When it comes to tooth whitening, many are looking towards porcelain veneers (also known as dental veneers or dental porcelain veneers) as THE solution to their teeth - and smiling! - woes. However, there is much debate on whether porcelain veneers are really the best way to go.

For one, although many claim it can be almost a 'painless' solution, in reality, many do complain of tremendous pain during the process and high sensitivity after getting fitted with porcelain veneers. On the other hand, many swear that dental porcelain veneers provide the most 'natural' effect and thus really deliver on giving you a great smile. So where do you go?

What ARE Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are extremely thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. People go for this professional tooth whitening solution not just to whiten teeth, but to solve crooked, damaged and chipped teeth. Now, porcelain as a substance is brittle. However, the fact that it is molded to your teeth gives it the 'backing' it needs to be strong and robust, ready to take on day-to-day normal diets.

A word of caution though, dental veneers are tough but do consider that they are not your original teeth so cracking open, say, pistachio nuts using your porcelain covered teeth is not really advised.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Dental veneers do not come cheap. The total expense really depends on how many teeth you want 'treated' and of course the dentist you choose to carry out the procedure. As a ballpark figure, porcelain veneers prices can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 per tooth. So if budget is a main concern and your aim is not to fix a misalignment or anything but just to whiten your teeth, you'll probably be much better off using an at-home tooth whitening solution.

Porcelain Veneers - Examining the Pros and Cons...

For every person that says porcelain veneers are great, there's probably one who will contradict it. So do go over the advantages and disadvantages we have outlined for you here before you make a decision.

The Pros...

Solves misshapen teeth. Although touted as a tooth whitening solution (and that indeed they are), it's important to note that porcelain veneers change the structure of your teeth. Whereas a tooth whitener will just whiten your teeth, dental veneers will fill out chips on your teeth and any gaps between your teeth (diastemas).

All natural! Without a doubt, porcelain veneers take top marks for giving people that 'natural' tooth appearance. You can bet that nobody will come up to you and ask "Hey, are those porcelain dental veneers that you have on?" This is because porcelain is translucent (it allows light to pass through) and it's this quality that makes them project radiant, natural-looking smiles.

No staining. Another wonderful quality of porcelain is that it's a ceramic (i.e., glass-like). As such, it resists staining. This is actually the quality that makes people think the costs associated with porcelain veneers are worth it. That is, even if it costs a lot to have them done, the low maintenance expense it requires makes it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

The Cons...

Pain before and after. Porcelain veneers require a cosmetic dentist to reduce your teeth's enamel by about .5mm. During this reduction or shaving process, many complain of extreme pain. Of course, you can always ask your dentist to administer a local anesthetic. Another complain often heard from people who have had porcelain veneers fitted is an increased sensitivity to hot and cold. This is actually normal as your teeth have, after all, been 'shaved' and dental veneers fitted on them. However, if the pain/sensitivity lasts for weeks, then you should be concerned and visit your dentist.

There's no turning back. The treatment that goes with porcelain veneers cannot be reversed. You cannot 'grow' your teeth back to its normal size after they have been reduced. As such, you're really 'stuck' with dental veneers the minute you let your dentist reduce your teeth.

They are expensive. Consider your goals. If you want to change the structure or shape of your teeth then go with veneers; if you want to just whiten your teeth, then consider an at-home tooth whitening solution instead (which would be about 10x cheaper than dental veneers).

I Still Want Porcelain Veneers... Now What?

The first thing you should do is to seek a really good cosmetic dentist. Remember, changing the structure of your original teeth is an important thing so you wouldn't want just anybody to do it. After an initial consultation, an appointment will be set up where your teeth will be reduced and a mold for the dental veneers created. Fabrication of dental porcelain veneers often take a week; when they're done, a fitting appointment is set so your dentist can fit your veneers.