Dental veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments that allow you to hide a multitude of imperfections. They’re ideal for closing small gaps in a smile as well as giving the appearance of straighter teeth. They’re also an ideal solution for teeth with intrinsic staining that no amount of bleaching can whiten.
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry to achieve a confidence-boosting smile then dental veneers could be the ideal treatment for you. That said, it’s well worth considering veneers pros and cons so that you can make a fully informed dental decision.
So, what are dental veneers exactly?
Designed to restore a flawed smile, a dental veneer is in effect a custom-made laminate cover for the front of your tooth. Each veneer is crafted to match the contour, shape and colour of an individual’s teeth and once fitted, can make an instant difference to a smile.
Like any other dental restoration, veneers should blend seamlessly into the smile. For this reason, they’re made from materials such as tooth-coloured composite resin and porcelain. Once fitted, dental veneers are strong enough to withstand the everyday rigours of chewing and biting and provided they are not put through any unnecessary strain or stress, are designed to last for 10-20 years.
That’s veneers in a nutshell – but what about the upsides and downsides of this cosmetic dentistry procedure? Let’s take a closer look.
Veneers Pros and Cons
Firstly the pros of dental veneers…
Porcelain veneers improve your smile instantly
Despite the fact that teeth have to be prepared and veneers installed in two separate appointments, they can instantly change a smile.
Moreover, because any number of teeth can be covered with veneers, they can hide a multitude of imperfections if the need arises. For patients, it means that they can walk out of the dental clinic on the same day with a completely different smile.
At Beyond Infinity Dental, we have the experience, skill and ability to bond beautiful, bespoke and exquisite porcelain veneers instantly transforming a person’s appearance. That’s the wonder of dental veneers!
Conservative approach towards treatment
Unlike crowns which require extensive tooth preparation, porcelain veneers involve the removal of a thin layer of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer. The result is a more abrasive surface which enables the bond to adhere. In doing so, it improves both the strength and longevity of any newly placed restorations.
Fortunately, cosmetic porcelain veneers can be considered minimally invasive since the amount of enamel removed is sufficient only to prevent the veneer from looking bulky once it’s bonded to the front of the tooth.
Tailored smile enhancement
Porcelain veneers have the ability to conceal years of staining and damage in an instant. Each veneer is individually crafted, coloured and shaped to change the smile depending on the patient’s needs. So teeth that are chipped, cracked, gapped, broken or misshapen shouldn’t present a problem and can all be restored using the latest dental veneers.
But that’s not all; because porcelain has a translucency that is similar to tooth enamel veneers look exceptionally natural but in addition, they are also stain-resistant. Ultimately, dental veneers provide permanent whiteness plus durable protection from stains.
It’s fair to say that as a cosmetic dentistry procedure, porcelain veneers offer an excellent and hassle-free way to enhance or improve the aesthetics of a smile.
So, now we’ve discussed veneers pros, it’s only right that we should look at the cons?
Unfortunately, most good things have their downsides and this is true of dental veneers. For example:
Veneers are an irreversible procedure
Once teeth have been prepared to accommodate a dental veneer, the tooth structure is gone forever. This means that the procedure cannot be reversed and ultimately, a person will have to maintain their veneers and/or replace them when necessary.
Also, and in some cases, removing a layer of tooth enamel may cause teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold foods.
Often a veneer is not thick enough to act as a barrier between sensitive teeth and varying temperatures.
If porcelain veneers are being used to enhance otherwise healthy teeth, you may want to consider an alternative such as composite resin veneers.
These are created in the clinic and bonded directly onto a tooth and are also easily removed keeping any tooth enamel intact.
Veneers can be costly
Depending on how many you need, porcelain veneers are a relatively costly choice. However, the stunning results and the confidence boost they provide may all seem worth it.
While composite veneers are a cheaper option, they don’t look as natural and are more vulnerable to chipping and staining.
Veneers aren’t invincible to decay and excessive wear
If a porcelain veneer hasn’t been properly installed, food particles and bacteria can get between the veneer and the tooth and attack the dentition beneath. This in turn can cause a cavity to develop, threatening the long term health of the tooth and potentially shortening the lifespan of the veneer.
As with tooth enamel, veneers can also fracture over time. So they aren’t ideal for people who suffer from issues like habitual teeth grinding (bruxism). It’s also important to protect your veneers from sporting accidents by wearing a mouth guard to prevent damage. Unfortunately, porcelain veneers when broken can’t be repaired. So instead, the whole veneer will need to be replaced.
So that’s everything you need to know about veneers pros and cons! Hopefully, this gives you all you need to make a fully informed dental decision.
Are veneers right for your smile makeover?
Schedule a veneers appointment with our experienced dentist at Beyond Infinity Dental. Dr Yang is highly experienced in dental veneers treatment and will work closely with you to deliver a flawless smile that you will love. Furthermore, using advanced digital smile design software, patients are able to see what their new smile will look before treatment begins.
So to find out more about dental veneers treatment or our attractive financing options, get in touch today by calling us at (02) 8806 3799.
