Crooked, chipped, or discolored teeth can adversely affect your self-confidence, making you reluctant to share your smile in work or social situations.
While temporary solutions for discolored teeth, such as whitening, are effective, in some cases, intrinsically stained or severely misshapen teeth may need a more permanent fix. Dental veneers are an effective cosmetic solution to disguise dental flaws and enhance your smile.
What are Dental Veneers?
Traditional dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells made from composite resin, ceramic, or porcelain applied to the front surface of the teeth.
This procedure requires removing a thin layer of tooth enamel before applying the veneer. Typically, around 0.5 mm of enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer, ensuring it fits flush with your natural teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.
After removing the enamel, your dentist takes dental impressions using alginate putty and a tray. They send the mold to an off-site dental lab, where a technician fabricates the veneer shells. Your dentist applies temporary veneers to prevent tooth sensitivity.
When you revisit your dentist, they remove the temporary veneers and cement the permanent veneers in place.
Pros of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers improve your appearance by evening out your smile. They’re often recommended for patients who aren’t a good match for other cosmetic solutions, such as braces or whitening. Other pros of dental veneers include:
Veneers are stain-resistant
Veneers are made from non-porous materials, preventing liquids and foods that can easily stain teeth from penetrating the enamel. However, the veneer itself may become stained over time due to tartar buildup if they are not properly maintained with a good at-home oral hygiene regimen and routine dental cleanings.
Unfortunately, veneers cannot be professionally whitened, so they need to be replaced if they become stained.
Veneers are durable
Veneers are strong and long-lasting. They resist wear and tear from chewing and aren’t sensitive to temperatures and fractures like natural teeth. They also help reduce wear on the gums and other teeth by covering pointed or misshapen teeth.
Veneers are a long-term solution
Dental veneers may last ten years with proper oral care and are a long-term cosmetic solution for misshapen and discolored teeth. Veneers can also resolve speech impairment from gaps in the teeth.
Veneers provide a natural appearance
Veneers are natural-looking, and they help restore your confidence in your smile.
Veneers can instantly improve your smile
Because veneers look natural, they’re ideal for simultaneously covering one or several imperfections, like stains, minor gaps, chips, or short teeth. Many people receiving dental veneers get the top six or eight teeth veneered to create a balanced, even smile.
Cons of Dental Veneers
While dental veneers are a highly effective cosmetic dental procedure, they are not suitable for all patients. Some of the cons of dental implants include:
The procedure is irreversible
Dental veneers are permanently bonded with the tooth’s surface and must be re-applied periodically. Because some enamel is removed, the veneers must be replaced if they are broken, worn down, or the dental cement has become loose.
If you remove veneers without replacing them, your teeth are at an elevated risk of decay, sensitivity, discoloration, and breakage.
Veneers are a cosmetic solution only
Because they are a cosmetic procedure, dental veneers are not treatments for large cavities, extensive decay, or damage to the tooth root and will not prevent tooth decay or gum disease.
Veneers are not for everyone
If you grind your teeth, you may not be a good candidate for veneers. Grinding places undue pressure on the veneer and the tooth underneath, potentially chipping or breaking both.,
Are Veneers Right for Me?
If you’re wondering whether dental veneers are right for you, a consultation with an experienced dentist can help you make the best choice for your unique smile. Our caring, skilled staff at A Dental Place will evaluate your teeth using cutting-edge dental technology and provide you with a personalized treatment plan to address your specific oral care needs and rejuvenate your smile.
