Porcelain veneers are a long-term solution to aesthetic smile concerns like stained, cracked, or chipped teeth. But they are a big commitment financially, so it can be a tough decision to make. This blog weighs the pros and cons of porcelain veneers so readers can make the right decision for their needs.
Should I Get Veneers?
Are you considering porcelain veneers? Whether due to genetics or certain lifestyle factors, stained, chipped, or damaged teeth can be a major distraction from an otherwise lovely smile. Porcelain veneers offer a permanent solution to aesthetic and functional problems of the teeth, but they are a big commitment and might not be right for everyone.
Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of porcelain veneers.
Cons of Porcelain Veneers
High Cost
Perhaps the greatest drawback of porcelain veneers is the cost. Prices vary between cosmetic dentists and are significantly dependent on location. Other factors include your dentist’s expertise, as well as the number of teeth you want restored. Because they are cosmetic and not considered medically necessary, they usually aren’t covered by insurance. However, many offices offer financing options to make payments more flexible.
Increased Sensitivity
There’s a chance that patients who receive veneers may experience temporary tooth sensitivity. This presents as a sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for the first few days after the procedure, but it usually goes away with time. Additionally, there are products like desensitizing toothpaste that can help protect the tooth’s surface and ease this transition.
Color Mismatch
This is perhaps less relevant for patients seeking a full smile makeover, but when a patient requires minimal coverage, such as the two front teeth, it can be challenging to perfectly match the rest of the teeth. This is because teeth are organic structures: they have different colors, levels of staining, and various shapes and alignments, all of which contribute to the overall appearance of the smile. It’s crucial that your dentist is experienced and has the proper tools to create a seamless, natural smile.
They Are Permanent
In order to place the veneers properly, your dentist must shave down your natural teeth, about 0.5mm of enamel. Again, once enamel is gone, it doesn’t come back. So once you decide to move forward with veneers, there’s no going back. Another factor here is that veneers may need to be replaced after some time, on average, about every ten years, so it’s not a one-time expense.
Pros of Porcelain Veneers
Instantly Whiten Your Smile
Natural enamel is easily stained by coffee, tea, smoking cigarettes, and eating highly pigmented foods like dark chocolate. You can, of course, bleach your teeth at home or at the dentist, but your enamel can be damaged by this process, and it’s still susceptible to subsequent staining. White, sparkling teeth are certainly an aesthetic ideal, so this process can be nearly endless. But, not with veneers! Dental veneers are mostly stain-resistant and are color-matched to a natural, yet bright white. Instant—and permanent—pearly whites.
Hide Minor Cosmetic Concerns
Chips, cracks, small gaps, minor misalignment, discoloration—these are all issues that porcelain veneers can address. The veneers are attached to the front surface of the teeth after a layer of the enamel is removed. The veneers act as a cover, so while they won’t realign or necessarily “fix” these imperfections, they perfectly conceal them.
Replace Damaged Enamel
Enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth that protects the inner dentin from decay, sensitivity, and damage. It’s an important part of your teeth, but it can be eroded by aggressive teeth brushing or highly acidic foods and drinks like certain fruits, sodas, and coffee. Additionally, if you have a condition that causes acid reflux, stomach acid is very damaging to tooth enamel. This can be an issue, as once it’s gone, enamel doesn’t grow back. However, veneers are an excellent treatment for teeth with enamel abrasion or erosion, as the hard exterior protects the inner dentin and is resistant to damage.
They Look and Feel Natural
Porcelain veneers are meticulously shaped and applied in thin layers to your teeth, with the ultimate goal of looking exactly like your natural teeth, only better. Because the layers are so thin, this helps avoid the look of clunky, mismatched teeth. Additionally, they are affixed to the front of the natural teeth only, so the sides and backs of the teeth are untouched, which results in a comfortable feel and bite. Patients remark how comfortable and natural-feeling well-placed veneers are.
They Are Low Maintenance
Once they are on and you’re past the initial period of sensitivity, veneers are a breeze to take care of and provide no additional home care. Unlike implant crowns, bridges, or other complicated procedures, your bite doesn’t change, there are no additional nooks and crannies created, and you really need little to take care of them. In fact, veneers often fill in certain divots and imperfections in the natural teeth that once would have needed extra care (avoiding plaque build-up, for example), so they are easier to care for and can reduce risks of dental concerns in the long run.
What’s Best For You?
In the end, porcelain veneers are by far the most reliable and satisfactory form of cosmetic tooth enhancement available, as they provide a uniform, natural-looking appearance and can reduce your at-home care. However, the best way to determine if porcelain veneers are best for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist who specializes in porcelain veneers.
Interested in Porcelain Veneers in Beverly Hills, CA?
If you’re debating whether porcelain veneers are right for you, it’s time to schedule a consultation with celebrity cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kevin Sands. Dr. Sands is an experienced porcelain veneer specialist who has created some of Hollywood’s most famous smiles. Call our office today at (310) 273-0111 or complete the online contact form to request a consultation with Dr. Sands.