If you’ve admired your favorite celebrity’s smile, chances are it’s because of a dental veneer. So, what is a dental veneer? Well, veneers are thin pieces of porcelain, resins, and other composite materials that are molded to fit your teeth, and which attach to the front of the tooth in order to improve its appearance. The goal of a dental veneer is to change the size, color, and possibly the shape of your tooth.
Dental veneers are typically used if teeth are discolored from root canals, fillings, or other procedures; if teeth are chipped or broken; if teeth are irregularly shaped; if teeth have gaps between them, and for any dental issue that results in a loss of self-confidence. Veneers typically last for about 5 to 7 years and the cost can vary but are more economical than most crowns.
There are four main types of dental veneers. These are porcelain veneers, composite veneers, instant veneers, and removable veneers. While dental veneers are increasingly popular, there are certain pros and cons of dental veneers.
It is important that patients make an informed decision about whether to go in for a dental veneer and consult their dentist after knowing all the facts. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of dental veneers…
Pros of Dental Veneers
Here are some of the pros of dental veneers:
Pro #1: Great effect on your smile: Dental veneers can have a transformative effect on your smile. They can also improve the color and appearance of your teeth and can fill in any gaps and crooked teeth.
Pro # 2: Resistant to stains: Dental veneers, especially porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant and will remain as white as when they were new.
Pro #3: Long-lasting: If cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years. Other veneers, such as composites can last for as long as 10 years.
Pro #4: Easy to maintain: You should look after your veneers the way you look after your regular teeth. Regular brushing and flossing with scheduled dental visits should keep your veneers in fantastic shape.
Pro #5: Rapid results: Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can take months to correct slightly misaligned teeth. However, dental veneers are effective as soon as the treatment is complete.
Cons of Dental Veneers
There are some cons of dental veneers too. Here are some of them:
Con #1: High cost: Porcelain veneers along with dental implants are some of the most expensive cosmetic dental treatments. Also, they may not be covered with your dental insurance as it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure. However, if you find porcelain veneers too expensive, you can opt for composite veneers or then, instant veneers.
Con #2: Does not suit everyone: Most people can have dental veneers fitted over their teeth. However, some patients cannot have veneers fitted. These include those with weakened or decayed teeth, those who regularly grind their teeth, those with severe cases of periodontal disease, and those with bad tooth enamel. Also, dental veneers can cause heightened tooth sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures. However, this goes away after some time.
Con #3: Expensive to repair: If a porcelain veneer is chipped or cracked, it needs to be fully replaced. However, composite veneers can often be repaired or patched up. With proper care, dental veneers are extremely durable, but if looked after poorly, or if they are accidentally broken, they are expensive to fix.
Con #4: Long fitting process: While fitting veneers is fairly straightforward, it will require multiple visits to the dentist. The visits will require an initial consultation, doing the prep work, having a temporary veneer fitted, and then, the final fitting itself.
Con #5: Non-reversible process: Veneers are more or less permanent, because your dentist changes the structure of your natural teeth to properly place them. In such cases, the outer layer of your enamel may be removed to make room.
So, now you know a bit more about dental veneers. Consider making an appointment with your dentist to find out if dental veneers are the right choice for you. At Bellevue Dental Health, we place dental veneers after a thorough consultation and I love the difference it makes in my patient’s smile. If you have fractured or broken teeth, discolored teeth, gaps between your teeth and more, you can schedule an appointment to know your options.
For more information on dental veneers and whether they are right for you, contact Dr. Libby Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.com.