Does your smile need a makeover? If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, porcelain veneers can do that. Dental veneers are thin, shell-like covers that attach to the front side of your teeth to cover stains, chips, gaps, uneven lengths, and other cosmetic issues.
If you’re considering this option, it can help to weigh the pros and cons of veneers to decide whether or not this is the solution for you.
Pros of Porcelain Veneers
There are many benefits to porcelain veneers. When considering whether or not this is the cosmetic solution for your smile, here’s what’s good:
- Durable. Porcelain is a strong type of ceramic that holds up well and offers a bite strength that rivals your natural teeth.
- Stain resistant. Porcelain is stain resistant, so if you’re using it to cover existing stains on your teeth, you can rest assured that your veneers will not end up picking up new stains.
- Natural look. From a cosmetic dentistry standpoint, porcelain closely resembles real tooth enamel. You’ll feel confident about your smile, knowing that it looks natural.
- Affordable. When compared to other dental options, porcelain veneers cost less than crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
- Low Maintenance. To take care of your veneers, you simply need to brush and floss your teeth as you would your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene is still important to help your veneers and the natural teeth behind them last longer.
- Fast. Porcelain veneers are one of the quickest ways to improve your smile. Other restorations are more invasive and require more appointments to complete.
- Porcelain is Compatible with Gum Tissue. One of the biggest benefits of porcelain is that it won’t irritate your gums. This is one of many reasons why porcelain veneers are preferable to composite veneers.
Cons of Porcelain Veneers
You should also take the cons into consideration when you make your decision about getting porcelain veneers. Here are the drawbacks:
- Won’t correct severe dental problems. If you have severe decay or other serious dental issues, veneers will not necessarily correct this. Fillings may need to be done first, or a root canal, or other restorative procedures. If the tooth can’t be restored, covering it up with a veneer won’t solve the problem. The tooth will eventually cause you pain and need to be treated.
- Irreversible. Once you get veneers placed on your teeth, you can’t have them removed. A thin layer of enamel is shaved off of the front side of your teeth to attach the veneers. The only solution is to replace the veneers or to replace the tooth completely.
- May cause tooth sensitivity. Because the top layer of tooth enamel is shaved off, it can cause sensitivity in those teeth. Veneers are not thick enough to prevent cold or heat from penetrating and causing discomfort.
- Won’t last as long as other dental restorations. Veneers last an average of 10 years. While they can last longer, they can’t compete with other dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants.
Cosmetic Dentistry at Savannah Dental Solutions
If you want to improve your smile, porcelain veneers are one of the best and easiest ways to do so. Now that you know the pros and cons, you can decide for yourself whether or not veneers are the right option for you. Savannah Dental Solutions provides porcelain veneers as well as other cosmetic dentistry options if you were to decide to go a different route. We will be glad to evaluate your teeth and determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental veneers or make a recommendation for other treatments.
Call (912) 354-1366 or contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you improve your smile.
