Dental Veneers Pros and Cons: How could it makeover your smile?

By Date posted: Last updated: June 13, 2022
Dental veneers pros and cons

If you have dreamt of that perfect smile, it is time to convert your dreams to reality. With dental veneers your smile makeover couldn’t be easier.

Simply put, veneers are thin molds that are adjusted to fit your teeth that bring about a better-looking smile. Veneers are customizable and are available in a wide range of size, shapes & colors. They work well for chipped & broken teeth as also for gaps in teeth, teeth that are oddly shaped, are discolored and more. They therefore solve a wide range of aesthetic issues. The fact, that the process is only minimally invasive & typically requires 2-3 visits to the dentist is a big reason behind their popularity.

Types of Dental Veneers

The main types of veneers available are as under:

Porcelain Veneers

Applied to your teeth using ultra violet light, they custom fit the shape of your teeth.

Composite Veneers

These are generally used to fix small dental issues such as chipped teeth or gaps within the teeth.

Instant Veneers

The big advantage that these veneers offer is that they are pre-made and can be applied instantly.

Pros & Cons of using Dental Veneers

Let us look at the many pros first that make veneers a go-to option for many.

Pros of Dental Veneers

Add to the aesthetic of your smile

They are the go-to option to have a smile makeover especially if you have chipped teeth, gap in the teeth, discolored teeth & more. Importantly they show results instantly. Unlike braces, for example or re-contouring that takes time, dental veneers offer a quick makeover. After the initial consultation and the first visit that involves preparation, it takes about 2 weeks before the permanent ones are put in place.

They help to correct crooked teeth

Crooked teeth or teeth that are too small, tend to benefit from veneers. They, therefore, are a great way to mask small dental cosmetic issues.

Add a layer of strength

Besides the fact that veneers correct cosmetic issues they also add strength to the teeth. Damaged dental enamel that has resulted from eating acidic food, brushing too hard or any other such reason, can benefit from dental veneers.

They are extremely convenient

Minimally invasive and the fact that they can be fitted in 1-2 visits makes them extremely convenient to use. Additionally, they do not call for much shaping of the natural teeth. The big advantage that they offer, therefore, is also that the tooth structure is preserved

They do not require high maintenance

Particularly porcelain veneers aren’t high on maintenance. The fact that they don’t stain easily and are resistant to discoloration makes them easy to use. Additionally with porcelain veneers it is easy to match them with the color of the natural teeth. That way they are inconspicuous & most people find them easy to carry. You need not be conscious of the fact that people are able to tell that you are wearing veneers.

You can customize them

The big advantage with dental veneers is that you can tailor your smile. Right from choosing the size, shape, color, margins, length & width of your teeth, you can choose it all. You could even have pictures of smiles to communicate to the dentist exactly what you are looking for.

Durability

With good oral hygiene and regular check ups, dental veneers can last years. Daily brushing & flossing are highly advisable so that there is no decay in the tooth behind the veneer. It is also important to limit consumption of tea, coffee, red wine to ensure you cause minimal staining.

Cons of Dental Veneers

While dental veneers come with a host of advantages, it is best to be aware of some cons that they have, before you proceed for treatment. Here is a quick look:

Cost

Cosmetic dentistry is typically not covered by private health insurance. Therefore, you need to be prepared to pay for them from your own pocket. Additionally, while porcelain veneers come with a wide range of advantages including their durability, their cost can sometimes get in the way. In such situations, composite resin veneers can serve as the cheaper alternative, although it needs some maintenance & is more prone to damage.

Irreversible

Putting dental veneers in place involves some amount of change in structure of your tooth. Before you go in for treatment, it is important to remember that unless you are opting for removable veneers, this process is irreversible.

Veneers are suitable only if you have a stable bite

In case you do not have a stable bite, the use of veneers is not recommended, as it is possible to break or crack your veneers. Before recommending veneers, an experienced dentist will therefore evaluate the health of your back teeth. In case there are any issues with your bite, they need to be resolved before you undertake the veneer treatment.

Additionally, veneers do not work on teeth that have large cavities or fractures. Similarly if the gum around the tooth is infected, veneers cannot be put.

You also usually cannot put veneers on the lower front teeth as if they tap or hit the top teeth, it causes the veneers to chip. Largely, therefore, veneers are suited for the upper front teeth that fall in your smile zone.

To sum up

While dental veneers are a great option for smile correction, it is important for you to know what to expect before you go in for the treatment. Done well, they can transform your smile extremely quickly and leave you looking radiant & feeling confident.

With years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, we offer you a hassle-free experience with your dental veneers. Our trained team will discuss the veneers that suit your bespoke requirements and ensure you are comfortable. Call us at 925 846 4491 or email us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com and schedule your appointment now.