Dental Veneers: What You Need to Know

For many, especially adolescents, having uneven or discolored teeth and other dental problems can affect self-esteem or confidence. Luckily, there are now various dental treatments to improve the teeth’ appearance, and dental veneers are among them.

This short article highlights the essential pros and cons of using dental veneers. After reading, you will discover if getting one is right for you.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-designed shells that improve the appearance of the teeth. Dentists place the shells to hide stained, uneven and chipped teeth.

Veneers cover the top surface of the teeth to change their color, shape, size, or length. They are also called dental porcelain laminates.

Dentists use veneers to fix discoloration caused by excessive fluoride or drug use. You can also use them to hide stains from root canal treatment or resin fillings.

Veneers can also improve the appearance of those with:

• Worn-down chipped, or broken teeth
• Misaligned or uneven teeth
• Gaps between the teeth

Getting dental veneers can take up to three dentist visits. The first visit is for consultation. Meanwhile, the last two trips are for making the shells and application.

Dentists may have to take X-rays and make impressions of your mouth and teeth. Doing so allows them to make the perfect shape of the veneers.

Your dentist will also reshape the tooth surface. Generally, the reshaping takes off enamel equal to the thickness of the veneer.

But, if you are wary about reshaping your teeth, you can always go for ultra-thin veneers. These are shells that are as thin as 0.2 millimeters. Putting them in your teeth requires less reshaping compared to traditional dental veneers.

You may need to patiently wait two to four weeks for the dental laboratory to make the veneers. After the wait, your dentist can place the shells on your teeth’ surface.

Pros and Cons of Using Dental Veneers

Still on the fence about getting dental veneers? Check the pros and cons of getting one below. After reading, you will know if a dental veneer is a perfect solution to your dental issues.

Pros of Using Dental Veneers

Improves the Appearance of Your Teeth

You can address most cosmetic dental problems by using dental veneers. It removes the need for teeth whitening, straightening, and other costly procedures.

Since veneers cover the teeth’ surface, they hide dental imperfections completely. Often, they can do a better job of restoring a beautiful smile than other dental procedures.

Protect Your Teeth From Stains

Dentists use porcelain and composite resin to make veneers. These components can resist stains from drinks, such as coffee and tea. 

The stain-causing compounds from the drinks roll-off porcelain veneers. They only sit on the surface of the protected teeth, where you can brush them off with no trouble.

Instant Results

After just a couple of short dentist visits, you can already see the results of using dental veneers. Meanwhile, you have to wait for months to see the results for other types of dental restorations.

Requires Little Preparation

You do not have to undergo any complicated preparation procedures when you get dental veneers. Before applying the porcelain shells to your teeth, your dentist only needs to reshape your teeth.

This step is only a minor amount of preparation compared with placing crowns. This dental treatment requires your dentist to remove more tooth enamel.

Low Maintenance

Dental veneers do not require any complicated or special care. You only need to brush and floss your teeth regularly as usual. You also need to visit your dentists for regular checkups.

Cons of Using Dental Veneers

Reshaping Teeth is Irreversible

Your dentist needs to reshape your teeth before putting the dental veneers on your teeth. Doing so gives the porcelain shells more room in your mouth.

Unfortunately, removing a thin layer of enamel is an irreversible procedure. There is no way to put the enamel back on once your dentist removes it.

Makes Your Teeth More Sensitive

Enamel is a barely-visible, thin covering that protects your teeth from hot and cold food and drinks. When your dentist removes the enamel, your teeth get more sensitive to temperature.

Prone to Damage

Dental veneers can improve the appearance of minimally damaged teeth only. They cannot fix badly damaged teeth. In some cases, you may have to get dental crowns that fit over the entire tooth.

Additionally, dental veneers are thin and prone to damage. They can chip and crack if handled without proper care.

The Bottom Line

Despite its drawbacks, getting dental veneers can still be an efficient solution to improving your teeth’s appearance. However, before you decide, you must first weigh its downsides against its benefits carefully. That way, you will end up with the right call that can help you smile with confidence.