The Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers are an option for improving the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, misaligned, unevenly spaced, or have gaps in between them.

Why People Get Dental Veneers

There are several reasons why someone may choose to get veneers:

• Mask stained or discolored teeth that don't improve with professional cleaning or whitening treatments
• Hide chips or cracks in the teeth
• Correct minor spacing or alignment issues
• Fill in gaps between teeth
• Improve the symmetry and proportion of the teeth

The Veneer Procedure

Getting veneers is a multi-step process involving minimal removal of tooth enamel. It begins with an initial consultation, where the dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate. They will go over what to expect during the procedure, the pros and cons of veneers, and alternative options that may work for your situation.

If you decide to get veneers, the dentist will prepare each tooth by lightly buffing its surface to allow the veneer to attach securely. They then take an impression of the teeth to make an exact model on which the ceramic or composite resin shells will be fabricated in a dental lab. You may need a temporary set of veneers put on in the meantime.

In a follow-up appointment, the dentist will test the completed veneers on your teeth to ensure proper shape, size, color, and fit before bonding them in place. Placing the veneers is generally an irreversible process requiring removal of a tiny amount of tooth enamel. Proper oral care is then needed to make them last.

Are Veneers Bad For Your Teeth?

Despite being a popular cosmetic solution, some people worry that veneers may be bad for their natural teeth. The truth is, veneers have their pros and cons when it comes to oral health.

Potential Benefits of Dental Veneers

When done correctly, veneers can provide the following dental health benefits:

• Protect damaged teeth from further decay
• Make teeth look whiter through coverage of discoloration
• Improve tooth contours and symmetry
• Strengthen teeth weakened by trauma or decay
• Reduce tooth sensitivity caused by chips, cracks, or worn enamel
• Correct minor crowding and spacing issues

Potential Drawbacks of Dental Veneers

There are also some potential drawbacks with veneers to consider:

• Require grinding down healthy enamel
• May not match natural teeth perfectly
• Composite resin veneers stain over time
• Risk of veneer damage or debonding
• Need to be replaced every 8-15 years
• May aggravate issues with gum disease or TMJ

The risks of tooth or veneer damage can be minimized through proper maintenance, avoiding trauma from clenched teeth or hard foods, and attending regular dental checkups. But there is still a chance problems could develop later requiring repair or replacement.

Alternatives to Traditional Veneers

Newer veneer options address some of the traditional drawbacks since they preserve more tooth structure:

• No-prep veneers - Extremely thin shells placed on enamel without reshaping teeth
• Lumineers - A brand of ultra-thin veneers needing little enamel removal
• Snap-on smile - Removable retainer-like veneers for temporary cosmetic improvement

Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Veneers

Because veneers are generally irreversible once bonded to the teeth, it is important to carefully consider all your options. Be sure to have an in-depth discussion with your dentist before deciding whether to get them.

Questions About the Procedure

• How much tooth enamel needs to be removed?
• What material do you recommend for the veneers?
• Will anesthesia be required?
• How long will the procedure take?
• How long do I need to have temporary veneers?

Questions About Results and Outcomes

• How long will the veneers last?
• How do you ensure the veneers will match my natural teeth?
• What changes to my smile can I expect?
• Will the end results look natural?
• Can veneers be repaired or replaced if damaged?

Questions About Follow-Up Care

• What kind of oral hygiene is needed to maintain veneers?
• Are there dietary restrictions with veneers?
• Will I need to come for regular dental visits after getting veneers?
• What symptoms should I watch out for related to veneer failure or decay issues?

Getting the dentist's answers to these questions allows you to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding if veneers are the right cosmetic treatment for your needs.

In Conclusion: Should You Get Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers offer an appealing way to improve the look of your smile, but they require removing some natural tooth enamel and won't last forever. While modern materials and techniques make them quite durable, veneers do come with some safety considerations to think through in consultation with your dentist.

For people with extensive tooth structure loss, veneers may provide needed protection. In cosmetic cases, alternatives like teeth whitening or orthodontics may be preferable over veneers in terms of preservation. It is also an option to only get one or a few veneers to mask chips or gaps rather than covering multiple front teeth.

If you do decide veneers are right for you after thoroughly exploring the pros and cons with your dentist, being diligent about oral hygiene and avoiding harmful habits are key to making sure they last.

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.