Are there times where you hesitate to smile because of your teeth? Do you really want something to be done about the shape of your teeth? When you look in the mirror, are you happy with your smile? Or maybe time has taken away the shine from your smile? All those years of coffee, wine, cigarettes left you with less-than-white teeth? If you have entertained these thoughts before, then now might be the right time to talk to your dentist about Dental Veneers.
Teeth that are discolored or misaligned or chipped off, sometimes become a major reason for a loss of self-confidence in public. Choosing dental veneers among other dental options can be a useful and life-changing decision.
But it is always necessary to go in detail about such procedures before reaching a decision. So, a brief discussion on this subject here will help you gain a superficial idea about this treatment option.
Dental Veneers
Pros and cons of veneers, a dental veneer is basically a tooth-colored, wafer-thin layer of restoration typically made up of porcelain or resin composite materials that are bonded to the front surface of the tooth just to enhance the tooth aesthetics and maintain the shape and color of the fractured or discolored tooth.
Firstly, let us discuss the benefits of dental veneers…
Advantages of Dental Veneers:
- It fixes discolored and misshaped teeth:
Veneers help in restoring the natural shape and color of teeth that may have gotten damaged by any reason such as:
- Root canal treatment.
- Overuse of Fluoride.
- Excessive use of drugs such as tetracycline.
- Large resin/metallic fillings in the tooth.
- Regular consumption of coffee, smoking cigarettes, eating highly pigmented foods.
- Teeth that are worn down, chipped or are broken because of any reason such as aging or minor/major accidents.
We can thus change the color of each individual tooth, this is called micro-aesthetics vs. macro-aesthetics, which is changing the whole smile depending upon the needs of a patient.
- Useful in closing gaps between the teeth:
Although veneers cannot change the position of the teeth, they can cover minor orthodontic problems once they are applied. According to Dentistry Today, slightly crooked teeth or small gaps between the teeth that can be corrected by orthodontic treatment, which usually takes a long time and many appointments. However, inc some cases they can be easily corrected by dental veneers as well, in the matter of few hours.
We can thus change the alignment of the teeth, add the proportion to each individual length and width of the teeth, and provide the restoration that is specific for each individual’s need.
- Conservative approach towards the treatment:
Veneers do not need extensive tooth preparation, which normally is the case when getting crowns or dental bridges. Only the outer layer of the front surface of the teeth is removed while doing the preparation, this results in a stronger alternative to full crown placement, and aesthetically is also provides a natural feel to the concerned teeth.
- Damaged Enamel Replacement:
Veneers teeth pros and cons, overzealous tooth brushing or the use of highly acidic food and drinks may result in the earing down of the enamel of teeth. Stomach acid that is associated with Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also damage the enamel. This becomes a concern as enamel cannot regenerate. This results in loss of protection to dentine and pulp. Fortunately, veneers can be its replacement. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, veneers are an excellent choice for teeth that have enamel abrasion or erosion.
However, every good thing has its drawbacks too. Now as we have discussed the pros of dental veneers, it is important to have a look at the main cons of the same. This comparison will help us to reach at some conclusions about this treatment option.
Disadvantages of Dental Veneers:
- Irreversible procedure:
Once the procedure of tooth shaping has been done, that tooth structure is gone forever. This structure has to be replaced with a good, kind and biocompatible material that can protect the dentine and the nerve bed of the treated tooth. However, natural loss cannot be reversed. Therefore, if veneers are used just to enhance the look of a natural healthy smile, one should think about this natural loss and then decide according to their needs.
- Damage to veneers in patients with the habit of Bruxism:
If a patient is a grinder or a clencher, and if he/she does not take care of the veneer by wearing a nightguard, this habit of extreme grinding can lead to the chipping away of veneers.
- Expensive choice:
Veneers are comparatively a more costly choice than any other materials such as composite veneers or bonding. However, the result and later effect they give often makes their price well worth it.
- Increased sensitivity:One might experience increased tooth sensitivity after the placement of veneers. As the enamel of the tooth is removed during tooth shaping, the protection cover is lost which results in the experience of increased sensitivity towards hot and cold foodstuff and beverages. In most cases, this sensitivity goes away after the first few days after the procedure. But this drawback should be considered while deciding on getting a veneer done. If a person already suffers from hypersensitivity, veneers might not be a good choice of treatment.
- Veneers are not forever:Veneers normally last between 7-15 years. After which they start to chip off, or can get stained too, this results in the need for a replacement veneer.
After all the discussion above, it should not be overlooked that veneers are an excellent choice of treatment for the patients who want to have a magnificent smile. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages according to personal needs and priorities. If selected after considering everything, veneers can give you a long-lasting confident smile.
Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to find out more about the veneers and to know if they are a fitting solution for your dental problem.