teeth
- What Types of Dental Veneers Are Available?
- Porcelain (ceramic) veneers: The most popular and natural-looking option, known for their durability.
- Composite veneers: A more affordable choice, but less durable than porcelain.
- Removable veneers: A less common option made from composite resin, allowing for removal when desired.
- Lumineers: A brand of veneers known for their thinness, requiring less enamel removal.
- Other types: Zirconia veneers, palatal veneers, and same-day veneers exist for specific cases.
- What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?
- Advantages:
- Can transform your smile in as little as two dentist visits.
- Porcelain and composite veneers mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
- Less invasive than dental implants.
- Stain-resistant.
- Disadvantages:
- Irreversible procedure.
- Requires removal of a thin layer of enamel, which can cause sensitivity.
- Primarily a cosmetic solution, not addressing underlying dental issues.
- Can be expensive.
- Susceptible to chipping or breaking.
- How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
- The cost varies depending on factors such as the type of veneer, the dentist’s expertise, your location, and the number of veneers needed. In the US and Western Europe, porcelain veneers can range from $800 to $2,500 per tooth. In Turkey, the cost is significantly lower, ranging from $220 to $325 per tooth, making it a popular destination for dental tourism.
- Why Choose Turkey for Dental Veneers?
- Turkey offers several benefits for dental tourists:
- Affordable care due to favorable currency exchange rates.
- State-of-the-art clinics.
- Highly qualified dentists with extensive training.
- Opportunity to combine dental treatment with a vacation.
- Convenient geographical location for many travelers.
- Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
- While veneers can be a great way to enhance your smile, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified dentist to determine if they are the right option for you and discuss the specific advantages and disadvantages of the different types of veneers. Expect to pay lower again for resin veneers.