What are Porcelain Veneers? Discover the Benefits & Drawbacks
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and if you’re self-conscious about your teeth, it can have a significant impact on your confidence. Fortunately, porcelain veneers can help. These thin, custom-made shells are applied to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. But before you decide to get porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand both their benefits and drawbacks. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about porcelain veneers to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Detailed Explanation of What Porcelain Veneers Are Made of and How They Work
Porcelain veneers have become a popular option in cosmetic dentistry to correct numerous dental defects. These thin shells, made of either dental porcelain or composite resin, are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers are specially crafted to match the natural teeth’ colour and shape, making them an excellent option for achieving a beautiful and uniform smile. The dental veneers procedure involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel before attaching a dental cement that keeps the veneer firmly in place. This process provides durability and stability while retaining the natural look of your teeth. Although traditional porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, they are an ideal choice for fixing chipped, crooked teeth, severe discolouration, or broken teeth.
Comparison of Porcelain Veneers With Other Types of Veneers
Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers can be a more cost-effective alternative. However, dental porcelain laminates tend to offer a more natural look that mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
Temporary dental veneers made from dental cement are also an option for those who need a temporary solution while waiting for the permanent veneer to be placed.
When it comes to the dental veneers procedure, both porcelain and composite veneers require removing some of the tooth enamel in order to fit the veneer properly.
Ultimately, the cost of porcelain veneers may be higher than other options, but they are often worth it for individuals looking to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Improved Appearance
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your natural teeth. They are made of dental porcelain laminates, which look and feel like natural teeth. One of the biggest benefits of porcelain veneers is their ability to correct a variety of dental defects. They can be used to cover chips, cracks, and gaps in teeth, as well as to whiten teeth that are severely discoloured. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that are misshapen or too small. In short, porcelain veneers can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Durability
Another benefit of porcelain veneers is their durability. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer. They are resistant to stains and won’t discolour over time like natural teeth. However, it’s important to note that porcelain veneers are not indestructible. They can still break or chip if they are subjected to excessive force or trauma. To prolong the lifespan of your veneers, it’s important to avoid using your teeth as tools, such as to open packaging or bite down on hard objects. It’s also essential to maintain good dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
Minimal Pain and Discomfort
If you’re concerned about the placement of porcelain veneers being painful or uncomfortable, you’ll be relieved to know that the procedure is minimally invasive. Your dentist will first remove a thin layer of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. They will then take impressions of your teeth to create custom veneers that fit your mouth perfectly. During the final placement of your porcelain veneers, your dentist will use dental cement to bond the veneers to your teeth. Because the procedure is non-surgical, there is minimal pain and discomfort involved.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Veneers
Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of porcelain veneers is their cost. Traditional porcelain veneers can start from $800 per tooth, depending on various factors such as the complexity of the dental veneers procedure and the location of the dental practice. Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, meaning that patients are responsible for covering the full cost out of pocket.
Irreversibility
Another drawback of porcelain veneers is that they require some alterations to the natural teeth. To accommodate the thin shells, the dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the surface of the teeth. This process is not reversible, which means that once the teeth have been altered, porcelain veneers will always be necessary to maintain the desired cosmetic appearance.
Possibility of Damage
Porcelain veneers, while durable, are not indestructible. They can be damaged just like natural teeth and may require repair or replacement. Unlike natural teeth, however, porcelain veneers cannot be repaired by filling in a cavity or bonding a small chip back together. If a veneer is damaged, it must be replaced entirely, which can be quite costly. Patients with a history of teeth grinding or clenching may be at a higher risk for damaging their veneers, so it’s important to discuss these factors with your dentist before proceeding with the procedure.
Conclusion
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are becoming an increasingly popular option for achieving that perfect Hollywood smile. Made from thin shells of dental porcelain laminates, these custom-made veneers are designed to cover a variety of dental imperfections, from chipped or broken teeth to severe discolouration or misalignment. While the cost of porcelain veneers can be relatively high compared to other options, such as composite resin veneers, they offer the advantage of looking and functioning like natural teeth.
However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks before making a decision about whether porcelain veneers are right for you. Temporary veneers may be required before committing to the procedure, and traditional porcelain veneers require the removal of tooth enamel, which may make them unsuitable for some patients. To learn more about porcelain veneers and the dental veneers procedure, don’t hesitate to consult our dental experts at Casey Dentists. Contact us now on (07) 4801 7035 to schedule an appointment.
References
A Detailed Overview on Veneers -Diagnostic and Clinical Considerations https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344578533_A_Detailed_Overview_on_Veneers_-Diagnostic_and_Clinical_Considerations
