Dental Veneers are an incredible option for those looking for a smile makeover or who have a specific cosmetic goal in mind. They are a long-lasting, immediate, and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers can give you back the confidence needed to feel comfortable with your appearance at work and at home. If you are considering veneers, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of this cosmetic procedure, and discover whether they are right for you.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers share the same name as the construction material. They serve the same function: a thin layer covering other materials. In this case, veneers are artificial slivers of porcelain fitted over teeth that are made to change the appearance of the tooth.
Largely used in cosmetic dentistry, veneers alter the size, proportion, shape, and color of teeth. They can be used to fix a chipped or cracked tooth as well. They are used for convenience, uniformity, and speed. Veneers are the quickest way to a perfect smile but are not without drawbacks.
Pros:
- Offers a quick solution to:
- Chipped teeth
- Stained teeth
- Disproportionately-sized teeth
- Crowded and slightly-crooked teeth
- Can be made to match existing teeth or create an entirely new look
- Retain feeling in the tooth
Cons:
- Permanently alters teeth
- Typically not insurable or covered by insurance
- A more costly treatment
- Will not stain nor whiten the same as natural teeth
- Potentially more hot/cold sensitivity
- Require a healthy root
- Will need to be replaced in time
What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
The benefits are many. So long as the tooth behind a veneer is healthy, anyone can utilize this quick, painless, and lasting way to refresh your smile.
They are a Quick Fix for Crooked Teeth
Installed across two sessions a few weeks apart, veneers can straighten your smile much quicker than traditional orthodontia. In fact, some cosmetic dentistry shops can even make your veneers in-house while you wait. Composite resin veneers are done in a single session.
Veneers can be Made to Match
Veneers can brighten a smile easily. Veneers can match a single tooth or all the visible teeth in a smile.
- Veneers can replace:
- A single tooth
- The six, top teeth in your smile
- The eight, bottom teeth
- Many shades are available from the brightest white to more natural shades with slight yellowing. A single tooth can be made to match the shade of its surrounding teeth.
They Create a Uniform and Consistent Look
Teeth are not all the same size and shape. Sometimes, several are noticeably disproportionate. Some teeth are more narrow at the bottom than the top. Size differences/length are obvious upon close inspection. Looking closely, you’ll notice teeth also have many different angles. You can see light reflected from these facets. Those facets are part of what makes our mouths interesting and authentic. Biting surfaces can be rounded, square, or scalloped. Even if they are functional, you may not like the combination of features you have.
Veneers are custom-made and incorporate features of natural teeth. You can change the facets while also making the overall shape and space between teeth uniform or retain the characteristics you like.
Veneers can remedy chipped or cracked teeth
Veneers can be a great solution for broken, chipped, or cracked teeth.The enamel layer of your teeth is the natural protection to keep bacteria and acids away from the dentin or bone layer of your tooth. A chipped or broken tooth no longer has an enamel layer. Without enamel, teeth are also exposed to staining and extra sensitivity to temperature. Veneers also seal these open areas of the tooth.
Veneers require a healthy tooth in order to be effective. Your dentist will be able to educate you on whether veneers are a good fit for you.
You will retain feeling or sensation in your teeth
A huge benefit of veneers is their ability to feel natural to your tongue, your sense of hot/cold, and of pressure. They feel natural. Because your root remains intact, the tooth will be sensitive, just as your natural teeth are. The veneer is made to be perfectly fitted to your existing tooth so seamlessly that even your tongue won’t know the difference.
What are the reasons not to get dental veneers?
Veneers are the fastest way to a beautiful smile, but there are reasons to second-guess if they are right for you. Here are the arguments against veneers:
- Permanently alters teeth
- Typically not insurable or covered by insurance
- A more costly treatment
- Will not stain nor whiten the same as natural teeth
- Potentially more hot/cold sensitivity
- Will need to be replaced in time
Veneers are a permanent change
Veneers are a long-lasting solution with rare failure within ten years, which is a positive. However, the shape of your natural tooth is altered in order to bond the veneer. Some of your natural enamel is removed. Once your teeth have been prepared for veneers, the alteration is permanent. Your teeth need a seal, so teeth with veneers will always require a cover. If a veneer comes loose, it needs to be replaced.
Your relationship to discoloration and whitening is different
Also a double-edged sword, the resistance to staining gained from veneers means a perpetual bright smile. As the shade of other teeth changes, the veneers will not. This may create a sharp and noticeable contrast if other teeth begin to discolor or decay.
Veneers do have a higher Cost
Because veneers are considered Cosmetic and not Restorative dentistry, very few insurance policies cover veneers. This leaves the entire cost to the patient.
However, because of the preparation process, making multiple veneers at once lowers the cost. Cosmetic Dentists often run discounts or specials on veneers.
Another cost consideration is the difference between porcelain and composite materials. While composite, resin-coated materials will look like your natural teeth and are more affordable, they are more likely to chip or break compared to porcelain. Composite will need to be replaced more often.
You’ll may have increased sensitivity with veneers
Unlike a bridge, denture, or implant, veneers allow you to retain sensitivity to hot and cold. The porcelain layer is not the same as natural enamel at insulating the tooth, and in some cases, is noticeably hotter or colder after receiving veneers.
Veneers have a limited lifespan
While veneers may last a decade or more, they have a relatively short lifespan. Since you can anticipate replacing them, you have to factor their lifespan into their cost. On average, composite lasts 7 years; porcelain 15 years. After that failures should be anticipated.
Veneers cannot be used as a tool in your mouth. Using them to grip or pry anything other than food can loosen the adhesive or chip the material. They are beautiful and the quickest way to a perfect smile, but they are far from indestructible.
Trust the Experts
If you’ve decided that veneers may be the right fit for you, congratulations are in order. We can help start the process and answer any remaining questions you may have at Greenspoint Dental. Greenspoint Dental has been practicing in North Houston since 1997. Dr. Bosse is experienced in veneers and all prosthetics for the mouth. You can trust his guidance and knowledge of the options available and his diagnosis of your mouth. Reach out to our dedicated team of dental professionals to Schedule a consultation today. We can help you achieve the dazzling smile of your dreams!
