Anyone who wants a picture-perfect smile has probably at least considered getting dental veneers. Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are made of either porcelain or composite resin, and are specifically shaped to improve the appearance of a tooth while also looking natural.
People who have chipped, severely discolored, or otherwise damaged teeth are the usual candidates for veneers, but they are available to anyone who wants them. Of course, like most things, there are pros and cons to getting dental veneers, and it’s important to understand what those are before making such a big decision about your smile.
PROS
Veneers can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Veneers give you a whiter, straighter, more brilliant smile, while still looking natural. They can close gaps between teeth, fix the appearance of chipped or broken teeth, and help straighten out uneven or irregularly shaped teeth.
Veneers are stain-resistant. Certain foods and drinks can stain natural tooth enamel, but veneers are stain-resistant. That means that not only will they give you a whiter smile instantly, but they will help it stay white over time.
Veneers last for a long time. If you’re worried about whether or not veneers can stand up to the pressure of daily use—don’t. Veneers are extremely strong and are made to last. As long as they are properly taken care of, veneers can stay in good shape for 10-20 years, or even longer.
Veneers are a quick fix. If you’re a fan of instant gratification, then you’ll really appreciate the ability veneers have to transform your teeth in just a couple dental appointments. Now that is something to smile about!
CONS
Veneers are a permanent change. Because natural teeth have to be reshaped in order to put in veneers, the procedure is not reversible. Your dentist will have to remove some enamel from your teeth in order to reshape them properly, and that enamel cannot be replaced.
Veneers come at a cost. Getting veneers won’t just cost you a layer of tooth enamel; it will also cost you actual dollars (and quite a few of them at that). Porcelain veneers, which are more popular, can cost as much as $1000-2500 each. That adds up fast.
Veneers can increase sensitivity. Because your dentist has to remove a thin layer of enamel to prep the tooth for the veneer, it can lead to increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods or temperatures. This is usually temporary, but it is still unpleasant.
Still wondering about whether or not veneers are the solution for you? Talk to your dentist. They will be able to tell you whether or not you are a candidate for veneers, and help you consider all the pros and cons that might affect your unique situation. And at the end of the day, whether you end up getting veneers or not, your dentist can work with you to help create the smile of your dreams.
