Dental Veneers: Comprehensive Guide to Benefits and Drawbacks

What are Veneers Teeth?

Veneers, also sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental veneers, are custom-made thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. Porcelain is chosen as the material because it is chip-resistant, stain-resistant, and mimics the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Veneers are made to seamlessly blend in with your surrounding teeth and improve the esthetics of your smile.

The veneer covers the visible portion of the tooth surface, both on the front and a small portion of the back. Veneers are quite thin, averaging between 0.3-0.5 mm. This allows them to look very natural. Since they are fabricated in a dental laboratory, the color, shape, size, and length can be customized for an optimal cosmetic result.

Pros of Veneers Teeth

There are many benefits that make veneers an attractive cosmetic treatment for improving the appearance of your teeth:

Improve Color and Brightness

Veneers are often used to treat teeth that are badly stained, have uneven coloration, or are dull. The thin porcelain shells are engineered to be bright white and mask underlying tooth discoloration. After veneer placement, your smile will appear whiter and brighter.

Correct Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Veneers can effectively fix gaps between teeth and slightly crooked teeth. The veneer covers the misshapen or out of place tooth and creates an straight, aligned appearance. They are a great alternative to braces for some patients.

Repair Chipped or Broken Teeth

Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be repaired with veneers. The porcelain cover strengthens the damaged tooth and restores normal shape and appearance. Veneers help protect damaged teeth from further fracture.

Fill in Gaps Between Teeth

Spaces or gaps between teeth can easily be closed with dental veneers. The veneers lengthen the appearance of the teeth on either side of the gap to create an aesthetically pleasing smile line.

Replace Old Dental Work

Over time, dental work like crowns and bonding can become stained, chip, or no longer match the surrounding teeth. Rather than redo all your previous dental work, placing veneers over existing crowns or bonding provides a quick cosmetic fix.

Minimally Invasive

To place veneers, very little tooth structure needs to be removed. Usually only 0.5-0.7 mm is lightly shaved off the front surface of the tooth. This means the tooth stays very intact. Veneers are one of the most conservative cosmetic options available.

Durable with Minimal Maintenance

Porcelain veneers are very strong, long-lasting, and resistant to staining. With good oral care, they can last 10-15 years or longer before needing replacement. Veneers won't stain like composites, so they stay looking great for many years.

Quick Treatment Time

It takes just 2-3 visits to complete veneer treatment. The first appointment is for consultation and taking impressions. At the second visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth. Any minor adjustments can be done at that time. The entire cosmetic transformation usually happens over a few weeks.

Cons of Veneers Teeth

While veneers have many benefits, there are also some downsides to weigh when considering them:

Tooth Removal for Placement

Preparing the teeth for veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the tooth. This removal is permanent, even if the veneers are later removed. A small amount of natural tooth structure is lost.

Higher Cost

Because veneers are custom fabricated, they are more expensive than other cosmetic options like teeth whitening or composite bonding. The cost for a single veneer ranges from $900-$2500 per tooth. Most people need between 6-10 veneers for a full smile makeover.

Not a Long-Term Solution

While durable, veneers won't last forever. The average lifespan is 10-15 years before replacement is needed. Proper care and maintenance will extend their longevity.

Matching Natural Teeth

Getting veneers to match perfectly with your natural teeth takes skill and a good cosmetic dentist. If not done properly, the artificial look of veneers may be apparent.

Nerve Damage Risk

Preparing the teeth for veneers involves shaving off enamel from the outer surface. Though minimal, this process holds a small risk of nerve damage if done too aggressively. Choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist minimizes any risk.

Ideal Candidates for Veneers

Patients with the following conditions are good candidates for veneers:

• Discolored teeth that don't respond to professional whitening
• Worn down or short teeth
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Slightly crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth that are too small or large compared to surrounding teeth

Candidates for veneers need to have healthy underlying tooth structure and adequate enamel to bond the veneer. Patients with extensive tooth decay, loss of enamel, or other major oral health issues may not be suitable for veneers until those conditions are addressed first.

The Veneers Teeth Procedure

Getting veneers is a multi-step process requiring more than one dental visit:

Consultation Appointment

During the initial consultation, your dentist will discuss your options, determine if you're a good candidate, take x-rays and impressions of your teeth. A diagnostic mock-up may be done to preview the end result. The dentist will work with you on selecting the proper shape, size, and color for the veneers.

Tooth Preparation

At your next visit, the teeth will be prepared for the veneers. The dentist will remove 0.5-0.7mm of enamel from the front surface of the teeth. The teeth may be trimmed and shaped to allow for the veneers to look proportional and natural.

Temporary Veneers

After tooth preparation, temporary plastic veneers are placed on the teeth while the permanent custom veneers are being made. This gives you a preview of your new smile.

Custom Veneer Fabrication

Using the impressions taken at the first visit, the dental technician will meticulously fabricate the custom veneers out of thin porcelain.

Bonding Appointment

At your next visit, the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent veneers are bonded onto your teeth one at a time. Your dentist will make sure they have a good fit and color match before permanently bonding them. Any minor adjustments are done at this time.

Follow-Up

A follow-up visit may be scheduled within a few weeks to check on how your veneers are settling in and make any final adjustments if necessary.

Caring for Your Veneers

While durable, veneers do require proper care to achieve their maximum longevity. Follow these tips:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• See your dentist for professional cleanings every 6 months
• Avoid biting your nails or chewing hard objects
• Wear a night guard to protect your veneers from grinding
• Repair any chips or cracks right away to prevent damage

With excellent oral hygiene and avoiding damaging habits, you can help your veneers last 15 years or longer.

Are Veneers Worth It?

For patients wanting to improve the look of their smile, veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution. Though not inexpensive, they create dramatic and lasting results when done by a skilled cosmetic dentist. For many, achieving a perfect smile is well worth the investment in veneers.

However, veneers are not necessary or ideal for everyone. More conservative, affordable options may exist to treat certain cosmetic dental issues. Talk to your dentist about your options to determine if veneers are right for you.

Consult an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist

Veneers are a transformative way to revitalize your smile and boost your confidence. To fully understand the pros and cons of veneers, consult with a cosmetic dentist. An expert can determine if you are a candidate and discuss all your options to decide on the best treatment for your needs and goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.