Porcelain veneers, also called dental porcelain laminates, are custom-made tooth coverings designed to improve the appearance of the tooth’s front surface. The tooth covering is attached on top of the damaged or discolored tooth to hide imperfections, and the result can leave it looking clean, smooth, and perfectly shaped. Because of its ability to restore a person’s smile, this permanent tooth repair solution has been popular for years.
As with any other dental treatments, porcelain veneers may come at a premium price depending on the clinic and the practitioner who will provide the dental services. Given this, many consider having porcelain veneers worth the investment because of the numerous benefits it can offer. If you’d like to know if you should give porcelain veneers a try, here are some points you can consider:
Porcelain Veneers Can Fix Several Dental Problems
One of the reasons why porcelain veneers are worth trying is that they can resolve various dental health problems. Here are some of them:
Teeth discoloration due to stains, excessive fluoride exposure, or root canal treatment. At times, teeth can also change color due to trauma caused by impact, which kills the nerve endings in the pulp under the enamel.
Tooth-enamel erosion
Broken or chipped tooth
Misshapen or misaligned teeth
Diastema or gaps between teeth
Because of their flexibility, many patients opt to have veneers to fix their dental issues. If you have any of the conditions mentioned above, it might be the best solution.
The Procedure Is Non-Invasive And Painless
Unlike other dental treatments, getting porcelain veneers doesn’t entail any surgical processes. Here, the dentist applies individually crafted porcelain veneers on top of the trimmed tooth enamel of the patient, and this procedure doesn’t affect any tissues or nerve endings. Also, you can talk to your dentist about using a numbing solution to the afflicted area before trimming the enamel to ensure a pain-free procedure. For more information on this procedure, you may click here.
It Offers Several Aesthetic And Health Advantages
Porcelain veneers give patients the option to restore their teeth to an ideal shape, strength, and appearance. After the procedure, the patients can confidently smile again and speak and eat as they usually would. These are all beneficial to one’s health, as having a complete set of teeth can positively impact a person’s overall well-being.
Here are other benefits having porcelain veneers offer:
The veneers are designed to give off a natural tooth appearance once attached.
Porcelain isn’t harmful to the gums.
The veneers are made of stain-resistant materials.
Patients have several color options to choose from, and they can decide whether they want their teeth to appear whiter for a better appearance.
Porcelain veneers are generally as strong as natural tooth enamel.
There are no special after-care requirements following the procedure except observing basic dental hygiene.
Aside from this, using porcelain veneers reduces the risk of tooth loss and eliminates the need for tooth extraction. Since the tooth will be restored to a healthy form, patients can keep their teeth intact and functional. Using porcelain veneers can also help protect other teeth and gums from your damaged tooth since the damage would cease to progress once put in place.
Cost-Effective
Many patients with damaged or discolored teeth hesitate to have porcelain veneers as they usually come at a premium price. However, it may be a wise investment since the teeth covering can provide teeth protection from harsh elements while preventing further deterioration. Also, porcelain veneers typically last between seven to 15 years before replacement is required.
Since porcelain veneers are permanent, they can sustain the teeth’s appearance and functionality with proper care and maintenance. It means that the patient can enjoy having a healthy set of teeth after the treatment as long as they care for and protect them from damage. In the long run, this may prove to be a cost-effective solution since the tooth damage won’t worsen, and there may be no need for additional treatments after.
Disadvantages Of Porcelain Veneers
Before obtaining porcelain veneers, it may also be helpful to know some of the downsides or limitations of this dental solution. Here are some of them:
If proper dental hygiene isn’t regularly observed, the tooth covered in porcelain veneer could still get cavities.
The veneers can’t be removed once attached.
When chipped or cracked, veneers cannot be repaired.
Porcelain veneers may be more expensive than other types, such as resin bonding.
They may cause tooth sensitivities, especially when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Since the enamel is removed, the tooth’s nerve endings are more exposed to elements.
The veneers may not be of the exact color as your natural teeth. They’re also not designed to undergo whitening procedures, so getting the treatment before obtaining porcelain veneers is best.
The veneers can fall or break off due to strong impact or constant pressure. Thus, extra caution should be observed.
Some people may not be suited to having porcelain veneers. For instance, those who have bruxism, advanced tooth decay, periodontal disease, and weakened teeth may be advised by dentists to skip this procedure and opt for alternatives.
Dentists may require patients to undergo lab tests and x-rays before recommending porcelain veneers as a dental solution. Given this, it’s essential to inform them of any relevant medical condition before you proceed.
Conclusion
Having a damaged or discolored tooth can cause pain and discomfort, and it can even disrupt natural mouth movements such as speaking or eating. For this reason, having access to an effective and permanent solution such as porcelain veneers can be advantageous. Aside from fixing the damage and improving its appearance, veneers are also a great alternative to tooth extraction and other more complex or extensive treatments.
Meanwhile, porcelain veneers also have downsides, such as the costs and the likelihood of breakage. Also, some view its irreversibility as a negative trait since it’s not as flexible as other restoration options. However, the lifespan of the veneer significantly depends on proper care and maintenance. Thus, it can be a cost-effective solution if cared for accordingly. Furthermore, the permanency of the porcelain veneers may be beneficial for many patients since there’s no need to spend more money on other treatments over time.
