Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made dental caps that are bonded only to the front surface of teeth. Veneers can be used to treat dental issues such as misshaped teeth, mildly chipped or damaged teeth, misaligned teeth, small gaps between teeth, and stained/discolored teeth.

How long do veneers last? With proper maintenance, veneers can last on average about 10 years.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Veneers?

Are veneers worth it? Yes, veneers can be worth it for some individuals. Good candidates for veneers include patients with good oral health who are interested in fixing minor cosmetic and functional issues with their teeth. Individuals with tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth grinding habits may not be recommended for dental veneers. Consult with your dentist to determine if veneers are right for your smile.

Different Types Of Veneers

Wondering how strong are veneers? This can depend on the type of material used for veneers. There are several different types of veneers, including:

Porcelain Veneers:

Front teeth veneers are usually made from porcelain. Porcelain is a durable and stain-resistant veneer that most closely resembles your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers tend to last on average between 10–12 years.

Composite Veneers:

Composite veneers are made from composite resin and are typically significantly cheaper than porcelain veneers. However, composite veneers tend to be less stain resistant and less durable than porcelain, with an average lifespan of 4-8 years.

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Why do people get veneers? Veneers are a great option for people looking to improve the look and function of their smile. But, there are several dental veneers pros and cons that should be taken into consideration. In this article we will dive into potential benefits and risks of dental veneers.

Pros Of Veneers

There are numerous positives to dental veneers , including:

Pro 1: Effective Solution for Minor Cracks

Dental veneers can camouflage minor cracks and provide a layer of protection from further damage to your teeth.

Pro 2: Natural Appearance and Feel

Veneers are custom-made to resemble the natural color and shape of your teeth. Their smooth texture is also designed to be comfortable.

Pro 3: Maintains Your Natural Bite

Dental veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth, leaving the back side of your teeth and bite unaffected.

Pro 4: Easy to Maintain

With proper oral hygiene and dental maintenance, your veneers are easy to maintain to preserve their longevity.

Pro 5: Boosted Confidence in Your Smile

Veneers enhance your natural-looking smile, which can boost your confidence and overall well-being.

Cons Of Veneers

Are veneers bad for your teeth? Here are potential drawbacks of dental veneers:

Con 1: Risk of Detachment

Veneers do not last forever, even with proper maintenance. Factors such as poor bonding techniques, excessive pressure, weakened tooth structure, or habits like teeth clenching or grinding can influence the risk of veneer detachment.

Con 2: Potential for Color Inconsistency

Unlike natural teeth, veneers are largely resistant to stains and discoloration. This can cause your veneer to potentially stand out against your natural teeth, as your natural teeth are susceptible to discoloration over time.

Con 3: Increased Sensitivity

You may be wondering, ‘do veneers hurt?’ Not all people experience sensitivity with veneers, however teeth sensitivity is a possible long term effect of veneers. Teeth sensitivity can be increased due to enamel removal to prepare for veneers, nerve irritation, or bite issues resulting from veneers.

Con 4: High Cost

Dental veneers can be costly, ranging on average between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. The cost of veneers can vary depending on your dentist’s expertise and location, the veneer material used, and the number of teeth being restored. Many dental insurance plans do not offer veneer coverage for cosmetic purposes.

No-Prep And Minimal-Prep Veneers Explained

Are veneers permanent? Most veneers are permanent, with the exceptions of removable and no-prep veneers. No-prep veneers are bonded directly to the front surface of the teeth without removing any dental enamel. This type of veneer is typically very thin and made from composite resin, making it lack durability and be more susceptible to staining.

Minimal-prep veneers require only a small amount of enamel removal to allow for better retention of the veneers. Minimal-prep veneers are typically made from porcelain, which is a great option for those looking for a thicker, more durable and stain-resistant option.

Removable Dental Veneers

Removable dental veneers, sometimes referred to as snap-on veneers, may also be used to improve the appearance of your smile. Like traditional veneers, removable veneers can cover teeth chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and other teeth abnormalities. However, removable veneers do not require enamel removal and can be taken on and off similar to a retainer. Removable veneers typically have an unnatural appearance and may make eating and speaking difficult due to their unideal fit. Removable veneers last on average between 1–5 years.

Can Veneers Be Used to Replace Old Crowns?

No, veneers cannot be used to replace old crowns. In general, old crowns would need to be replaced by a new crown. This is because the tooth enamel is prepared extensively for crowns to fit over the entire tooth, which involves the removal of enamel from all surfaces of the tooth. On the other hand, veneers only cover the front surface of teeth and are not meant to withstand the same amount of pressure that crowns can. If you are looking to replace an old crown, speak with your dentist about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential drawbacks of veneers?

There are some potential disadvantages associated with veneers. For instance, veneers can be costly, and in many cases are not covered by dental insurance plans. Veneers also require irreversible removal of dental enamel for their preparation, and they may need to be replaced after their average lifespan of 5-15 years. Veneers may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with active gum disease, extensive tooth decay or damage, or those with certain oral habits like teeth grinding. Speak with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for veneers and to discuss the potential pros and cons of veneers.

Is it possible to return to your natural teeth after getting veneers?

In most cases, veneer placement requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel, which is irreversible. In some cases, however, no-prep veneers may be used which can be bonded to the front surface of teeth without enamel removal, allowing your teeth to remain natural after they are placed.

What happens to the teeth beneath the veneers?

Once you have decided on veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel on the tooth’s front surface to prepare for the veneer. The veneer will then be bonded to your prepared tooth. If not maintained properly, your tooth may be more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity. In addition, the backside of your teeth and areas in-between teeth are still susceptible to damage as well. Proper brushing and flossing is necessary to prevent damage to your teeth with veneers.

How can you tell if someone has veneers?

Although veneers are designed to resemble your natural teeth, you may be able to tell the difference between natural teeth and veneers based on slight color and texture differences. Natural teeth tend to have some roughness in texture and absorb stains from foods and beverages, unlike veneers.

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