The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

If you have chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth, dental restoration can help restore your smile. Dental veneers are usually made from a stain-proof material that resembles natural teeth. Treated teeth appear white and glossy, making veneers an effective way to enhance the smile. They are a treatment option for addressing aesthetic and physical dental problems. 

Here are the pros and cons of porcelain veneers. 

Traditional Veneers Vs. No-prep Veneers 

Traditional veneers are made from porcelain, and teeth preparation is required before application. It involves the removal of a thin layer of the tooth enamel before the porcelain is bonded to the tooth. In most cases, the tooth structure must be reshaped before applying the veneers. The dentist will grind the tooth surface to prepare them. 

No-prep veneers, sometimes known as Lumineers®, are easier to apply as the teeth do not require preparation. They are thinner, faster to apply, and cheaper than traditional veneers. They can be reversible and do not last as long as traditional veneers. They are also less effective at hiding severely damaged or stained teeth. 

Pros of Porcelain Veneers 

• Porcelain veneers can help cover discolored teeth, improving the smile

• Veneers make the teeth appear straighter

• Veneers appear realistic, and they look and feel like natural teeth

• They can make the teeth stronger and can replace damaged enamel

• Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant

• They can be customized to suit the patient’s style and facial symmetry

• The procedure is relatively simple and can be completed in two dental visits

Cons of Porcelain Veneers

• The teeth need significant preparation that requires some enamel removal before veneer application. It can also leave the teeth sensitive.

• The process is irreversible as it involves reducing tooth structure or reshaping the teeth.

• Veneers can be costly, depending on the number of teeth treated.

• Porcelain veneers are long-lasting but usually need replacement after 15 to 20 years. 

• Veneers are durable but are not impervious to breaking or chipping when exposed to force and impact. 

Candidates for Porcelain Veneers 

If you have problems with the appearance of your teeth, you may benefit from dental veneers. To be a candidate for the treatment, you must have healthy teeth. People with active periodontal disease, decay, weakened teeth, and inadequate tooth enamel may not be good candidates for veneers. Individuals who suffer from bruxism or teeth clenching may not qualify. Consult your dentist to find out if you are a candidate for the procedure.  

Caring for Dental Veneers

When you get dental veneers, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. They may be stain-resistant, but that does not mean your teeth are not susceptible to damage. Depending on the application, veneers can make it difficult to reach the gumline during cleaning. 

It can increase the risk of getting gum disease. It is vital to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and dental cleaning to prolong the life of the veneers. 

Porcelain veneers are a permanent dental treatment that helps correct tooth imperfections. They can help fix minor cosmetic dental issues that may not require more complex orthodontic treatment. It is crucial to get information and find out the pros and cons before you decide to get veneers. Your dentist will help determine if veneers are the right solution for you. 

For more on the pros and cons of porcelain veneers, call Smile Institute Miami at (305) 590-5228 to reach our Miami, Florida office.