Are you bothered by having teeth that are stained, crooked, or chipped? If so, you should consider a cosmetic dental procedure called dental veneers to enhance the appearance of your smile. These thin sheets can be attached to the front of your existing teeth. Veneers are currently popular because they are a strong solution to minor imperfections that is relatively inexpensive compared to other restorative options.
Dental veneers come in two types: composite and porcelain. Each has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Whatever type you choose, the placement process is rapid and painless.
The type of dental veneers that are most natural-looking and long-lasting are made of porcelain, but the composite type of veneer is more affordable. Veneers can be placed on the teeth whenever a patient wishes to enhance the appearance of their teeth instead of repairing damage due to tooth decay or trauma.
In many cases, some of the tooth enamel requires removal in preparation for the placement of a dental veneer. This is done to ensure sufficient room for the veneer’s placement.
A single veneer can be placed for any number of teeth. Some patients even have an entire set applied to their visible front teeth. Veneers are designed to match existing teeth’ color and appear natural. Depending on the material and type, they can last up to 20 years or more. Veneers are strong, so you should expect no food restrictions after placement.
Uses of Dental Veneers
A recent study found that as many as 25% of lower-income adults avoid social occasions because of embarrassment about their smiles. Dental veneers are one of the many options for those with poor oral health to regain their confidence. Dental veneers can help anyone achieve a number of outcomes:
1. Change Teeth Color
It is common for adults to have some degree of teeth staining due to certain lifestyle choices like drinking coffee and tea or smoking. Certain medications, like some antibiotics, can also stain the teeth. Over-the-counter whitening treatments often deliver unsatisfactory results.
2. Improve Teeth Shape
You may be born with teeth that you consider too small or too short, leading to feelings of self-consciousness when you want to smile. Veneers help with remodeling teeth and evening out differences between teeth.
3. Enhance Alignment
Those looking for a treatment option for straightening teeth without braces sometimes choose dental veneers. They can be helpful in removing gaps and correcting irregular or misaligned teeth. One key point is that veneers are not advisable for younger patients because the fitting process may involve removal of healthy enamel, and this cannot be reversed. In cases like these, orthodontic treatment is preferred.
Composite Veneers: Pros and Cons
Composite is less expensive than porcelain, but its aesthetics are not as strong. The material is also less durable, with an average lifespan of around five years. After this, the composite can began chipping away or become stained.
Composite veneers can make a good solution when a patient wishes to save up for porcelain. And composite veneers can sometimes be fitted without the removal of tooth enamel, so the treatment would be reversible in this case.
Porcelain Veneers: Pros and Cons
Porcelain is much more durable than composite. Even though porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, you can expect them to last 20 years or more. Porcelain has superior stain-resistant properties, and its translucence means that it closely resembles the look of natural teeth.
The main drawback of porcelain veneers is that they are expensive. And some patients do not like the idea of removing tooth enamel, as the process is irreversible. So, when you go with porcelain veneers, you make a lifetime commitment.
Your Consultation
Before beginning, it is very important to go over everything before we begin the process of fitting your dental veneers. Your consultation is your opportunity to share any concerns or questions that you may have so that you understand every step of the treatment process and what is involved.
The Bottom Line
Dental veneers are a great choice if you want to have a smile makeover. You will need to decide between composite and porcelain veneers, which often comes down to your budget and how long you want your veneers to last.
If you are undecided about your treatment options, please contact Village Green Dentistry in Lincolnshire, IL today to request more information or to schedule a consultation and take your smile to the next level with dental veneers!