Dental veneers fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry and are an excellent option for improving the overall appearance of your teeth for a perfect smile.
Dental veneers are thin, shell-like caps that cover your teeth. You can use veneers to improve the appearance of cracked, worn, or stained teeth, and your dentist can alter the veneer colour and shape to best suit your desired look.
There are also two different material types: porcelain teeth veneers and composite teeth veneers.
Are Dental Veneers a Good Idea?
If you want to improve the colour of your teeth and hide cracked or worn-down teeth, then dental veneers can be a good idea. Additionally, you can get individual veneers that cover single teeth to correct alignment problems or to close gaps when you can’t get braces.
Veneers are not a good idea if you grind your teeth at night, have health problems relating to your teeth and gums, or are looking for a temporary solution. Additionally, veneers might not be an option if previous dental procedures have worn your teeth too much.
When learning about the pros and cons of dental veneers, remember that they are usually a permanent solution, and you can’t reverse the procedure in many cases.
Pros of Getting Dental Veneers
As with any decision, it is vital to consider the pros and cons of dental veneers to ensure that you make the right decisions for your needs.
Porcelain Teeth Veneers:
- Porcelain teeth veneers are resistant to stains, meaning they maintain their original colour for as long as the veneer lasts.
- It only takes a short time to have them fully measured and inserted.
- With the proper care, porcelain teeth veneers can last for 10+ years without repairs.
- Other than regular dental check-ups and appropriate dental hygiene, porcelain veneers don’t require additional maintenance.
- The qualities of porcelain are similar to natural teeth, giving you a complete, natural appearance.
Composite Teeth Veneers:
- Your dentist can make, colour-match, and apply composite veneers in one appointment, making this the fastest option available.
- Composite veneers require very little tooth preparation before being inserted, so they are much less permanent than porcelain veneers.
- Composite teeth veneers are a much cheaper alternative to porcelain, making them perfect if you are on a budget.
Cons of Getting Dental Veneers
Porcelain Veneers:
- Dentists must remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface so the porcelain veneer can stick more effectively and sit flush on the tooth.
- Because the dentist needs to alter the tooth to fit the porcelain veneer, it becomes a permanent procedure you cannot reverse.
- It can take a few weeks for your teeth to recover and feel normal again. After a month, any tooth sensitivity should disappear.
- Porcelain veneers are strong, but you will still need to avoid actions that may damage them, such as chewing ice.
- If you’re someone who grinds or clenches their teeth, you may need to wear a mouthguard at night.
- While they last much longer, porcelain teeth veneers are more expensive than composite.
Composite Veneers:
- Composite veneers don’t endure as long as porcelain, with an average lifespan of 5+ years.
- Composite veneers are more likely to stain, so you might have to change your diet to protect them.
- Like porcelain, biting your fingernails, clenching or grinding your teeth, or chewing on hard foods such as ice can damage them.
- Composite veneers may not be a practical option if you want to fix significant spacing issues or if your teeth are very discoloured.
Want to Upgrade your Smile with Boon Dental?
Dental veneers are a great option when considering cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile. Veneers place a new surface over the top of your teeth, improving the appearance of discolouration, cracks, chips, and gaps between teeth.
It always pays to understand the pros and cons of dental veneers and what are the best results for your needs. Although inserting composite veneers does not involve making alterations to the surface of teeth, they don’t last as long as porcelain veneers do.
If you want to know more about dental veneers and how Boon Dental can help you take the next step, then feel free to contact us.
You can also browse our blog for the latest information on veneers and more.