If you are considering dental veneers you’ll be pleased to know that they are a great way to improve the appearance of your smile while fixing a number of aesthetic issues. As this is a permanent treatment, before you take the plunge and book an appointment for your veneers, the pros and cons are something you should consider.
Before we discuss the pros and cons of dental veneers in greater detail, however, it’s worth taking a closer look at how dental veneers work. So let’s do exactly that…
Veneers are the perfect solution for a beautiful smile. They consist of a thin layer of material, such as porcelain or composite, affixed to the front of each tooth. At Sydney Dental Group, we provide porcelain veneers, which are strong and natural-looking. Instantly transforming your smile, they last for many years if you look after them.
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, it is important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers as a treatment.
Are you happy with the irreversible nature of dental veneers? Does the treatment meet your goals? Are you a suitable candidate? In other words, let’s take a closer look at veneers pros and cons so you can make a better-informed decision.
Firstly, the pros of dental veneers
1 – Improving the appearance of your smile
Dental veneers can change both the shape, colour and spacing between teeth to make them look more uniform or appealing. In fact, they can be used to improve the appearance of:
- Gaps or spacing
- Chips and cracks
- Discolouration
- Excessive wear and tear
- Crooked teeth
2 – Resistant to stains
Once applied, porcelain veneers retain their lustre. They are resistant to stains that cause discolouration to natural teeth, including notorious food and drinks, such as red wine and curry. Provided that you look after them, your dental veneers should remain the same shade of white throughout their life.
3 – Natural-looking
Porcelain veneers are tailor-made for you. The size, shape and colour are personalised to your specifications. You can have a natural shade or sparkling white—the choice is yours.
4 – Minimally Invasive treatment
The procedure is minimally invasive. Only a sliver of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth and while this dental veneers pro may also be seen as a con, it is done to ensure each veneer sits naturally in line with your other teeth.
5 – Easy to Maintain
No major upkeep is required for porcelain veneers. As long as you have a regular brushing and flossing regime supplemented with regular dental visits, you should be able to maintain both your dental health and your dental veneers effectively.
6 – Durable
Caring for your dental veneers will ensure they last. With the right care, porcelain veneers have been known to last for up to 20 years.
7 – Immediate, quick results
Some cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as at-home teeth whitening, may take a while before you see the results.
If you want a straight smile with orthodontic treatment, it can take several years of wearing braces to achieve the desired result. With veneers, your smile is improved as soon as they are applied.
8 – Minimum discomfort
A local anaesthetic may be used to remove the enamel from the front of each tooth where a veneer is being placed, but it is not necessary in all cases. Following the procedure, some people experience temperature sensitivity, which is normal. This however generally fades after a few days.
9 – Improves confidence
If you are embarrassed about your teeth or smile, it can affect your confidence. This can have a knock-on effect on your self-esteem. You may not smile as often or cover your mouth when you smile or laugh. In turn, this can affect how other people interact with you.
Dental veneers pros and cons. And now for the cons…
1 – Not everyone is suitable
You must have good oral health for porcelain veneers with no signs of active gum disease or tooth decay. So treatment may not be suitable for you if you grind your teeth or bite your nails as these habits can damage your veneers.
2 – Irreversible procedure
As some of the surface of the tooth is removed to accommodate a veneer, it is an irreversible procedure. However, it is unlikely that you will want to revert to the original appearance of your smile as that is why you wanted veneers in the first place!
3 – Cost
The cost of veneers may be another disadvantage of the procedure. While cheaper alternatives than porcelain veneers are available, they do not offer the longevity or natural appearance that ceramic does.
Now that you know about veneers pros and cons and you are ready to transform your smile, schedule an appointment with us for a full evaluation and examination.
The team at Sydney Dental Group are experienced in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry and will determine whether you are a good candidate for dental veneers based on your aesthetic goals and oral health. With only a few visits, you can look forward to the smile you have always wanted.
Call us on (02) 9158 6135 today.
