More and more people are opting for veneers, which are custom-made shells that cover your teeth. Made to help you achieve a more flawless-looking set of teeth, there are many ways you can benefit from them. Although, just like any other kind of dental procedure, there are also some downsides to consider. For some people, the pros outweigh the cons and vice versa. Understanding both pros and cons of veneers can help you decide if they are the right route to take to improve the appeal of your smile.
The Pros
Imitate Natural-Looking Teeth
Dental veneers are designed to create a flawless, but natural-looking smile. Porcelain, the most commonly used material for veneers, reflects light off of your teeth in a way that is similar to the natural shine of tooth enamel. Composite resin veneers are also known for recreating natural-looking sets of teeth!
Can Be Done in Two Visits
While most cosmetic procedures require several visits, dental veneers only require two sessions! Most other types of dental restorations can take up to several weeks to achieve the desired results. Porcelain veneers typically only require two visits. Composite resin veneers can be done in just one session. With dental veneers, you will notice a difference in your teeth right away!
Cover Up Minimal Imperfections
Dental veneers are a great option to consider if you have some minor concerns with your teeth such as stains, yellowing, and crooked teeth. Dental veneers are a great alternative to teeth whitening because you don’t have to worry about getting more sessions done in the future. Overall, veneers do a great job at restoring a bright, beautiful set of teeth.
Stain Resistant
Not only do dental porcelain veneers cover up stains and yellowed teeth but they are designed to prevent stains altogether! Porcelain veneers resist stains and prevent discoloration caused by foods such as coffee, tea, citrus drinks, and more. These stain-inducing foods cannot easily sit on the surfaces of porcelain as they would with natural teeth.
Can Choose Between Materials
So far, we’ve spoken plenty about the most commonly used dental veneers. There are a variety of types including:
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite veneers
- Instant veneers
- Removable veneers
Porcelain and composite resin are the most costly of the types but are great for addressing minor imperfections. Instant veneers are premade but cannot always be matched to your tooth shape. Removable veneers, the newest and most affordable of the types, are a mix between porcelain and instant veneers. You can talk to your dentist to find which option would work best for you!
The Cons
You May Have to Get Dental Work Done Prior
The process of dental veneers is pretty straightforward, but the possibility for additional dental work still lies. For example, if you have large gaps between your teeth, you will have to get some orthodontic work done. Other times you will need to get work done is if the teeth are too crowded or if your jaw is too small that the teeth are misaligned. This adds more time to the overall process.
Increases Tooth Sensitivity
Your enamel is meant to protect your teeth from hot and cold substances. When removing the enamel during the application of veneers, you will not be able to easily tolerate hot or cold food and beverages. It can be difficult to consume very hot or very cold foods once you have veneers. This sensitivity can grow with time.
Cannot Restore Severely Damaged Teeth
Dental veneers do help cover up small imperfections but they are not designed to restore severe levels of damage. If you are looking to treat damaged teeth, a dentist may recommend dental crowns that fit right over the entire tooth. These dental crowns are made to prevent any further severe damage.
Susceptible to Damage
If you are not careful enough, you could experience damage to your dental veneers. They are very thin and are prone to damage, especially if you eat very hard foods. Porcelain veneers are prone to chips and cracks. Composite resin veneers are known for chips, cracks, and stains. Porcelain veneers are the best of all veneer types if you are looking to prevent stains.
They Are Permanent
Aside from the latest removable veneers, porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers are applied through an irreversible process. Placing dental veneers requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel to create more room. This cannot be restored as there is no way to put the enamel back on once it has been removed. If you think you would reconsider down the road, porcelain veneers may not be the best option for you.
Find Out Whether Veneers are an Option for You at Lee Trevino Dental
With so much to consider, it can be hard to know what is just the right choice for you. You can consult with a dentist from Lee Trevino Dental to learn more about veneers. Call us today at (915) 593-8815 to make an appointment!
