What Are the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers?

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If you are unhappy or embarrassed with your smile, porcelain veneers can be an affordable solution to getting the perfect smile you dream of.

Veneers are all porcelain restorations that cover the front surface of the teeth and the chewing edge of the teeth.

They are usually done to correct issues of discoloration or minor crowding or spacing. If the orthodontic problems are not too severe, veneers may be able to correct the problem.

You may have heard about Hollywood celebrities using veneers in order to get a picture perfect smile.

Every mouth is different, so you\’ll want to schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if they\’re the right option for you.


Contact us today for a consultation | Phone: (972) 964-3774


Like any treatment, veneers have their pros and cons.

Veneers are a relatively conservative restoration that will work if the misalignment or discoloration of the teeth is only mild to moderate. If the teeth are severely crooked a veneer could end up being so thick at the chewing edge that the tooth is unaesthetic.

One of the weaknesses of a veneer is its long margin, that it, the length of the interface of the restoration and the tooth. This is where recurrent decay is most likely to occur. So if the veneer has to wrap around the tooth a lot onto the tongue side, then the patient is usually better off doing a crown due to its shorter margin.

Although most veneers are just on the front surface of the teeth, they may need to wrap around the sides of the teeth if the goal is to close spaces between the teeth.  If the patient already has some large tooth-colored fillings in the teeth, these fillings will have to be removed first. In cases where the fillings extend to the tongue side of the teeth, then crowns may be a better option.

All porcelain restorations have to end on good tooth structure not on a filling. In these cases, the veneer would have to cover so much of the back of the tooth that it would be classified as a crown anyway.

In cases of severe wear where the teeth are now very short, orthodontics may be necessary before veneers are contemplated. Failure to do the braces first could lead to premature failure of the veneers due to fracture caused by clenching and grinding.

Pros of porcelain veneers

Natural looking teeth – Porcelain has the natural look of real teeth.

Stain resistant – Like your porcelain dishes, veneers can be easily wiped clean and resist stains.

Whiten your smile – Porcelain veneers are very stain resistant and can whiten teeth by covering up years of stains.

Fixes minor shape and positioning issues – Can shape and align teeth to get that \”perfect\” smile.

Replaces damaged enamel on your teeth – If your teeth enamel is worn down from wear or sugary foods, veneers may be the solution.


Related: Is Teeth Whitening Safe?


Cons of porcelain veneers

Cost – Though they are not a major procedure, veneers may be too expensive for some.

Permanent Procedure – Veneers are not considered removable or reversible. Your teeth may have to be reshaped or realigned before you get veneers.

Increased sensitivity – Some people may experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Usually, this will be temporary situation after the initial procedure.

May need eventual replacement  Veneers should last at least 15-20 years but may require eventual replacement.


Are veneers right for you?

All mouths, smiles, and people are different and because of this, there is no definitive answer. Dr Wilhite has helped thousands of patients over the course of decades to improve their smile, including using dental implants such as porcelain veneers.

The only way to find out if they are right for you is to schedule a consultation and talk to your dentist.

You can schedule a consultation with Dr Wilhite to discuss your goals, options, pricing, financing, and other information.

Call us today at (972) 964-3774

 

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If you’re looking for the most skilled and dependable dentist in Texas, look no further than Dr. Wilhite. With unrivaled expertise, countless awards and accolades, and a deep commitment to his patients, there isn’t a challenge Dr. Wilhite can’t handle. Now that you know what to expect from your first visit with the dental offices of Dr. Wilhite in Plano, TX, it’s time to set up your appointment.