Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers

Have you ever looked at your smile and wondered how to make it brighter, straighter or just plain nicer? Most people are not a fan of getting their teeth pulled out or having major reconstruction done in their mouth.  There is a perfect solution in the form of dental veneers.

Custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth, dental veneers can change the color, shape, size, or length of your teeth. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite materials, and are used to fix a number of dental problems, including discolored teeth, teeth that are worn down, chipped or broken teeth, uneven or misaligned teeth, and to close the space between teeth that have gaps.

The procedure of getting a dental veneer starts by talking to your dentist to see how best veneers can benefit you and your dental needs. You may have to have x-rays taken to get a clearer picture. The general procedure includes removing about ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, and making a model or impression of the tooth. A dental laboratory then creates the veneer and your dentist will place it on your tooth, adjusting for fit and color.

Veneers last between five to 10 years, and like any product or procedure, have their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:

• Provide a natural tooth appearance
• Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well
• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant
• The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected to make dark teeth appear whiter.
• Veneers generally don't require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative.

Disadvantages:

• The process is not reversible
• If chipped or cracked, veneers are not repairable.
• Since enamel is removed, teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Teeth with veneers can still experience decay.
• Those who are not good candidates for porcelain veneers are individuals who clench and grind their teeth, as these can cause the veneers to crack or chip.

Dental veneers do not require any special care. You can maintain your oral health by following the basic procedures of care that include regular brushing and flossing. Talk to Dr. Greenberg and his staff at Mouth Carolina Dentistry to see how dental veneers can best benefit you.



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