Dental veneers are a popular dental procedure used to correct minor tooth problems. Veneers offer an affordable and simple option to brighten your smile with minimal preparation of your natural teeth. However, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of dental veneers compared to other cosmetic dental procedures before you choose this treatment.
At Trident General Dentistry, we are pleased to offer cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers in our Charleston, SC offices. Book an appointment with us today!
What Are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin porcelain or composite resin shell that attaches to the front of your teeth using a special dental bonding adhesive. Veneers require the removal of a minimal amount of enamel on the front of your teeth. Due to this removal, you should consider veneers a permanent change of your natural tooth to correct minor imperfections such as:
· Stained or permanently discolored teeth that won’t respond to professional teeth whitening.
· Chipped or broken teeth that require more than a minor dental bonding procedure.
· Gaps between teeth that detract from your smile.
· Crooked teeth when orthodontics is not desired or needed.
· Poorly shaped teeth.
· Worn-down teeth.
What Are The Advantages of Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are an effective cosmetic dental treatment to change your smile and appearance. Many celebrity cosmetic makeovers incorporate veneers to create a dramatically improved smile transformation.
The popularity of veneers is due to their many advantages, including:
· More permanent solution to whiten teeth. You can choose how white you want your smile to appear, and it won’t change over time. Unlike dental bonding, food and drinks don’t stain veneers. It is also more permanent than professional teeth whitening, which needs periodic retreatment to maintain.
· Minimal amount of tooth removal compared to dental crowns. Dental crowns, another effective cosmetic procedure, require removing all of a tooth’s enamel and some of the underlying dentin. This tooth removal takes place on all sides of a tooth. Dental veneers require only a very thin top layer of enamel to be removed. Occasionally, veneers can restore teeth with no removal of natural tooth structure.
· More natural appearance than dental bonding. The newer dental bonding materials make bonding a very effective treatment in some cases. However, it isn’t easy to create the same natural appearance that veneers have because bonding occurs directly in the mouth. Veneers are custom-made in a laboratory to create the best appearance possible.
· Allow a more precise color match. Veneers are easier to match to the color of your natural teeth and give you the whiteness you desire for your new smile.
· Durable cosmetic dental restoration. The newer veneer porcelain materials can last more than 10-years with proper care.
· Require no special home-care products or treatments. Oral hygiene of veneers is the same as your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups keep your smile bright and healthy.
What Are The Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?
Here are some of the disadvantages of dental veneers:
· Remain white while your natural teeth become stained. Maintaining the whiteness of your natural teeth is important to keep the color-matching with your veneers.
· Can chip if you have habits such as grinding your teeth or biting non-food objects such as fingernails.
· Can cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold due to enamel removal.
How Do I Decide If Dental Veneers Are Right For Me?
Cosmetic dentistry includes several treatment options to transform your smile. Trident General Dentistry completes a comprehensive exam to determine if you could benefit from dental veneers.
The best choice for you depends on several factors, such as:
· How your teeth bite together.
· Your diet.
· Your habits such grinding your teeth while sleeping.
· The health of your natural teeth and gums.
· Your oral hygiene.
Contact Trident General Dentistry
It’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of dental veneers compared to other cosmetic dental procedures. Contact Trident General Dentistry for a consultation to determine if veneers are the best option for you!