Many people worry about their physical image, especially when it comes to their face and their smile. The more self-conscious of us tend to want to take corrective measures to ensure their smile is optimized for the whitest, brightest teeth. One option they have to create the smile they’ve always wanted is with veneers.
Dental veneers are an easy way to address a variety of aesthetic and physical issues with their thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain fixtures that are cemented to the front surfaces of your natural teeth. They can change the size, shape, and color of your teeth if they are discolored, chipped, broken, or irregularly shaped. And they can come in porcelain, composite, instant, and removable styles.
But veneers are not for everyone. Because they are a permanent fixture, it’s important to discuss this option with your dentist and weigh the pros and cons of veneers to determine if they are worth it.
Veneer PROS:
- Natural looking teeth: The porcelain fixture closely resembles tooth enamel, reflecting light much in the same way as natural teeth.
- Whiten your smile: Veneers are largely stain-resistant, affording you less worry over discoloration or further whitening of your veneers.
- Fix minor cosmetic problems: While some opt for braces or other corrective procedures, veneers attach to your natural tooth enamel and mask any existing orthodontic problems. They can also further protect your natural enamel while covered.
- Longevity and durability: As long as you care for your veneers properly, they can last anywhere from 10-20 years before replacements are needed.
- Instant results: Don’t worry about multiple dentist appointments or time for this process to develop; the results are instant and the process is minimally invasive.
Veneer CONS:
- High cost: Price will vary by a dentist, location, and quantity of teeth being restored, but typically a single veneer can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, veneer installation is not typically covered by dental insurance plans.
- Susceptible to damage: If you take care of your teeth routinely and properly, the damage is unlikely to occur. But there is still a possibility of chipping, breaking, and detachment. Though they can be replaced, the process must be repeated, making it costly.
- Increased sensitivity: Because some enamel is chipped away to make room for veneers, your teeth could become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Often this is only temporary, and there are dental products that can help to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
- Irreversible procedure: Because some enamel is removed to fit the veneers in, this procedure permanently restructures your teeth. There is no going back once this occurs.
Contact Us For Veneers in North Andover, MA
Dr. Wu and our staff at Aesthetic Family Dentistry provide a full spectrum of dental care. We work closely with each of our patients to customize individual treatment plans that successfully meet their personal needs. Contact us today to learn more about the pros and cons of veneers or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!