Are you considering getting veneers? If so, there are a few things you should know before getting veneers. In this blog post, we will detail 10 important things you should consider before undertaking this cosmetic procedure.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a dental procedure which uses thin, custom-made shells to cover the front surface of your teeth with the aim to give you a new smile, correct dental concerns like discoloured teeth and improve your self confidence. They are made of porcelain or composite resin. Veneers can be used to change the colour, shape, size, or length of your teeth and can also be used to close gaps between existing teeth. Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable and natural-looking than composite veneers, so this article will focus on porcelain veneers.
What are the 10 key considerations when getting porcelain veneers?
1.Cost
Porcelain veneers are not cheap as the cosmetic dentistry process for veneers is extensive. Porcelain veneers cost up to $2000 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer and the dentist you see. Insurance usually does not cover the cost of veneers.
2.Durability
Porcelain veneers are very durable and can last for many years with proper care and good oral hygiene. However, they are not indestructible. Playing contact sports, biting down on hard objects or having bruxism (teeth grinding) are common explanations for broken veneers. If your dental veneers crack or break you should contact your dentist immediately.
3.Change your habits
If you have habits that could damage your dental veneers, you will need to change them. For example, if you bite your nails or chew on ice, you will need to stop. These habits can damage the dental veneers and cause them to break or chip.
4.Maintenance is required
Even though porcelain veneers are durable, they still require some maintenance. You will need to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to maintain your oral health.
5.Requires multiple dentist visits
The process to get porcelain veneers usually requires multiple dentist visits. The first visit is for consultation and the second and future visits are for the dental procedures and maintenance.
6.They are not suitable for everyone
Porcelain veneers are not suitable for everyone. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental problems, dental veneers may not be right for you. However if your issue is misaligned teeth, discoloured teeth or a broken tooth the dental veneer process can be a permanent solution to give you a perfect smile.
7.How many dental veneers would I need?
You do not have to have porcelain veneers on all your teeth. You can choose to have veneers on just your front teeth or your visible teeth. Whichever teeth you choose, the porcelain veneers will be custom made to match your natural teeth.
8.They do not have to look fake
Porcelain veneers can be made to look very natural and like your other teeth. Your dentist will work with you to match the shape and colour perfectly to suit your beautiful smile and facial expressions.
9.They don’t last forever
Although veneers are durable, even permanent ones will eventually need to be replaced. The average lifespan of veneers is about 10-15 years, but this can vary depending on how well you take care of them.
10.Your natural tooth may be damaged
Veneers work by placing a thin layer of porcelain over your natural teeth and as such the natural teeth may be damaged during the procedure. The procedure for having veneers applied involves your dentist removing a very thin layer of tooth enamel from your natural teeth before placing the veneers. This can cause sensitivity and pain for some people as the veneer adheres to the tooth underneath.
Are you considering dental veneers? Contact Kangaroo Point Dental.
If you think porcelain veneers might be a good option for your dental needs, be sure to book a consultation with an experienced dentist to discuss the best course of action. At Kangaroo Point Dental, we can help you achieve the natural smile you’ve always wanted and help to improve your self esteem.