What To Know
- After shaving off a thin layer of your tooth enamel, the dentist will make a teeth mold, pick a color that matches your teeth, and send it to a laboratory.
- Dental porcelain laminates or dental veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells developed to cover the front surface of a tooth and improve its appearance.
Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Would you rather avoid showing your teeth in front of the camera? Is your self-confidence affected by your less-than-perfect smile? If so, dental veneers could be the ideal option for you.
Dental porcelain laminates or dental veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells developed to cover the front surface of a tooth and improve its appearance. They’re glued to the outer surface of the teeth, modifying their size, shape, color, and texture. Here are the dental issues that dental veneers can address:
- Discolored teeth due to excessive fluoride, root canal treatment, resin fillings, tetracycline or other medications, and poor dental hygiene
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth, such as those with craters or bulges
- Teeth with gaps
Dental veneers come in different types at varying prices. You may choose from porcelain, composite resin, removable, and palatal veneers. Below are the pros and cons of dental veneers you need to know. But to determine what’s right for you and your budget, it’s best to consult a dental professional.
What Are The Pros Of Having Dental Veneers?
Wearing dental veneers offers significant benefits, from covering up your tooth imperfections to improving your facial appearance. Here are the benefits of wearing dental veneers described in more detail.
- Dental Veneers Offer A Natural Appearance
Getting dental veneers may take more than one session, but the outcome looks incredibly natural. During your initial appointment, your dentist will conduct an oral examination, noting the size, shape, and color of your teeth. After shaving off a thin layer of your tooth enamel, the dentist will make a teeth mold, pick a color that matches your teeth, and send it to a laboratory.
The custom-made veneers will be affixed to your teeth during your next dental visit. Your dentist will carefully sculpt and cement them on the surface of your teeth for a bright, natural-looking smile. Also, they’re designed to be perfectly compatible with your facial features.
- Maintaining Dental Veneers Is As Easy As 1-2-3
Maintaining dental veneers doesn’t require any special treatment. All you need to do is treat them as well as you would your natural teeth. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice and once a day, respectively.
Also, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional dental cleaning services. Doing so will help you maintain your veneers and ensure they look as natural as possible.
- The Procedure For Getting Veneers Is Minimally Invasive
Getting dental veneers is much less invasive compared to other treatment options. To install them, your dentist only needs to remove a half-millimeter off the surface of the tooth to be restored. This is much less than the amount to be removed when getting dental crowns.
Once the outermost surface has been removed, each veneer shell will be glued to the surface of the teeth to be treated. Your dentist might need to make minor adjustments to create a smile that’s as natural as possible. There’s no need for anesthesia.
- Dental Veneers Are Permanent And Durable
Dental veneers are a permanent solution to your teeth’s cosmetic issues. Aside from that, they can resist staining and decay much better than your natural teeth. This is because they’re non-porous, unlike your natural teeth enamel.
However, if you want them to last longer, you must take care of them by practicing good dental hygiene and avoiding hard foods. With proper care and maintenance, your veneers may last for up to 15 years.
What Are The Cons Of Having Dental Veneers?
Like any other dental restoration procedure, dental veneers come with potential drawbacks. Below are the possible disadvantages you need to consider before getting dental veneers.
- Dental Veneers May Encourage Tooth Sensitivity
Getting dental veneers may increase your risk of experiencing tooth sensitivity. This refers to the pain and discomfort from consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Breathing cold air may also trigger tooth sensitivity.
The dentist shaves off a small amount of enamel to make the veneer adhere to your teeth perfectly. This causes your teeth to be more sensitive to temperature. However, tooth sensitivity is usually gone within the first few days after getting dental veneers.
If such symptoms persist for a week or longer, talk to your dentist to find out how to address the issue. They may advise you to use a special toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
- Dental Veneers Are Not Reversible
As mentioned earlier, dental veneers are permanent. You won’t be able to make any adjustments once they’re cemented on your teeth. This is because the enamel removed before placement will never be restored. So, there’s nothing you can do once they’re applied.
But on the bright side, dental veneers may last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. However, you’ll need to replace them once they reach the limit of their lifespan, and this may cost you a lot—again. Otherwise, the teeth supporting them will deteriorate at a relatively faster rate.
- Dental Veneers Are Expensive
Yes, you read that right. Dental veneers are one of the most expensive dental restoration procedures because they provide a natural look using minimally invasive procedures. Not to mention the money you’ll spend when you need to replace them. Therefore, before you proceed, ensure you can afford them and eventually replace them when the time comes.
Furthermore, you may ask your dentist about the payment options. Paying in installments will help you afford the cost of getting dental veneers. Also, check if your dental insurance policy will cover it. Generally, dental insurance will cover restorative and medically necessary procedures, but not purely cosmetic ones.
Final Words
Dental veneers are one of the most popular ways to restore your teeth’s natural beauty and enhance your smile aside from crowns and quality dental implants in Charlotte. With this restorative treatment option, you’ll be able to hide your embarrassing dental issues, such as crooked and stained teeth.
However, dental veneers might make you susceptible to tooth sensitivity. Also, they’re expensive, especially when the time comes to replace them. So, carefully weigh the pros and cons discussed in this post to make a better decision.
