Cosmetic dentistry is a multi-million dollar industry in the U.S., and there’s good reason for that. An attractive smile helps boost your confidence and can even enhance your career prospects.
Dental veneers are a popular choice amongst those who want a confident smile. They’re both functional and aesthetic and can be used to alleviate a wide range of dental issues.
Cosmetic dentistry is an expensive undertaking, so it’s important to make sure it’s the right option for you before you undertake these procedures. Read on to explore dental veneers’ pros and cons.
Dental Veneers Defined
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance. There are two main types of dental veneers, namely porcelain veneers and composite veneers made from ceramic and acrylic resin.
They serve primarily cosmetic purposes and are useful for addressing various dental imperfections.
These include:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Discoloration
- Gaps between teeth
- Misalignment of teeth
Depending on the nature of the patient’s dental issues, dentists can apply multiple or single veneers as required.
Dental Veneers’ Pros and Cons
Although dental veneers are an excellent option for many patients, they aren’t suited to everyone. Depending on your needs and preferences, you could experience the following pros and cons when you opt for this procedure:
Dental Veneer Benefits
Aesthetics is an obvious advantage of dental veneers, helping mask imperfections and giving you a beautiful, healthy, and confident smile. They can significantly improve the appearance of discolored, stained teeth where traditional whitening treatments have failed.
Dental Veneers are Versatile and Customisable
Veneers can be engineered to conceal many cosmetic issues, creating a natural-looking solution for unsightly cracks and chips. They’re effective for hiding gaps and minor misalignments without major orthodontic treatments.
These treatments are highly customizable, and dentists can use the following tactics to curate the perfect solution for you:
- Shade guides
- Digital color matching
- Custom staining and glazing
You can also test your veneers before you commit with trial veneers and mock-ups to help you visualize your new look.
A Durable and Long-Lasting Solution
Porcelain veneers are exceptionally durable and can last as long as 15 to 20 years if you maintain them properly. They’re more resistant to staining than other types of veneers, making them the most popular type of dental veneers.
Composite veneers are more susceptible to wear and discoloration and can last for a maximum of seven years. Dental bonding is best suited as a short-term solution and can last for up to ten years.
When comparing veneers vs. crowns, you’ll find that dental crowns and bridges can also last as long as fifteen years, but they’re a risky procedure for those in less-than-perfect health.
Overall, dental veneers are less invasive than most other treatments and involve minimal enamel removal.
Dental Veneer Drawbacks
The most important thing to remember about dental veneers is that they’re irreversible. There’s no going back when you opt for this type of cosmetic dentistry.
Before securing the veneers in place, your dentist will remove a sliver of enamel from the front of the tooth. Due to this, you can’t simply remove the veneers if you tire of them; this will have serious consequences in terms of your oral health.
Cavity Risk and Sensitivity from Dental Veneers
Veneers cover the front surface of your teeth, but the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to cavities. If you don’t maintain excellent oral hygiene, the enamel beneath the veneer will decay.
Once placed, patients could experience temporary sensitivity due to the enamel removal process.
If you don’t take good care of your dental veneers, they could chip or crack. Daily flossing is essential to prevent plaque buildup on the edges of your veneers.
Ongoing Care
Poor dental hygiene can seriously impact your health and even lead to heart disease. It’s still important to visit your dentist regularly, even though your teeth appear perfect on the surface.
Dental Veneer Costs
Dental veneer procedures can cost between $900 and $2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers, and composite veneers cost between $250 and $1,500 per tooth. Prices may vary depending on:
- Location, i.e., rural vs. city environments
- Additional services like X-rays
- The dentists’ expertise
Health insurance coverage does not cover dental veneers as they’re considered a purely cosmetic procedure, so you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket expenses for these procedures.
Caring for Your Dental Veneers
It’s vital to take excellent care of your dental veneers to ensure you enjoy value for your money.
After getting your veneers, your dentist will schedule an initial follow-up appointment. This follow-up visit will help your dentist ensure your gums are responding well and your veneers fit correctly.
You should benefit your dentist at least every six months to monitor the condition of your veneers.
This will help you avoid identifying any potential problems as soon as possible to preserve the durability and appearance of your veneers.
Most dentists will clean your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque buildup to help prevent gum disease and preserve the durability of your dental veneers.
Some patients may need more frequent visits to their dentists depending on their dental history and how well they adjust to their dental veneers. Always contact your dentist immediately if you have any questions or worries concerning your dental veneers.
Exploring Cosmetic Dentistry in Lexington, KY
Dental veneers are a durable option for enhancing your smile and remedying dental imperfections to boost confidence and dental health. It’s important to visit a reputable dentist to enjoy the best benefits of dental veneers and avoid any potential sensitivity or decay associated with poor hygiene.
Garden Springs Dental offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry options to help you resolve your dental issues and grow your confidence. Our team comprises seasoned experts dedicated to preserving your dental health and enhancing your appearance.
We can help you review dental veneers’ pros and cons so you can make an informed decision when opting for this type of cosmetic dentistry. Reach out to get the specialized care you need to enhance your dental health today.