Veneers – The Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Everybody wants a radiant smile. In recent years, veneers have exploded in popularity, and it seems that celebrities and coworkers alike are scrambling to get the treatment done.

Veneers are one of the best ways to restore a vibrant smile. With a variety of options, it can be intimidating to do the research and find out what procedure and what material might be right for you.

In this article, we will cover the different types of veneers and the pros and cons of getting the procedure. Finally, we will provide some alternative treatment options.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, acrylic or ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers are designed to correct stained, chipped, decayed, or crooked teeth. The veneers are fitted in a process that involves an evaluation, shaving down the teeth, and the application of custom-made veneers by a dentist.

What are the Two Types of Veneers?

There are two primary types of veneers, and we will explore each below.

Ceramic Veneers

Ceramic veneers take more time, typically 5 business days, and are more expensive. The ceramic veneers are translucent, similar to the outer surface of natural teeth, and offer unmatched aesthetics. Ceramic veneers are more durable, lasting up to 20 years, and are resistant to chipping and staining. If damaged, ceramic veneers must be replaced.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are the less expensive of the two materials and can be completed quickly in 1-2 business days. An acrylic material, composite veneers can be applied by a dentist in a single visit and are simply checked in a follow-on appointment. While cheaper, composite veneers last 4-8 years, are more prone to chipping and staining and don’t appear as natural as ceramic veneers. If damaged, however, composite veneers can be repaired.

Veneers Pros

There are many benefits that can come from getting veneers. From increased self-esteem to increased romantic and professional opportunities, we’ve outlined some of those benefits below.

Self Esteem: Veneers provide immediate and long-lasting improvements to a person’s smile. This increases self-confidence that can lead to more romantic and professional opportunities. Being able to smile confidently on a date or in a job opportunity has much the same outcome: increased odds of success.

Simple and safe: Getting veneers involves the shaving down of enamel and the placement of the prosthetic, but the associated risk of the procedure is very low. Local anesthetic prevents the patient from feeling pain during the procedure, and there is a low risk of complications.

Natural-looking results: Unlike other cosmetic procedures, veneers offer a powerful but subtle improvement to your appearance. Unlike plastic surgery, unless you tell people, most will never guess that you got dental veneers. They will just assume that you have a gorgeous and infectious smile.

At home or abroad: One of the best things about veneers is that there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to have the treatment. Prices in places like the US and Canada can be as high as $1,600-2000 USD per tooth. That’s why travelling abroad to get veneers in Mexico for example, is such a popular choice. In Mexico, the quality of care is just as high as at home; but it’s offered at a fraction of the price.

Veneers Cons

While there are certainly many positive reasons to get veneers, it is important to be aware of the cons. Keep these in mind as you continue your research and even after you’ve gotten the procedure

Irreversible: The process of getting veneers involves shaving down the enamel on teeth receiving the treatment. Once your enamel is shaved off, you will need to have veneers for the rest of your life since enamel does not grow back. If possible, you should consider less invasive options at first like orthodontics or teeth whitening.

Expensive: Dental veneers can be very expensive, particularly in wealthy countries like the United States and Canada. It can be tempting to opt for the less expensive, composite option since prices can be truly ridiculous.

Ongoing Maintenance: If you thought you could stop brushing and caring for your teeth once you got veneers, I have some unfortunate news for you. Even though you’ve gotten veneers, you will need to continue your oral hygiene routine in order to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Composite veneers can stain, and harmful bacteria can still cause your teeth to decay.

Alternatives to Veneers

Veneers are not the best treatment option for everyone, and before you get the procedure, you should consider several other options with your dentist. Keep these procedures in mind as you continue your research:

Teeth Whitening: Whitening can remove surface stains and beautify your smile without the need for removing the enamel on the front of your teeth. If you have miscolored teeth, consider this as the least invasive and most conservative option to restore your smile.

Braces: veneers can’t correct anything but the most minor gaps in a smile. For crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth, your best bet may be invisible braces or traditional orthodontics.