Pros and Cons of Veneers

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Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry option that can cover up many imperfections on your teeth. Comparing the pros and cons of veneers can help you decide if they'll work for you.

Veneers are custom-made covers that fit perfectly over your real teeth. They're thin shells made from either composite or porcelain that cover the front of your teeth. Your dentist customizes the shells to fit your teeth precisely. To attach them, they have to remove a thin layer of your tooth enamel and bond the veneers to your teeth using special dental cement. Veneers are different from crowns in that they only cover the fronts of your teeth. Crowns cover the whole tooth.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Getting Veneers?

Getting veneers can have benefits and drawbacks. To fully understand how they work and make your decision, it's important to look at the pros and cons of veneers.

Pros of Dental Veneers

Veneers can help you get the improved look you want. Here are some pros of choosing veneers when you have cosmetic concerns about your teeth:

• Hidden imperfections: Veneers can cover up lots of issues, such as discolored teeth, misshapen teeth, chips, cracks, gaps and small teeth. It can give you a more consistent look and cover the issues that make you feel self-conscious about your smile.
• Natural looking: Your dentist takes molds of your teeth for a precise fit. Veneers look like real teeth, so you can have a natural-looking smile. If you only get veneers on certain teeth, the natural look helps them blend in with the rest of your teeth.
• Fast results: You don't have to wait long to see the results. You can typically get veneers in about two visits.
• No downtime: Once your veneers are in place, you can go about your day like normal. It shouldn't interfere with eating, drinking or any other activities.
• Easy care: Veneers don't require any special care. You can treat them like your natural teeth when it comes to dental care.
• Stain resistant: While veneers can stain, they tend to resist discoloration more than your natural teeth. This can help you maintain a whiter smile.
• Long lasting: Veneers typically last at least five to 10 years if you take good care of them, but they could last longer. At that point, you'll need to have them replaced.

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Cons of Dental Veneers

It's easy to focus on the pros of teeth veneers, but it's also a good idea to look at the cons of veneers. Being aware of the potential drawbacks can help you decide if they're worth it to get pretty teeth. Here are some cons of veneers for teeth:

• Permanent option: To prepare for veneers, your dentist removes some of your tooth enamel. This procedure can't be reversed. That means you'll have veneers for the rest of your life, so it's important that you're committed to this cosmetic dentistry solution.
• Not always an option: If your teeth are extremely damaged, veneers might not be an option. They typically work for minor cosmetic issues. More severe damage might require dental crowns or other restorative options.
• Potential for damage: While veneers are typically strong and long-lasting, they can chip or crack. Your dentist will need to repair or replace the veneer if this happens.
• Tooth sensitivity: Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity due to the enamel being removed.
• Cost: Veneers can be costly. They can range from $925 to $2,500 (CAD 1,242 to CAD 3,357) for each tooth. This can add up quickly if you get veneers on multiple teeth.
• Lack of insurance coverage: Since veneers are cosmetic, your dental insurance probably won't cover the costs. That means you'll pay for the veneers completely out of pocket.
• Replacements: While veneers are long-lasting, you'll need to have them replaced eventually. You might need to have them replaced multiple times over your lifetime.

Looking at the pros and cons of veneers can help you decide if you should pursue this option. However, your dentist is the best resource for helping you decide if you should get veneers. They can assess your specific situation and decide whether you're a good candidate for them.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.