A bright, beautiful smile is the perfect accessory to any outfit. However, many people develop chipped and stained teeth as a result of regular wear and tear. When your smile doesn’t look the way you want it to, it can negatively affect your self-confidence. If you’re unhappy with your smile, you have options. Veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of your teeth. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we provide custom veneers for our Virginia Beach patients, as well as a variety of other cosmetic solutions. Here are some of the pros and cons of veneers and what to consider before getting them.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are covers that sit on top of your teeth to conceal chips, gaps, stains, and other imperfections in your smile. These covers are durable and long-lasting. Veneers are also custom-made for each patient to fit the unique shape of each mouth. Each veneer is carefully placed on the teeth using dental cement. This cement is imperceptible, resulting in a natural look. It’s also highly durable and keeps each veneer securely in place.
There are two different types of veneers – composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are made with composite dental resin. Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers, and the application process is less invasive. However, they don’t last as long as porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are made with thin sheets of porcelain to mimic the look of natural teeth. The application process takes much longer, because the dentist needs to remove a small layer of enamel in order to apply them. However, they are very durable once applied and can last for decades.
Pros of Veneers
Veneers offer many benefits for patients looking to improve the appearance of their teeth. Here are the advantages of this cosmetic treatment.
Improve Tooth Shape and Color
The biggest benefit of getting veneers is that they improve the overall appearance of your teeth. If your teeth are chipped, unevenly spaced, or drastically different in size, veneers will reshape them. This will give you an even, balanced smile. Your dentist will work with you to make sure that each tooth is shaped and sized appropriately for your proportions.
Additionally, veneers can minimize the appearance of stained or discolored teeth. The resin or porcelain is designed to mimic the bright, vibrant look of healthy teeth. They’re also designed to look natural, rather than a blinding or sparkling white color.
Customized For You
Veneers are highly customizable. Prior to treatment, your dentist will work closely with you and learn more about what you’d like your smile to look like. They will then carefully adjust the size and color of each veneer to make sure it suits you.
Since veneers are a permanent procedure, it’s important to make sure you’re happy with the way they look and feel. You’ll be able to review your veneers and discuss all your options with the dental team ahead of time to ensure you’re happy with the results.
Minimally Invasive
When compared to other major dental procedures, veneers are much less invasive. This means they won’t disrupt your normal routine. Veneers will require an initial consultation, and your dentist will also need to take molds of your teeth. If you’re opting for porcelain veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. This process is sometimes done with numbing treatment for your comfort.
The process of applying the veneers is painless. There’s also no downtime required after application, so you’ll be able to return to work or school right away. You may experience some mild discomfort as your teeth adjust to the veneers, but this should subside quickly.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Veneers are designed to be very durable and can handle long-term wear and tear. If your natural enamel has worn down over the years, veneers can actually help protect your teeth from further damage.
Veneers last anywhere from 10 to 20 years on average. The exact lifespan of your veneers will depend on the type of veneers you opt for and how well you take care of them.
Cons of Veneers
Veneers offer plenty of benefits for those looking to improve their smile. However, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of. Here are some of the cons of getting veneers.
Irreversible
The biggest downside of getting veneers is that they are irreversible. Once they have been cemented in place, there’s no way to take them off. Because of this, patients should be completely committed to the procedure. We’ll discuss all your options with you during an initial consultation before you commit to veneers.
Require Maintenance
Although veneers are very durable, they still require maintenance. You’ll need to be diligent with brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, just like you would with your natural teeth.
You’ll also need to be very careful when eating hard or crunchy foods, as these could scratch your veneers. Breaking these foods up into small pieces will make them much easier to chew. You should also be careful with coffee, wine, and other drinks and foods that could stain your teeth. If you do consume these foods, be sure to gently brush your teeth afterward.
Like natural teeth, it’s possible for veneers to wear down over time. You may need your veneers replaced later in life if they become stained or chipped.
Major Investment
Veneers are a big financial investment, and getting them isn’t a decision you should make quickly. Be sure to discuss payment plan options with your dentist ahead of time to prepare. There may also be more affordable cosmetic alternatives, such as teeth whitening to minimize the look of stains.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let your smile hold you back from living your life. If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, schedule an appointment with Mill Dam Dental Care today to discuss your veneer options. Veneers will camouflage oral imperfections for a brighter, more even smile.