Veneers can glam up anything – be it an old smile or some chipped tooth! These porcelain or resin composite veneers can revitalise your smile and hide any tooth deformity or discolouration. Getting veneers can be an irreversible process and thus, many doubt the veracity of this claim. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of dental veneers and what the process entails.
An Introduction to Veneers
As the name suggests, dental veneers are thin shells or front caps that are bonded on top of an existing tooth. They closely resemble the colour of the patient’s tooth and are completely undetectable.
Veneers can fix discoloured teeth, hide chipping and close gaps. They can also cover any weirdly shaped tooth and provide a semblance of balance and uniformity. As such, many have found dental veneers a great way to increase their self confidence by improving their smile.
This makes veneers fall strictly under the cosmetic dentistry umbrella so that they are somewhat covered by dental insurance. The rebates depend on your level of cover.
Types of Veneers
Traditional veneers require the shaving back of some of the tooth enamel of the selected tooth. This allows the veneer to slip on top of the tooth and therefore does not occupy any significant extra volume. However, recently no-prep (no preparation) veneers are also available. These no-prep veneers do not need any preparation of the tooth enamel. Dentists simply bond them on top of the existing tooth and the procedure does not even require local anesthesia in most cases. However, the tooth will feel thicker than normal because of the extra thickness of the veneer. These veneers are not suitable for all situations.
Veneers are made from either porcelain or from resin composites.
Composite veneers are cheaper however they can discolour over time and are not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers.
They each have pros and cons:
- Composite veneers are more affordable, easier to make, can be easily repaired if damaged, can be completed in one visit, and can be removed if desired.
- Porcelain veneers are more expensive (because they are made by a dental laboratory), require more visits, can look more natural, and are more difficult to repair if damaged.
The Procedure
Generally, getting porcelain veneers involves three separate trips to the dentist.
First Appointment
The first step of getting a veneer involves getting a full X-ray of your teeth. Veneers are charged by the tooth and your dentist will decide whether the tooth is suitable for a dental veneer or not. Often, for misaligned teeth, Orthodontic treatment might be needed to correct it to an acceptable degree.
Veneers can last from anywhere ranging from 5 to 15 years depending on the kind of procedure followed. Traditional veneers usually last 10 to 15 years, with good oral hygiene.
Second Appointment
During the second appointment, your dentist will shave down the chosen tooth to accommodate the veneer. Local anesthesia is used and the process is completely painless. Your dentist will now take a mould of the tooth and send it to the laboratory.
Making the veneer may take anywhere from two to four weeks. Your dentist will cement a temporary veneer on top, for the meanwhile. As a result, you should avoid irritating your tooth enamel during this time. Some clinics even show digital mock-ups of the final product.
Final Appointment
Finally, your dentist will attach the new porcelain veneers to the tooth with the help of a dental bonding agent. This visit only lasts for up to two hours, and you are good to go with a brand new smile!
Pros of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can offer a great boost in self-esteem lost due to misshapen, discoloured or ugly teeth. Here are some advantages of getting them:
- Veneers do not stain and are better at resisting tooth decay.
- They are great for people who suffer from loss of enamel. After bonding, veneers completely cover the front of your tooth.
- They can fix minor alignment issues, hide chipped or broken teeth, and discolouration.
- They are less invasive dental than getting a crown. You can also opt for no-prep veneers.
Cons of Dental Veneers
Before committing the procedure, here are some cons you should be aware of as well.
- It is an irreversible procedure. Your dentist will shave down a layer of enamel. However, composite veneers can be removed in some circumstances.
- Veneers are not as strong or effective as enamel. Generally, they are anywhere from 0.2 to 0.5 mm thick but once they are bonded onto the tooth, they are very strong.
- Veneers can still crack or chip. They can resist but cannot prevent tooth decay. If your tooth is already decaying, getting a veneer is not the proper treatment.
- If you have a habit of grinding your front teeth, you could end up damaging your veneer as well.
Conclusion: Veneer or veer away?
For those suffering from minimal damage, veneers are a great restorative option. It is a less invasive procedure than getting crowns. Today, it has become quite a common procedure with many people choosing to undergo it for the sake of pearly white teeth.
If you are simply looking for whiter teeth, you can consider teeth whitening options first. However, for a complete package of alignment and shaping, there is nothing better than veneers! You should seek a professional opinion first.
Book your Penrith Veneers consultation today!
Give us a call 02 4732 1244 or inquire through our website at https://www.smithstreetdental.com.au/contact-us/ and ask your dentist today if Veneers will be right for you.
Find out more information at https://www.smithstreetdental.com.au/porcelain-veneers-penrith/
