Did you know that over 50% of people suffer from various oral health issues? Some of these problems can make you feel less confident and affect your self-esteem.
One way to achieve a brighter smile and enhance the appearance of your teeth is by getting dental veneers. These are thin covers that adhere to your teeth to improve aesthetics.
When considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s vital to learn more about the pros and cons of dental veneers. This way, you can determine if they are the ideal option for you.
Can Anyone Get Dental Veneers?
In short, not everyone can have veneers. Some things may make you unsuitable for dental veneers but many people are suitable so it’s best to talk to your dentist. For example, if you grind your teeth, grinding applies a force to your teeth and you may be more prone to damaging or chipping veneers. Also if your teeth already have large fillings crowns may be a better option.
Other aspects that can disqualify you from being a good candidate for dental veneers are:
- Gum disease
- Significant damage to the tooth structure
- The way your teeth bite together
- Severe cavities
Before getting dental veneers, it’s advisable to consult your dentist. These experts will perform various diagnostic tests and exams to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
What Are the Steps in Getting Dental Veneers?
The steps followed when getting dental veneers will depend on the type of veneer. The most common options available are porcelain or composite veneers.
Fitting porcelain veneers begins with preparing teeth by grinding the surfaces. This process roughens the enamel and provides a better grip for the veneers. The next step is to apply an adhesive to the teeth, then carefully place the veneer.
Installing composite veneers can be a less invasive process compared to porcelain veneers as you may be able to have less tooth prepared. During the application, your dentist will bond the composite to teeth after cleaning and applying an adhesive to the tooth. They can then shape and polish the composite to give it a seamless finish.
The Pros of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers have many advantages that make them among one of the most popular cosmetic treatment options. Here are some of the pros of getting them:
- It can fix discoloured or misshapen teeth: Your teeth may suffer discolouration caused by food, drinks or exposure to excess fluoride during development. Getting veneers is a way to cover up such stains. Veneers can also fix misshapen teeth or help with minor alignment.
- Useful in closing gaps between the teeth: When getting veneers, your dentist will measure the space between individual teeth. This step allows them to customize the veneers to reduce gaps.
- Whiten your teeth: Veneers can help whiten your teeth. If you have lots of small previous fillings, veneers can be a good way to give your teeth a more uniform colour.
- Replace damaged enamel: The enamel may wear out due to excessive brushing or eating particular food and drinks. This issue may cause your teeth to be more sensitive and prone to cavities. Getting veneers allows you to replace damaged enamel and protect your oral health.
- Durable and long-lasting: Porcelain and composite veneers can be a good long term option withstanding years of chewing and biting. Despite the materials being thin, if you look after them right you can rely on them as a long-term solution.
The Cons of Dental Veneers
While dental veneers are beneficial, they also have some drawbacks. Here are the common ones and tips on avoiding them:
- Installing dental veneers is an irreversible process: Before installing veneers, your dentist may grind the tooth surface to make it rougher. This process will cause an irreversible change to the structure of your enamel.
- Veneers can get damaged: Despite their durability, veneers can suffer damage when chewing or if they get holes around them. The best way to prevent this is by staying away from eating hard foods on them and maintaining excellent oral hygiene around your veneers.
- Veneers are still prone to chipping: Veneers can chip when chewing hard items or using teeth to open packages. After the application, it’s advisable to avoid such practices as advised by your dentist.
- Veneers can cause teeth sensitivity: Your teeth may get more sensitive after installing veneers. Luckily, this discomfort will usually fade several days after the procedure.
- Veneers do not change colour: Another con of veneers is that they don’t change colour even if you use whitening products. Avoid this by carefully selecting the shade you want before the installation.
Are Dental Veneers Worth It?
While veneers have some cons, you can minimise the risks by taking the necessary precautions before and after the fitting.
Dentists highly recommend these appliances for suitable candidates who want to change the appearance or arrangement of their teeth.
Contact Beaches Dental Mona Vale to Book an Appointment
Getting dental veneers is a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth for the long term. With this procedure, you can change the colour and shape of your teeth achieving the smile you want.
Beaches Dental Mona Vale provides cosmetic dentistry treatments to our patients creating smiles they love to show off. . Our dentists offer two types of veneers; porcelain and composite. With their help, you can learn about all the pros and cons of veneers, if you are a suitable candidate and understand how to care for them. After the application, our dentists will recommend measures to protect your veneers from damage and enhance your oral health.
Are you interested in determining your suitability for this cosmetic dentistry procedure? Contact our practice today to book a consultation appointment.
