A beautiful smile can do wonders for your self-confidence. However, what do you do when your teeth are discoloured, crooked or misshapen? Cosmetic dentistry offers many solutions, and one option is dental veneers. But what are veneers for teeth, and what are the pros and cons of choosing them as a cosmetic treatment? In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about veneers.
Explanation of veneers
Dental veneers come in two types, composite dental veneers and porcelain laminate veneers, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain veneers are more popular because they’re stronger and last longer, while composite veneers are more affordable and require less tooth structure removal. No matter which type you choose, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create the veneers and then bond them to the front of your teeth using a special adhesive.
Importance of veneers in dental procedures
The importance of veneers in dental procedures lies in their ability to transform damaged, discoloured, or misshapen teeth into beautiful, natural-looking teeth using thin porcelain shells. Veneers can cover stains and discolouration, fix minor chips and cracks, and even straighten crooked teeth. The composite resin material used for veneers is highly customisable, so achieving any desired shade or shape is possible. Additionally, veneers are a less invasive alternative to crowns, as they require less tooth structure to be removed.
Pros of Veneers For Teeth
Aesthetic improvement is one of the most obvious advantages of veneers for teeth. They are designed to improve your teeth’ colour, texture, and shape, creating a more attractive and symmetrical smile. Porcelain laminate veneers, in particular, are an excellent choice for those seeking natural-looking teeth. They are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth so that no one can tell the difference.
Another benefit of veneers is their durability. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last 10-15 years, significantly longer than cosmetic dental treatments like dental bonding. Composite dental veneers made from composite resin material are a more affordable option for those who are looking for a more affordable option. Still, they typically only last around 5-7 years. Additionally, veneers are resistant to staining, a significant advantage for those who enjoy coffee, tea, or other staining beverages.
Minimal tooth shaping is required when it comes to getting veneers. This is because veneers are ultra-thin laminates that only need a small portion of tooth enamel to be removed – typically about one-half millimetre – making them a minimally invasive option for correcting an array of issues. Further, if you have damaged teeth, tooth lumineers can provide additional strength and improve the appearance of broken teeth. If you tend to grind or have crooked teeth, veneers are also an excellent way to enhance tooth structure and aesthetics.
One of the major pros of veneers is that they are resistant to stains, so you can enjoy a bright, white smile for years. Veneers can also correct a range of issues, including discoloured, misshapen, or crooked teeth and broken or damaged teeth due to grinding or accidents. While they can be expensive, the self-confidence boost with a radiant smile is worth considering. Before deciding on veneers, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consult a cosmetic dentist to determine if they are right for your tooth structure and straightening needs.
Finally, veneers can give you the self-confidence boost you need to feel like a new person. With a more attractive smile, you’ll be more confident in social situations, job interviews, and other areas of life. You’ll no longer need to hide behind a closed-lip smile or feel self-conscious about your teeth, leading to a happier life.
Cons of Veneers For Teeth
Unlike simple cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers cost more to place. The cost starts at around $1,200 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer and your location.
Porcelain veneers, for example, are more expensive than composite veneers due to their durability and overall quality. In addition, dental insurance usually does not cover cosmetic treatments, leaving the patient bearing the entire cost.
Veneers are irreversible. The procedure requires removing a small portion of the natural tooth enamel so the veneer can fit perfectly. Once the enamel is gone, it does not regrow, meaning the tooth will always require a veneer. Also, after veneers are placed, they cannot be removed without replacing them with a similar type of veneer.
Teeth sensitivity is a potential side effect of veneers. This happens because the preparation of the tooth removes a small portion of the enamel, exposing the underlying tooth structure. As a result, the tooth becomes more sensitive to temperature changes and certain types of food and drinks. This sensitivity can last several days to a few weeks after the veneer is placed but typically subsides after.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are a popular choice when it comes to improving the appearance of your teeth. There are several types of veneers – porcelain laminate, composite resin, and even temporary options – but no matter the material, they can all help cover discoloured, misshapen, or damaged teeth. With their many advantages, like fixing cosmetic issues and boosting self-confidence – it’s no wonder that they are more than ever before in demand. If you’re considering veneers, it’s important to seek a professional opinion and do further research to determine if they’re the right cosmetic treatment. The friendly team at My Local Dentists can help you restore your smile with beautiful, natural-looking veneers. Contact us now to make your first appointment!
References
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the survival of non-feldspathic porcelain veneers over 5 and 10 years
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23476903/
Porcelain for veneers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9893514/
Veneers
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers