If you have mildly gapped teeth, unevenly shaped teeth, or discolored teeth that cannot be corrected using teeth whitening, you have to shift to cosmetic procedures. Dental veneers continue to remain the most popular choice for celebs and regular patients alike. As long as you choose an experienced family dentist in Southfield, MI, the results can be outstanding. In this post, we will talk more about veneers, along with the pros and cons, in detail.
What are veneers?
Veneers, usually made of porcelain, are custom shells that are used to cover the front surface of your teeth to enhance the aesthetics. You can expect to get a beautiful, whiter smile that will boost your confidence. Veneers are made in a dental lab and are often considered alternatives to crowns. Like many other dental restorations, veneers are not permanent, and at some point, you have to consider replacement.
When are veneers an ideal choice?
For many patients who want a uniform and white smile, veneers are more of an elective cosmetic procedure. In some cases, dentists may recommend veneers for crooked or misshaped teeth. Veneers can also help fix teeth that are too small or large. At times, severely discolored teeth cannot be cleaned or whitened using standard whitening treatments, and this could be an alternative for such patients. Veneers can also fix gapped and chipped teeth.
What is the procedure for getting porcelain veneers?
You will need at least two appointments to get porcelain veneers. During the first appointment, your cosmetic or family dentist will discuss what to expect in terms of outcomes and the risks involved. Most patients do not need anesthesia, but depending on the needs, your dentist may recommend that. The process starts with buffing the teeth and reshaping the surface, which creates room for the veneers. Your dentist will then take impressions of your buffed teeth. They will also discuss the color and shape according to your expectations. The impressions are sent to a lab to order porcelain veneers. During the next appointment, your dentist will clean the teeth and use bonding cement to stick the veneers to the teeth, which is then hardened using a special light beam.
What are the pros and cons of veneers?
With porcelain veneers, you can achieve a whiter smile, according to your preference. For many patients who have gapped teeth and don’t want to wear braces, veneers could be a good alternative. The thin shells are also fairly durable, which means you can expect the results to last for at least a decade or more. On the flip side, porcelain veneers require buffing or trimming down the enamel, which is an irreversible process. Some patients may experience heightened sensitivity, making it hard to enjoy their favorite foods. Not to forget, getting porcelain veneers is a cosmetic procedure, and the costs can be high.
Things to know
While porcelain veneers are great for improving your smile aesthetics, these shells cannot replace an existing crown and fail to restore the strength required for a treated tooth that has gone through root canal therapy. You must understand the risks and cons in detail. If you have severe dental disease or gum issues, your dentist may not recommend veneers until these issues are fixed. As for the cost of the treatment, you can check with the selected dental clinic to know if they have flexible payment plans. Usually, the cost of porcelain veneers is not covered by insurance.
Find a reputed dentist in Southfield today and book an appointment to understand the benefits of veneers. Don’t shy away from discussing your concerns and ask about other alternative treatments you can choose.