If you have teeth that are chipped, crooked, or irreversibly stained, simple concepts such as a class reunion or the prospect of getting back into the dating world may cause you some anxiety.
Social events can be a source of stress as the appearance of your teeth can, over time, can alter the way you perceive yourself. At its worst, it can even cause you to withdraw from people.
However, with all the progression we have made in the dental field, there is no reason why you need to continue life in this manner. There are cosmetic interventions that can fix these common dental problems and restore your confidence.
Porcelain veneers are just one of the options you have to correct your teeth. They are porcelain coatings that go over your natural teeth and look nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Completed in less than a month over a series of only two visits, you will be walking out of your dentist’s office with an incredible smile.
As with all dental procedures and cosmetic interventions, it is best to make well-informed decisions after exploring the pros and cons of them. In this blog post, you’ll find out the good and the bad of getting porcelain veneers. Read on!
Firstly, what are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain, typically bonded to the fronts of your teeth. They are seen as aesthetic solution for broken or chipped teeth. They can also coat teeth that are irreversibly stained to make them look white again. Your dentist will coat your teeth with a thin layer of porcelain in front and on the edges of your teeth.
Through this procedure, you can lengthen or shorten teeth in order to even out your smile to truly make them pearly whites. When done correctly and skillfully, the porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.
Sometimes your original teeth may need to be sanded down or altered to match the veneers, which should be discussed in-depth so that you are aware that this change is permanent.
There are both positives and negatives to this procedure that your dentist will inform you of before you consent to the operation based on your own personal situation and needs. There are also universal pros and cons that apply to any patient considering porcelain veneers. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of porcelain veneers:
Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
- Natural appearance
- Stain-resistant
- Stronger than composite veneers
- Can be shaped easily
- Increased confidence
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
- If done early in life, will need reapplication
- Expensive
- Can chip or break
- Permanent- must continue to apply
- Takes some criteria to qualify
Examining the Pros of Porcelain Veneers
Let’s dig a little deeper and expand on each of the advantages:
- Natural appearance: Porcelain veneers look like real teeth. They are made of ceramic that mimics your teeth’s natural appearance. No one but you will know that you have them.
- Resist stains: Since porcelain is made of ceramic, the surface of veneers are stain-resistant because of their smooth texture. Permanent stains from coffee and wine have difficulty latching on. Veneers can also be selected in colors that are brighter than your current teeth, making getting them like having an instant whitening procedure.
- Stronger than composite veneers: Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years as opposed to composite (plastic) veneers that only last for seven. They can also strengthen your current teeth.
- Can be shaped easily: Porcelain veneers can be easily altered to match the desired length and size of teeth you want.
- Increased confidence: Having crooked, discolored and gapped teeth can cause people to withdraw socially, causing depression and anxiety. Restoring the beauty of their teeth can give them a new outlook on life and bring them back into a regular social life.
Examining the Cons of Porcelain Veneers
Let’s do the same for all of the disadvantages:
- They have a limited lifespan: Though they do last a good while, porcelain veneers ultimately have a limit of 20 years. Afterward, they will need to be replaced or repaired.
- Expensive: Porcelain veneers can cost up to $1,500 per tooth. If you need many veneers, this can easily total up to the price of a new car. However, for those who need this procedure done, they are well worth the cost.
- Can chip: Because they are made of porcelain, they are durable but are not immune to chips or breaking.
- Permanent: Committing to porcelain veneers is for life because once they are in, they are irreversible. Therefore, veneers are an investment you must consciously make considering the chances of repairs and replacements for your entire life.
- You must meet certain health conditions: Those with dental conditions like tooth decay, lack of enamel, or gum disease may not qualify. If you have weak teeth, they may not be able to handle veneers. Also, if you grind your teeth, your dentist will be highly unlikely to approve of veneers.
Summarizing this Overview on Porcelain Veneers
In this blog post, we’ve given you a balanced, unbiased overview of porcelain veneers. They are stain-resistant, natural-looking, irreversible and relatively expensive. On that last point, be sure to verify with your HMO or health insurance company to see if they cover veneers.
If you have more questions about veneers and if they are right for you, consult a dental professional right away. Your dentist will be happy to guide you through this process based on your personal needs and unique oral health condition.
Or save yourself some times and contact us at LA Dental Clinic!