Porcelain veneers are a fairly common cosmetic dental procedure. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are cemented to the front of the teeth. Because this is a permanent dental procedure, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and the cons of getting them.
The Pros of Porcelain Veneers
- They are an effective way to whiten your teeth. If you love your coffee, chocolate and red wine, or if you are a smoker, your teeth can easily become stained and yellow looking. Porcelain veneers can be a great way to whiten your smile, and since they are reasonably stain resistant, this could be a more effective solution than regular teeth whitening.
- Porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of minor cosmetic problems. Although veneers do not straighten teeth, they can give slightly crooked teeth the appearance of being straight. Veneers can also improve the appearance of gapped teeth.
- Porcelain veneers can replace damaged enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but that doesn’t mean that it is indestructible. Overzealous brushing and/or acid foods and drinks can wear down this enamel, which unfortunately doesn’t grow back. The good news is that tooth enamel can be replaced with porcelain veneers and help protect against tooth decay.
The Cons of Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain veneers can be expensive. The exact price of porcelain veneers will depend on a number of factors including how many teeth you need them on, but they are one of the pricier dental procedures.
- You may experience tooth sensitivity. Some people experience sensitivity to hot and cold after getting porcelain veneers. Fortunately, for most people this sensitivity goes away after a couple of days.
Dental veneers in general are considered a very safe and effective treatment to whiten teeth and make minor cosmetic corrections. Before you get this treatment however, it is important to consider both the benefits and the drawbacks.
If you think that porcelain veneers might be right for you – or if you have further questions about them – contact Sapphire Dental today to make an appointment with one of our dentists.