The Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Veneers - 2023 Guide

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain, that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are a popular cosmetic treatment because they can improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, stained, or have gaps. However, as with most dental procedures, there are both pros and cons to getting veneers.

The Advantages of Veneers

Some of the key benefits of dental veneers include:

• They mask imperfections - Veneers cover flaws like chips, cracks, and discoloration.
• They give a perfect smile - Well-designed veneers create an even, bright white smile.
• They're stain-resistant - The porcelain used for veneers doesn't stain easily.
• Low maintenance - Unlike dental crowns, veneers don't require much special care.
• Natural look - High-quality veneers closely resemble the luster of real teeth.

The Disadvantages of Veneers

Some potential downsides of veneers that should be considered are:

• Tooth reduction - Fitting a veneer requires removing a thin layer from the front of the tooth.
• Higher cost - Veneers are more expensive than some other cosmetic options.
• Not permanent - The average veneer lasts around 10-15 years before needing to be replaced.
• Damage risk - Veneers may chip or come loose if exposed to trauma.
• Tooth sensitivity - Trimming the tooth can sometimes cause minor nerve sensitivity.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers, also sometimes called porcelain veneers or composite veneers, are custom-made shells that are bonded directly onto the front surface of teeth. Usually made of medical-grade ceramic such as porcelain, or sometimes composite resin, veneers are designed to mimic the shape, size, and color of natural teeth.

Veneers are used to correct a variety of imperfections or cosmetic concerns with front teeth that don't respond well to teeth whitening or other conservative treatments. Some common issues veneers can resolve include:

• Chips, cracks, and fractures
• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Worn down or misshapen teeth
• Misaligned or unevenly sized teeth

How Dental Veneers Work

Getting veneers is usually a fairly simple procedure, though it does require working closely with your dentist or orthodontist. The basic steps are:

1. Preparation visit - The teeth are trimmed and impressions are taken.
2. Dental lab visit - The veneer shells are custom-fabricated.
3. Bonding visit - The veneers are permanently cemented onto the teeth.

During the first visit, the front side of the teeth is slightly reduced to make room for the veneer shells, usually around .3-.5mm. Impressions are then taken and temporary veneers may be placed. The custom veneers are then precisely fabricated by a dental ceramist based on the impressions and sent back to the dentist. At the bonding visit, the veneers are tried on and checked for fit and color match before being permanently bonded using dental cement.

Benefits and Advantages of Dental Veneers

When used properly, veneers offer numerous benefits that improve the look and function of front teeth:

1. Mask Flaws and Imperfections

Veneers can cover up a wide range of imperfections, including stains that don't respond to professional whitening treatments, chips or cracks, gaps, and more. The porcelain covers the entire visible tooth surface, creating a perfectly uniform appearance.

2. Correct Worn or Misshapen Teeth

Teeth can become worn down over time from biting patterns or bruxism. Veneers can restore the natural tooth shape and proper dimensions with a conservative approach. They also protect against future wearing of the teeth due to grinding habits.

3. Close Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps or diastemas between front teeth can negatively impact smiles. While braces may also be an option, veneers provide faster gap closure with minimal tooth reduction compared to dental crowns.

4. Replace Old Discolored Fillings

Over time, tooth-colored fillings can become stained and discolored at the edge of the teeth near the gum line. Because veneers cover the entire front surface with durable, stain-resistant porcelain, they can hide this common problem.

5. Improve Color and Brightness

No amount of teeth whitening can match thebrightness of professionally fabricated porcelain veneers. Even severely discolored teeth can be restored to a pristine, uniform white shade.

6. Fast Treatment Time

Unlike braces or teeth straightening, which take 1-2 years, veneers produce drastic, cosmetic changes to smiles within just 2-3 dental visits over a few weeks. There is no waiting period and results are immediately visible.

Potential Problems and Disadvantages

Though generally safe and effective when applied by a skilled cosmetic dentist, there are some disadvantages and risks to weigh regarding veneers:

1. Tooth Reduction

Preparing the teeth for veneers does require removal of some natural tooth structure - usually between .3 to .5mm. This is irreversible and increases sensitivity temporarily. However, modern minimally invasive techniques reduce removal to the absolute minimum.

2. Higher Cost

The materials, design, fabrication, and application process involved with dental veneers increases costs substantially compared to basic dental treatments. Veneers range anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth depending on the material and dentist charges.

3. Not a Permanent Fix

While durable, veneers don't last forever. The average lifespan is approximately 10-15 years before replacement is needed. Some may last 20 years or longer but this depends on habits and care.

4. Damage Risk

Though bonded very firmly in place, veneers can still chip or crack if exposed to heavy biting forces, trauma from sports, accidents, falls, etc. Protective mouthguards help but damage risks still exist.

5. Sensitivity

Some patients experience minor tooth sensitivity for a few weeks after the gluing process due to irritation of the underlying dentin layer following reduction. Sensitivity of the prepared teeth usually disappears within a month.

Ideal Candidates for Veneers

In most cases, healthy people that maintain good oral hygiene practices make the best candidates for dental veneers. Ideal veneer patients have attributes including:

• Overall good tooth and gum health
• Sufficient enamel available for slight reduction
• No serious bite issues or malocclusions
• Healthy, unstained gums and tissues
• Adequate oral care habits and compliance

Additionally, veneers work best for people with minor to moderate cosmetic flaws that don't require full mouth rehabilitation. Orthodontic adjustments or teeth straightening may still be needed in some cases to achieve the proper alignment for an enhanced final look.

Types of Veneers

There are two primary varieties of veneers available - porcelain and composite resin. Each has pros and cons.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is the most common veneer material used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry today. Some key traits include:

• Very durable and long-lasting material
• Can closely mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth
• Stain and chip resistant
• Require at least two office visits to fabricate and bond
• Higher per tooth cost

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite veneers are less commonly offered but do have some advantages:

• Can be completed in a single visit
• Less drilling of natural teeth necessary
• Smaller budget option
• Less durable material over the long term
• More vulnerable to staining, chipping, and fractures

Those on a limited budget may first consider composite veneers, while those wanting extremely white, flawless, and artificial-looking smile makeovers tend towards porcelain. Your dentist can advise on the right choice depending on individual factors.

Caring for Veneers

To get the most longevity and use from dental veneers, excellent oral care and smart dietary habits will help prevent damage or cracking. Ideal home care after getting veneers includes:

• Brushing gently twice per day
• Flossing once daily
• Rinsing with non-alcohol mouthwash
• Following up with regular dental cleanings and checkups
• Wearing a nightguard to protect from grinding or clenching
• Chewing carefully, avoiding biting nails or hard objects

By being proactive with home care and dental visits, the lifespan of veneers may be extended by many years before needing replacement.

Consult an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist

Ultimately, dental veneers can beautifully enhance and rejuvenate smiles when properly planned and placed by a knowledgeable restorative dentist. Be sure to discuss all the advantages and disadvantages during a consultation visit to decide if treatment is right for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

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.