If you find yourself thinking about your less-than-perfect smile more often than not, you’ve probably put some thought into talking to your dentist about a way to improve it. For example, your dentist might want you to invest in veneers because often, they are the best choice for the perfect smile.
When your dentist mentions veneers, you may be caught like a deer in headlights. What do you know about them? Maybe very little. What are the advantages of veneers, and are they really the way you should go? Ready to find out more about veneers and how they can improve your life? Let’s do it!
What Exactly Are Veneers?
Veneers are very thin coverings that are bonded onto your teeth, transforming their look entirely. They can quickly change the appearance of your teeth’s size, shape, and color to improve your smile. Some of the most common dental and orthodontic conditions veneers can help with are:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Extra space in-between teeth
- Misshaped teeth
- Discolored teeth
Learn More: Top Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions for Ugly Teeth
What Are Veneers Made of, and How Are They Applied?
Porcelain veneers are strong, tough, and look natural. In addition, they can last longer than other materials that have and are being used. In some cases, they can last up to 15 years or more! However, while porcelain veneers are of better quality, they come at a cost as these types of veneers are harder on your wallet than other options. All in all, though, the money you save on repairs, teeth whitening, and other treatments will far surpass the cost of porcelain veneers.
Another option is composite veneers which are a lot like dental fillings. These are carefully shaped onto the tooth with the same material as dental fillings. Unfortunately, they can become discolored and can easily chip, which can require repairs. Even though there are some drawbacks to this kind of material, it can still be a good option. One of the major advantages of this type of veneer is that they are much cheaper than a porcelain veneer, lasting up to about 7 years.
When you are at the dentist’s office, ready to have your veneers applied, your dentist will begin by filing and grinding the enamel of your tooth down. This alone can send people running in the opposite direction. It’s important to know that there is a no-prep veneer option available that doesn’t require the loss of your tooth enamel in case you want to save the choice of removing your veneers later down the road. This option is less expensive, but this type of veneer has the shortest life span of them all.
Pros of Veneers
- You always have a white, beautiful smile. As mentioned earlier, porcelain veneers don’t stain, so you no longer need to worry about discolored teeth risking the look you have always wanted. No more teeth whitening for you!
- You choose your smile. You can finally have a say in what your teeth will look like from now on. Choose the size, shape, and even the color of your teeth before the veneers are applied. What more can you want?
- Correct those misshaped teeth or that extra space in-between them. We all have imperfections in our mouths that we would love to fix. Maybe move a tooth slightly to the left, take off the sharp point on a tooth, and more. Now’s your chance to fix many of the imperfections that make you dislike your current smile.
- No special treatment is necessary. Just keep up on your normal brushing and flossing, and your veneers should be good to go. No extra special veneer maintenance is required.
- Give yourself that extra self-confidence boost. You’ll be surprised what a beautiful smile you’re not afraid to show can do for you. The first impression you give from now on will show a happy, self-assured person, ready to take on the world.
Cons of Veneers
While there are plenty of great things to think about when contemplating getting veneers, there are a few cons that you should know.
- Your veneers can chip and need repairs, especially composite-type veneers.
- There’s no way to color veneers. So if you decide you want an even brighter smile, you’ll need a new set of veneers to go with it.
- If you are ready to invest in veneers, you must also make sure you are financially committed. Veneers are a commitment for many years to come, indeed a lifetime commitment!
- If you grind your teeth, you can wear down your veneers. Talk to your doctor if teeth grinding is an issue to see if you can correct the problem before applying veneers.
- Most veneer applications require you to remove your tooth enamel, making it a lifetime commitment to have veneers throughout your life.
Do Veneers Work for Everyone?
Veneers are a fantastic choice for many people to instantly improve their smile. They aren’t for everyone, though. If you have any of the following conditions, they might not be suitable for you.
- Gum disease
- Cavities that have not been filled
- Misaligned teeth that require braces or other orthodontic treatment
Talk with your dentist about veneers and if the time is right for you to have them done. Sometimes, other treatments are necessary, and then veneers can be an option. Waiting to have veneers applied can feel like a punishment, but if they are done right, they will last longer and look better in the end.
Ready to Invest in Veneers for Your Mouth?
If you are ready to move forward and invest in veneers after reading all about them, it’s time to talk with your dentist. The dental team at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas is committed to caring for our patients through education and advanced cosmetic dentistry treatments. We enjoy what we do, and it shows in each of our patient’s smiles. For more information on our available services, contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today.
