If you are less than impressed with the appearance of your teeth, then you aren’t alone. The number of people choosing cosmetic dentistry is rising every year, as they seek to improve the appearance of their smile.
Why is the appearance of our teeth so important? A great smile is associated with health, happiness and success in life, and many people believe that failing to have a perfect smile can cost them both professionally and in their personal life.
Teeth are just one aspect of our overall appearance, but one that cannot be hidden by clothes or clever make-up techniques. As such, the psychological effect of disliking one’s smile can be devastating with people known to have avoided social situations, like eating and drinking in public, or not showing their teeth while having their photograph taken.
Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry is now more widely available and affordable than ever before. Dental veneers are just one variety of cosmetic dental treatment that can transform the appearance of your teeth and give you confidence in your smile.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. Each set of veneers are created from porcelain, and they are customly-created in the perfect color and shape. They are attached to the outside enamel of your teeth using a special adhesive, and once in place, they will cover any tiny gaps or tiny imperfections in your teeth, giving you the smile that you have always dreamed of.
What imperfections can dental veneers improve?
Dental veneers can address a number of different cosmetic problems, including:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Cracks, chips and damage to the enamel of the teeth
- Teeth that have an inconsistent thickness
- Poor alignment of teeth
- Improving the color of teeth
When it comes to finding the right cosmetic dental treatment for your teeth, it can be useful to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each. Here is our guide to the pros and cons of dental veneers.
Pros of choosing veneers
There are a number of reasons why patients frequently choose dental veneers.
Cover minor imperfections
The main reason why patients choose dental veneers is because they can cover minor imperfections on their teeth such as cracks and chips. They can also close small gaps between teeth.
Add strength to the teeth
Veneers act as a reinforcement for the existing enamel on the outside of your teeth, making them stronger and more durable.
Works when whitening cannot
Dental veneers are often chosen by patients who have found that whitening treatments have failed to produce the desired result. This is because veneers can be created in the shade of your choice, allowing patients to achieve a whiter and brighter smile.
Stain resistant
Dental veneers are also extremely stain resistant, protecting your teeth against inevitable discoloration and helping your smile look beautiful for longer.
Permanent
Dental veneers are attached to the outside of your enamel using a permanent adhesive, making them a great investment in your smile.
Cons of choosing veneers
Veneers are an extremely popular and successful solution, but there are still some considerations that you should make before choosing this treatment to address your cosmetic dental problems.
May be unsuitable for patients with bruxism
If you grind or clench your teeth at night you are probably suffering from bruxism. Unfortunately, veneers are not always a suitable solution for patients with bruxism as the involuntary action can cause damage to them. However, you may still be able to have veneers if you agree to wearing a mouthguard while you sleep. This acts as a barrier, preventing your teeth coming into contact with one another and damaging the veneers.
Require care
Many people subconsciously use their teeth as tools, relying on them to open things, or cut things. Other people bite their nails. All of these actions could cause your brittle veneers to become damaged, so extra care must be taken.
Irreversible
To fit dental veneers, it will be necessary for your dentist to file down some of the natural enamel on your teeth. This is irreversible, so once you have had dental veneers fitted, you will always require them.
Veneers can be the perfect cosmetic dental solution for many people, but this doesn’t make them automatically the best choice for everyone. If you would like to find out more about dental veneers, arrange an appointment with our Vero Beach dentists to discuss your candidacy.