Are Porcelain Veneers Worth the Investment?
Although it can be frustrating, the truth is that first impressions make a difference. Whether you are on a first date or a job interview, a gorgeous, relaxed smile conveys trustworthiness, confidence, and sincerity. If your teeth do not look their best, though, you may be tempted to hide them. Fortunately, porcelain veneers are an excellent way to fix staining, chipping, and other cosmetic imperfections. Yet many people wonder whether they are truly worth the investment. Here is what you should know.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of top-quality dental porcelain that slip over the teeth. Strong, durable, and chemically bonded to the teeth, they can last for many years. Porcelain veneers are color-matched to your natural teeth, ensuring that they are not noticeable.
What Conditions Can Veneers Fix?
If you have existing oral health problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease, we must correct them before placing your veneers. Porcelain veneers can fix a wide range of cosmetic issues, such as:
Wear and tear: All teeth wear down over time, especially if you use them as a tool or are prone to chewing on pens, ice, or other hard objects.
Mild breakage: Teeth may crack or chip from light trauma such as a fall or a sports injury. Extensive damage must be repaired, but porcelain veneers can hide minor breaks.
Discoloration: Deep staining and discoloration that cannot be fixed with teeth whitening may be caused by large fillings, root canals, excessive fluoride, and even some medications.
Misshapen or uneven teeth: Teeth that are truly perfect are quite rare. Porcelain veneers can cover teeth that are uneven or misshapen.
Minor crookedness or gapping: Severe misalignment typically requires orthodontic treatment, but porcelain veneers are a great way to hide small gaps and minor crookedness.
The Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
Few dental restorations last a lifetime, but porcelain veneers are among the longest-lasting solutions. They are durable enough to withstand biting and chewing and, with proper care, they can easily last for a decade or more.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. While teeth whitening must be regularly repeated, your porcelain veneers will remain bright and healthy-looking with excellent oral hygiene.
Do Porcelain Veneers Look Natural?
Many people worry that porcelain veneers will give them a “game show host” look, but veneers are actually designed to look quite natural. The dental porcelain mimics the sheen and translucency of natural teeth, and we will color-match them to your adjacent teeth.
We can give you a brighter smile by whitening your teeth and then color-matching your veneers to your new tooth shade. Just keep in mind that you will need to whiten regularly to maintain the match.
Whether porcelain veneers are worth the investment is a decision only you can make, based on your budget, goals, and the issues you want to correct. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, though, porcelain veneers are an excellent way to boost your self-confidence for a decade or more.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to learn more about how we can keep your entire family’s smiles in tip top shape, contact Savannah Dental Solutions today at (912) 354-1366 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
