What’s one of the first things people you meet will notice about? Your smile of course! That means even minor cosmetic issues can make a difference to a first impression and of course, you’ll want to make a good one. That’s where dental veneers provide a great option for helping out with a variety of aesthetic and physical problems with the teeth in your mouth.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin composite resin or porcelain tooth coverings that are bonded to the outside (front facing) surface of your tooth. They are used to correct issues with your teeth such as cracked, chipped or broken teeth, other problems like gaps and misshapen teeth or things like discolouration and staining.
Dental veneers are permanent and cannot really be adjusted after placement. This makes it important to make an informed decision on whether to get veneers or not.
What are some of the pros of dental veneers?
Veneers are great to whiten your smile
If your lifestyle (or aging) has left your teeth dull, discolored and stained, then veneers are a great option for bringing back the shine of your teeth. Another option would be bleaching or teeth whitening but the results of veneers are much better, and you won’t need to worry about stains seeping in again quickly.
Replacing any enamel that has been damaged
Your dentist will tell you that once the enamel on your teeth is worn off it’s gone for good. This can leave you with sensitive teeth and make simple things like eating or drinking hot and cold foods or beverages a literal pain. Veneers can act as a replacement for your lost enamel and protect you from tooth sensitivity.
Repair minor cosmetic issues
Dental veneers are the recommended treatment for minor cosmetic problems like chipped or cracked teeth and minor misalignment or oddly shaped teeth. Stained and discoloured teeth can also be solved easily with dental veneers. Veneers don’t work by changing the position of your teeth but are instead shaped to camouflage smaller orthodontic concerns. Consult your dentist and find out if veneers are the best option for your cosmetic teeth problems.
Almost pain-free to install
Dental veneers can give you a whole new smile – meaning everything from the size, shape and colour of your teeth can be customized. While veneers are permanent and some shaping of your real teeth is required, the process is mostly pain-free and only requires a local anaesthetic if anything.
What are the cons of having dental veneers installed?
Dental veneers are permanent
Depending on how you look at it, the fact veneers can’t be easily removed is either a good thing or a bad thing. It’s good because you won’t be wearing dentures but bad because your natural teeth will need to be shaped in order to properly fit the veneers. If you do need to replace or alter your veneers, it’s likely that the veneers will have to be removed and new ones installed which can get pricey.
If you’re thinking about altering veneers, you should consult your dentist and let them advise you on what can be done or whether you’d be better off having them removed and replaced with a fresh set.
Tooth sensitivity may initially increase
Some patients find that their teeth are more sensitive for a few days after their veneers have been installed. Usually, the issue resolves itself, but tooth sensitivity is never fun, even for a little while.
Veneers aren’t cheap
The cost for veneers varies depending on where your dentist is located and how many veneers your mouth needs. In Canada, the average cost of single veneer (one tooth) averages out to around $1,700 but can also be much higher. That means opting for a full upper front row can quickly get into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Some Hollywood smiles have cost upwards of $100K to complete which certainly isn’t a small change anymore. Due to veneers being considered a cosmetic treatment, they are usually not covered by insurance.
Are dental veneers common?
Dental veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures in North America, with only teeth whitening being more popular. That’s because it’s the best way to hide issues with your visible teeth and fix issues smaller issues.
Veneers are permanent and can be made to look just like real teeth for a totally natural appearance. They are considered to be a great (and more affordable) alternative to dental implants. It’s also a very straightforward procedure which helps add to its popularity among cosmetic dentistry patients. Veneers offer the means to get the smile you’ve always wanted. For more information on dental veneers – click here.
As with many things, dental veneers have their pluses and their minuses when it comes to providing patients with a nicer smile. It’s important to consult your dentist and then accurately weigh the pros and cons so you’ll make an informed decision. One thing is for sure though, which is that dental veneers are the most popular method to correct cosmetic dental issues and the results can be outstanding.
