Pros and Cons Of Getting Veneers

A Guide To Help You Decide

The market for cosmetic dentistry is expected to reach $41496.0 million by 2028. As the industry becomes more popular, new and exciting methods of improving teeth and smiles become available. But do you know which method is the best for you?

One procedure you may have encountered is veneers, which are placed over the teeth and then bonded to them. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about dental veneers.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a cosmetic solution for problematic teeth. They will restore a bright, wide smile and make the teeth look perfectly aligned. However, like any procedure, they come with several pros and cons.

How Do Veneers Work?

Made from very thin, custom-made shells, veneers slot over the front of existing teeth. Through a bonding process, they can align and shape, acting as if they are a natural part of the tooth.

What Do Veneers Look Like?

Dental veneers look like natural, healthy teeth. If your teeth get broken, chipped, discoloured or misaligned, then veneers will restore your smile, making it fresh and alive. They are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

The Pros Of Veneers

There are several advantages to getting veneers. Below, we look at the most important ones.

Realistic Look

The biggest advantage of veneers is the natural, realistic look they will bring. This is useful if you have smaller teeth that have gaps in them, which create an irregular smile. It will also make the smile symmetrical and correct any chips or broken teeth.

Resistant To Stains

Veneers are made from different materials, but porcelain is the most common and recommended. The reason for this is that it is resistant to stains. If you have teeth that have not responded to whitening before, veneers are also a way to get back the shine.

Long-Lasting

The type of veneer you have dictates how long it lasts. Composite bonding can last anywhere between five to seven years. Porcelain veneers will last between ten to fifteen years.

Help With Self Confidence

A smile plays a huge part in your body’s confidence. If you close your mouth in pictures or hide behind your hands when you laugh, this solution can restore it. You will enjoy smiling and showing off your brand-new look.

The Cons Of Veneers

Despite being a great solution, veneers do come with some drawbacks and they are not for everyone. Below are some reasons they may not be for you.

They’re Permanent

Once veneers are in place, they bond to the teeth and are impossible to remove. During the process, your natural teeth have enamel removed and get filed down to let the veneers fit on top. Even if they could be removed, the structure of the teeth is permanently altered forever.

Can Make Teeth More Sensitive

In very rare cases, they can cause the teeth underneath to become more sensitive. This usually happens when the teeth underneath are damaged or worn. In most cases, this wears off after a short period.

The Cost

Cosmetic dentistry is not usually covered under a dental plan, and veneers are not the cheapest option. This means you will have to pay the bill yourself.

Composite veneers are cheaper and will save you some money. However, you should cross reference prices against the longevity you get with porcelain and see how they reflect value for money.

Still Fragile

Veneers will restore a broken smile, but they are not a protective barrier. Porcelain, in particular, is a fragile material. This means your teeth will still be prone to chips and cracks like real teeth would be.

Lip Filler Can Alter Their Appearance

If you already have cosmetic surgery done in the form of lip fillers, or are considering it, then you may want to speak with a specialist. Lip fillers can alter the appearance of veneers.

Firstly, they hide a lot of the veneer itself, making it hard to see. As less light is getting in, they can make the teeth appear grey and not let the full shine of your teeth show.

Alternative Options

Other than veneers, there are a few alternatives to improving your smile and teeth. If it is a case of wanting them to be whiter, then you may consider a course of teeth whitening procedures. These can take place in several ways, including laser whitening and bleaching.

If your teeth are misaligned severely, then you could consider getting a brace. These are much more discreet than the braces of the past and will correct your teeth over time. Solutions like Invisalign sit behind the teeth and are not even noticeable.

Crowns are another alternative which sit on the top of the tooth. They can be metal, porcelain, or ceramic. The downside is they are mostly restorative and not usually employed for cosmetic purposes.

For minor problems like chips and cracks, bonding is also an option. This covers the teeth with a composite material. A dentist then shapes this and sets it using a UV light.

Why Snap-On Veneers Aren’t A Good Idea

Snap-on veneers are a cosmetic tool that sits over the teeth, aiming to give the appearance of a healthy, natural smile. Unlike porcelain veneers, they don’t require invasive techniques and can be bought over the counter or online.

The problem with snap-on veneers is that they are a temporary solution. As they are a one-size-fits-all approach, they don’t have the fit you would find with correct veneers. As a result, they can look awkward and unsightly.

Another problem is that they mould using hot water. When wearing them you can not drink hot beverages, or they will melt once again. They are also unregulated, so you have no guarantees about their safety.

Getting Dental Veneers in Canada

Now that you know about veneers, you may want to consider speaking to a specialist. They will be able to discuss the veneers cost in Canada for your teeth and if they are right for you. Other solutions may work better, depending on your smile and budget.

Highbury Park Dental Clinic should be your first stop. We are currently welcoming new patients to our friendly, family clinic. Contact us here and let us put the smile back on your face.