What You Should Know Before Getting Veneers

Today’s dental work can be extraordinary. Modern dental techniques allow us to repair and modify smiles in almost any way imaginable. Veneers are one such cosmetic treatment, and they have become an incredible way to give your smile a more vibrant aesthetic.

This article aims to help you understand the risks and benefits veneers can carry and what they should know about these treatments before getting them. If you are thinking of getting veneers, read below to learn how this treatment could impact you.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are layers of porcelain or composite molded into shells that fit the surface of your teeth. They are used to give teeth a brighter, whiter appearance, to hide damage (such as cracks and chips), or to otherwise restore the appearance of healthy teeth. Veneers are custom-made for each patient.

Unlike implants, veneers don’t require surgery. Some use them as an alternative to crowns, bridges, tooth replacement, and other invasive procedures. Once they bond to your teeth, they are incredibly sturdy.

Pros of Veneers

If you want to whiten your teeth but are concerned about chemical procedures, veneers are an effective alternative. Composed of a porcelain composite, veneers maintain their white color throughout their life and are easy to keep clean, and some are nearly stain-resistant.

Because they are custom-made to fit your teeth, you can get as many or as few veneers as you like. If you want to mask the discoloration of a single tooth, you’ll only need a single veneer. There’s no need to get veneers for all of your teeth (unless you want to).

Your dentist can apply veneers in two visits with little discomfort. Since they are applied only to the tooth’s front, your dentist needs to remove a small amount of enamel from the affected teeth. Your teeth may feel sore for a few days after your second visit, but other pain is rare.

Some types of veneers do more than hide minor damage. For example, pressed porcelain veneers are strong enough to support structural support for teeth with slight damage. In such cases, they can negate the need for surgery.

Cons of Veneers

Some people mistakenly think that veneers aren’t permanent because they don’t require surgery. However, this is a false assumption. Dentists apply veneers with a powerful cement that, once bonded, can be removed, but the change to the enamel underneath is permanent.

Applying veneers requires your dentist to remove enamel from the affected teeth to make a mold that will fit your mouth. This procedure is permanent. Depending on the type of veneer you get, your teeth could become more sensitive to temperature as a result.

Veneers are not an alternative to orthodontic surgery in cases of severe damage. For example, if teeth grinding is an issue you experience, veneers will not provide a solution. They also won’t work when you are trying to repair spatial problems, like gaps or crowding.

Veneers are permanent in the sense that your veneered teeth are permanently altered to fit veneers, and these veneers cannot be removed without being replaced with new ones. However, they have a limited lifespan of fifteen to twenty years on average. So compared to other smile brightening treatments, it’s a long-lasting solution, but has its drawbacks.

Though they are durable, veneers are not immune to damage. Composite veneers are more susceptible to harm than porcelain. However, it’s possible to repair the former, whereas the latter requires replacement to fix.

Finally, there’s the cost. Veneers cost between $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth on average, and such a heavy price tag makes them a significant investment. Several factors can affect the price of veneers, including the type of material used (porcelain or composite), the complexity of the case, the experience and reputation of the dentist, and the geographic location of the dental practice. However, if you only want to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, there are less expensive alternatives.

Are Veneers Right for Me?

If you’re still unsure if it makes sense for you to choose veneers, ask yourself these questions:

• “Why do I want veneers?” If it’s for purely cosmetic purposes, there are many alternatives to veneers. Keep this in mind if you’re intimidated by their price.
• “Can I commit to veneers?” Setting costs aside, you can maintain veneers with regular checkups and by practicing good dental hygiene. But keep in mind that they are permanent, and once applied, you can’t simply remove them.
• “Do I require other dental surgery?” If your dentist suggests that you need orthodontic surgery, talk with them about the risk of discoloration. Like a root canal, some procedures can cause discoloration that may be visible to a veneer that’s already applied.

Trust Your Smile to Carrie Muzny, DDS

We understand that any kind of procedure can seem overwhelming and hope this article has played a part in helping you make an informed decision. At Carrie Muzny DDS and Associates, we use our cutting-edge equipment and amazing staff to ensure each patient enjoys their visit to the dentist.

At Carrie Muzny DDS, our polite, kind and professional team are here to ensure you have a great dental experience. 

We offer a range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services. From cleanings to fillings, to whitening and veneers, we provide everything you need to get the smile you deserve. We cover several insurance providers, provide a variety of services, and have experience in many areas of dentistry. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s show the world your brilliant smile.