Understanding the pros and cons of veneers when considering cosmetic dentistry is essential. Dental veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth by masking stains, chips, minor gaps and crookedness. However, they require a significant amount of preparation and are not always covered by insurance.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can improve your smile. They are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth.
Dental veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. They can be used to treat a variety of dental concerns, including stains, chips, and gaps.
They are an excellent option for people who want a natural-looking smile. The procedure is non-invasive and typically does not require an anaesthetic. Dental veneers can last up to 20 years with proper at-home care and routine dental check-ups.
Pros and Cons of Veneers: The Pros
Veneers are a safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment that offers numerous benefits over other cosmetic dentistry options. Some of the pros of dental veneers include:
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Improve the appearance of your teeth
Veneers are a great way to improve your smile instantly. They can make your teeth look whiter and more even, and they can also protect your teeth from damage.
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Mask stains and discolouration
The porcelain material is resistant to staining and can be customised to match the colour of your natural teeth. Dental veneers are also a conservative treatment option because only a small amount of tooth enamel (0.5mm – 1mm) is removed to prepare the surface for bonding.
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Cover chips and cracks
Dental veneers are a popular way to disguise minor chips and cracks. Although the treatment cannot repair extensive damage, veneers can cover superficial chips in the enamel and mild cracks like craze lines.
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Close gaps between your teeth
Dental veneers are an effective alternative to orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign if you have a small gap between your front teeth. Veneers can be used to close gaps up to 4mm thick. Often, your dentist will apply 6-8 veneers rather than just two to your front teeth to avoid your smile looking disproportionate.
Pros and Cons of Veneers: The Cons
Despite the many advantages of veneers, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of.
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Veneers are not always covered by insurance
Insurance companies typically don’t cover cosmetic dentistry treatments. Even if your veneers are for functional purposes (to protect your teeth from further damage), your insurance company may not deem them medically necessary. In most cases, veneers are an out-of-pocket cost.
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The procedure requires a significant amount of preparation
To prepare your tooth to accommodate the veneers, your dentist needs to remove some tooth enamel. This process is permanent, so if your veneer is damaged or comes loose, you must have it replaced immediately. Otherwise, you risk increased tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
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Dental veneers can be damaged if you do not take care of them properly
Brush and floss regularly. Although porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they can build up plaque and tartar, causing them to appear yellow. You may also need to modify your oral health routine. Be careful when flossing to avoid loosening the veneers.
You should also avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could crack or chip your veneers.
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They may require multiple visits to the dentist
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your tooth and require multiple trips to the dentist. To create a porcelain veneer, your dentist prepares the tooth, takes impressions or digital scans and applies temporary veneers.
Once your veneer is fabricated, you return to the dentist to have the temporary veneer removed and the permanent one cemented in place.
Who Should Get Dental Veneers?
The best candidates for dental veneers are non-smokers with healthy gums and enough tooth structure remaining to support the veneers. Veneers are not a good choice for people who grind their teeth or have gum disease.
If you are considering porcelain or composite veneers, you must consult a qualified cosmetic dentist to discuss all your treatment options.
What to Expect After Getting Dental Veneers
Getting veneers is a major investment in your smile, so it’s important to know what to expect after the procedure.
Your teeth may also feel slightly rough after the procedure, but this will dissipate within a week or two. It’s important to avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first few days after getting veneers to give your teeth time to adjust.
You should also avoid using your teeth as tools, such as opening bottles or tearing open bags, as this can damage the veneers.
In terms of appearance, you can expect your teeth to look brighter and more even after getting veneers. The results are very natural-looking and long-lasting.
Arrange Your Smile Makeover in Baulkham Hills
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, contact the Sydney Dental Group on (02) 9158 6135 to arrange a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Your dentist can discuss the dental veneer procedure and the pros and cons of veneers in-depth so that you can make an informed decision for your oral health.
Dental veneers can transform your smile, disguising several flaws simultaneously. We offer porcelain and composite resin veneers at Sydney Dental Group to accommodate your smile goals.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers for up to 20 years
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22259802/
Veneers
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers
