Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment option for patients who are currently dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile. Aesthetic issues are corrected through the porcelain veneer procedure by bonding the veneer (which is a thin resin made of either composite or porcelain) to the front surface of your tooth using dental cement.
If you have felt conscious about your smile for any of the following reasons, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers.
* Misaligned
* Worn-down
* Chipped
* Discolored
* Injured in an accident
* Affected by disease or decay
* Irregularly shaped
* Crooked
To learn more about porcelain veneers and whether you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers, please refer to the following.
Benefits of Veneers
There are many benefits associated with porcelain veneers, some of the biggest of which are:
* Safe, effective, and easy way to whiten your smile: Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers are far less porous and resistant to staining when exposed to stain-causing foods or beverages, like coffee, red wine, or blueberries.
* Easy fix to minor cosmetic issues: Porcelain veneers are one of the most common types of cosmetic procedures performed and can provide nearly instant results in correcting issues related to discoloration, misalignment, gaps, cracks, and/or chips. Best of all, the porcelain veneer procedure can correct all of these issues without altering the position of your natural teeth.
* Replaces enamel that has been damaged: Tooth enamel may be damaged due to a number of factors, such as dietary impact, aggressive brushing, and even due to acid reflux disease. While enamel cannot naturally regenerate, porcelain veneers are a safe and effective way to replace enamel that has been damaged or lost.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Veneers
While porcelain veneers can be a wonderful treatment option for some patients, there are some drawbacks to this procedure which are important to keep in mind, such as the following:
* Cost of treatment: Compared to other veneer options, porcelain veneers are a more expensive option, with an average cost of $1,300. Cost of treatment can be especially a point of concern among some patients because the porcelain veneers procedure is not typically covered under dental insurance plans.
* Sensitivity: It is common for some patients to experience extreme sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, especially the first few days following the procedure, but this sensitivity typically resolves itself within one week.
* No impact on functionality: While porcelain veneers can make a tremendous difference in the aesthetic appearance of your smile, they will not correct any serious orthodontic issues.
* Irreversible procedure: One of the biggest things to keep in mind if you are considering porcelain veneers is that the procedure involves shaving enamel prior to bonding the veneer. As such, the porcelain veneer procedure is irreversible, and you will need to have a new restoration placed at least every ten years or with greater frequency if you go with a different material for your veneers.