Do I need 8 or 10 veneers?

Getting veneers is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth. They can cover stains, cracks, chips, gaps, and other imperfections. When considering veneers, one of the first questions that comes up is how many veneers are needed – 8 or 10?

What are veneers?

Veneers are custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. The veneer covers the entire visible portion of the tooth. Veneers are made to match the shape, color, and contours of your natural teeth. The veneers are adhered to the teeth using a durable dental resin cement.

There are two main types of veneers:

  • Porcelain veneers – Made of ceramic material that is baked in a kiln. Porcelain is stain-resistant and mimics the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
  • Composite veneers – Made of plastic and resin materials. Can be done in one visit since they don’t require lab work. Less expensive option.

The veneer process involves some preparation of the natural tooth structure to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. This is usually less than 1 mm of removal. Veneers generally last 10-15 years before needing replacement.

Benefits of getting veneers

There are many benefits to getting dental veneers:

  • Improve the appearance of misshapen, worn down, cracked, broken, or gapped teeth
  • Enhance and brighten the color of teeth
  • Correct uneven tooth sizes and shapes
  • Close gaps between teeth
  • Replace old dental work like crowns or fillings
  • Strengthen and protect damaged teeth
  • Dramatically improve smile appearance and self-confidence

Do I need 8 or 10 veneers?

The number of veneers a patient needs depends on several factors:

  • Amount of smile restoration desired – Patients seeking a full smile makeover will likely need 10 upper veneers (6 front teeth and 2 premolar on each side). Limited treatment may only require 8 veneers on the most visible front teeth.
  • Condition of teeth – Teeth that are intact and in good shape may only need veneers on the top 6. Teeth with more flaws might require additional veneers for uniform look.
  • Budget – 10 veneers will cost more than 8 veneers due to the additional materials and labor. Patients can choose 8 veneers if they are looking to save money.
  • Patient goals – Some patients have specific cosmetic goals like adjusting tooth length or closing a gap which impacts the number of veneers.
  • Jaw and bite alignment – The alignment of upper and lower teeth will help determine how many veneers are required for proper function.

8 Veneer Pros and Cons

Getting 8 veneers on the upper front teeth offers some advantages and disadvantages:

Pros of 8 Veneers

  • Less expensive than 10 veneers
  • Require less removal of natural tooth structure
  • Shorter appointment times for placement
  • Conservative approach focuses on main visible teeth
  • Easier to find good color match with fewer veneers

Cons of 8 Veneers

  • May not completely cover all cosmetic flaws of smile
  • Smile makeover is more limited
  • Premolars may not blend seamlessly with front veneers
  • May need replacement veneers sooner
  • Results may look more artificial

10 Veneer Pros and Cons

Getting 10 upper veneers offers some pros and cons as well:

Pros of 10 Veneers

  • Fully restore and enhance the entire upper smile
  • Seamless uniform smile with no transition lines
  • Premolars get strengthened and enhanced too
  • Long lasting results
  • Ideal full mouth reconstruction

Cons of 10 Veneers

  • Higher cost for materials and dentist work
  • More aggressive tooth reduction needed
  • Higher risk of nerve damage in back teeth
  • Multiple dental visits required
  • More difficult to match color across more teeth

Questions to ask your dentist

When trying to decide between 8 or 10 veneers, make sure to discuss the following with your cosmetic dentist:

  • What are your cosmetic goals and concerns with your smile?
  • Which teeth are the best candidates for veneers based on their current condition?
  • Will 8 or 10 veneers better address the issues you want fixed?
  • What preparation is required for 8 compared to 10 veneers?
  • What are the costs differences between the two options?
  • How long will the results last in each case?
  • What follow-up care is needed after getting veneers?
  • Will veneers impact my bite or jaw alignment?

Ideal Candidates for 8 Veneers

Eight veneers are a great option for patients with these characteristics:

  • Mild to moderate cosmetic flaws affecting the 6 front teeth
  • Small gaps between the front teeth
  • Stained or discolored front teeth
  • Chipped or fractured front teeth
  • Worn down or short front teeth
  • Premolars in good condition
  • Seeking subtle smile enhancement
  • Wanting to conserve tooth structure
  • Desire a more conservative/minimal approach
  • Looking to keep treatment costs down

Ideal Candidates for 10 Veneers

Ten veneers tend to work best for people with these situations:

  • Severely stained, misshapen or crooked front teeth
  • Large gaps or spaces between multiple teeth
  • Worn down edges or uneven teeth sizes
  • Premolars with flaws like cracks, stains or fillings
  • Desire for a complete smile makeover
  • Looking to correct bite issues
  • Wanting a perfectly uniform smile
  • Have a high or gummy smile with visible premolars
  • Grind teeth or have other dental issues requiring reinforcement
  • Self-conscious and wanting to dramatically boost smile appearance

The Consultation Process

The best way to determine if you should get 8 or 10 veneers is to schedule a veneer consultation. Here are some things to expect:

  • Discussion of cosmetic goals and concerns about your teeth
  • Oral health evaluation looking for decay, bone loss, tooth integrity, etc.
  • Bite evaluation to access alignment and occlusion
  • Tooth sizing and proportion analysis
  • Photographs and x-rays of your teeth
  • Trying on tooth-colored composite mockups to preview potential outcome
  • Recommendation of 8 versus 10 veneers for optimal results
  • Quoting of costs based on proposed treatment plan

Be sure to come with examples of smiles you like and ask which approach is right for you. A skilled cosmetic dentist will make sure you understand the options and make a joint decision.

Treatment Planning for 8 or 10 Veneers

Once the decision between 8 or 10 veneers is made, the treatment plan will be developed. Here is an overview of the process:

Impressions and Models

Impressions and bite registrations are taken to craft physical and 3D digital models of your teeth.

Design and Shade Selection

Using the models, veneers are digitally designed to precise specifications including shape, contour, and shade. A diagnostic wax-up may be done.

Tooth Preparation

Teeth are prepared by conservatively removing 0.3-0.5mm of enamel. Temporary veneers may be placed.

Fabrication and Fitting

Veneers are custom fabricated and carefully evaluated on models for fit and appearance before placement.

Bonding Appointment

Veneers are tried in, checked for fit and color match, then precisely bonded onto the prepared teeth.

Follow-up

Follow-up visits allow checks for proper seating, occlusion, and patient satisfaction.

What Does Getting Veneers Involve?

Getting veneers is generally a multi-step process:

  1. Diagnostic consultation – The needs assessment appointment discussed previously.
  2. Tooth preparation – Teeth are conservatively shaped by removing 0.3-0.5mm of outer enamel to accommodate veneer thickness.
  3. Impressions – Molds or scans are taken of prepared teeth to fabricate veneers.
  4. Temporary veneers – Optional temporary covers worn for 1-2 weeks while permanent veneers are made.
  5. Veneer try-in – Veneers are evaluated for fit, shape and color match before bonding.
  6. Bonding – Veneers are cemented onto prepared teeth with light-cured dental resin.
  7. Follow-up – Post-placement checkups are done to ensure proper seating and function.

The entire process generally takes 3-6 weeks depending on the fabrication method used. Proper oral hygiene and care of temporary veneers is important.

Caring for Veneers

Veneers must be cared for properly to ensure longevity. Recommended care includes:

  • Brushing with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing daily
  • Avoiding biting hard objects like ice or nails
  • Wearing a nightguard if grinding or clenching
  • Seeing your dentist regularly
  • Touch-up polishing and bonding as needed

With proper home care and professional maintenance, veneers can last 10-15 years or longer before needing replacement.

Cost of 8 vs 10 Veneers

On average, porcelain veneers can cost $925-$2,500 per tooth. This means:

  • 8 veneers: $7,400-$20,000
  • 10 veneers: $9,250-$25,000

Factors impacting veneer cost include:

  • Number of veneers
  • Material (porcelain vs. composite)
  • Dentist skill and experience
  • Office location and overhead

Many dentists offer veneer financing CareCredit plans to help patients budget the cost over time with low monthly payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teeth do veneers cover?

Veneers cover the entire front and some or all of the back of the tooth. Most patients get between 8-10 veneers on their top teeth for a complete smile transformation.

Do you have to shave down teeth for veneers?

Some natural tooth structure, usually 0.3-0.5mm, is removed to account for the thickness of dental veneers. This is minimal removal that does not damage the tooth.

Can veneers fall off?

With proper bonding technique and care, veneers should not fall off. Good oral hygiene and avoiding chewing hard foods can help prevent detachment.

Do veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant but not stain-proof. Proper maintenance can prevent most staining and preserve the bright white color.

Are veneers painful?

Patients are given local anesthesia during the tooth reduction process. After it wears off, there may be mild sensitivity which normally fades within a few days.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, porcelain veneers generally last 10-15 years before needing replacement. Some may last 20 years or longer.

Consult an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist

Deciding between 8 and 10 veneers is an important choice that can significantly impact your smile transformation results. Set up a veneer consultation today with an experienced cosmetic dentist to determine the ideal option for you based on a thorough evaluation of your specific case.

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