Dental veneers are essentially pieces of porcelain that are bound to the tooth, giving it a natural, clean, strong appearance. Veneers are often used to repair and cover chipped, discolored, and misshaped teeth. Here are some pros and cons of getting veneers. Read the following lists before getting dental veneers to see if they are right for you.
Pros of Veneers
- Veneers improve your smile. Veneers mask most discolored or chipped teeth while whitening your original teeth under the porcelain veneer, giving you a brighter, more confident everyday smile.
- Veneers can be done in two visits. The placing of veneers is fairly quick and is done without anesthesia, making it an outpatient procedure.
- Veneers make your teeth stronger. Placing veneers will allow the receiving tooth to get stronger while whitening and restoring your smile.
- Veneers’ effects are both immediate and long-lasting. Dental veneers work immediately to correct broken, chipped, or fractured teeth and last for 20 years, on average.
- Veneers look like natural teeth. The porcelain used to cover the tooth is made from similar materials as our actual teeth, giving them a natural look. They are also coated with a glass-like stain-resistant surface so the veneers stay white long-term.
Veneers can do many wonderful things for your discolored teeth, your oral health, and improve your smile drastically. There are some precautions, however, as listed in the cons list below.
Cons of Veneers
- Veneers are not cheap. Most veneers are expensive. Each single veneer costs anywhere between $1000 and $1500. If you multiply that by the number of teeth you need to get veneered, it can be quite expensive.
- Veneers are permanent. Veneers are a fairly permanent dental procedure as it is nearly impossible to reverse the procedure after it has been done. Studies have shown, however, that it is a very small number of patients who ever actually decide they are unhappy with their veneers and want the procedure reversed.
- Veneers cause tooth sensitivity. Many people with veneers experience mild tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. This happens because enamel is often worn away when veneers are molded to the tooth.
- Veneers are not for everyone. Those with unhealthy teeth (especially those with decay or active periodontal disease).
- Veneers are fragile. While porcelain veneers are tough, they are still fragile and can be prone to breaking if not well-cared for.
Consult your dentist to understand more about veneers and to get an idea of what kind of veneers are right for you.