If your outside smile isn’t the best reflection of your inside bright and shiny self, it may be time to consider porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are one way to bring whiter, brighter teeth into your life. Before diving in, it’s important to take the time to consider porcelain veneers pros and cons, as well as costs of these veneers.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a thin covering created for the front of your teeth (and sometimes as a crown for the back teeth). These coverings are made of porcelain and can be used not just for a brighter smile but also to slightly adjust the look of your teeth in terms of shape and position.

The procedure for porcelain veneers begins with a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. They will perform a “smile analysis” as they look at your current smile and make suggestions or recommendations. Some cosmetic dentists may be able to use cosmetic imaging to give you an idea of what your smile with porcelain veneers will look like.

Once you decide on porcelain veneers, your dentist will take molds of your teeth and prep the surface. To do this, they will remove a small amount of natural tooth material to ensure a tight and strong fit between the natural tooth and the porcelain veneer. Using a small amount of dental cement, your porcelain veneers will be attached and evaluated for fit and bite, and then you are on your way!

How do they differ from other types of veneers?

Porcelain veneers are not the only option when it comes to cosmetic teeth whitening.

Lumineers®

Lumineers® is the brand name of a ceramic veneer that is very similar to porcelain veneers. This type of veneer is even thinner than a porcelain veneer and can be placed without removing any of the natural tooth material.

Lumineers® are long-lasting and natural-looking but come at a cost. They are the most expensive cosmetic teeth whitening option.

Composite resin

Composite resin veneers are a lower-cost option that have many of the same benefits of porcelain veneers in terms of appearance and fit.

They do not last as long as porcelain veneers due to the type of material used. Still, these can be a good budget-friendly option.

Zirconia

Zirconia veneers are often used for patients with extreme tooth decay or damage.

With material that is potentially even stronger than porcelain veneers, this type of veneer can offer a more stable tooth structure for patients who have broken, decayed, or cracked teeth. Zirconia veneers can also be used for back teeth, where a tough biting and chewing surface is required.

Cosmetic tooth whitening

Another option for whiter teeth doesn’t involve veneers at all. Cosmetic tooth whitening, either in-home or at the dentist’s office – is perhaps the most affordable option for patients whose teeth are healthy, intact, and have only superficial staining or discoloration.

Tooth whitening is generally not available to patients who have already opted for veneers of any kind. Other factors that may disqualify patients from this procedure include:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Worn enamel
  • Deep stains that originate in the center of the teeth (intrinsic stains)

Teeth grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), however, may necessitate in-office whitening procedures as well.

What are porcelain veneers pros and cons?

Porcelain veneers can offer you a more beautiful smile in two dental visits over less than a month, but they aren’t for everyone in every situation. Benefits of porcelain veneers include:

  • Natural appearance
  • Durability
  • Stain resistance
  • Time

Natural appearance

The translucent quality of porcelain veneers give them an incredibly natural look. The light bouncing off the natural tooth material is reflective, giving even the most discolored teeth a natural glow.

Durable

When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last for decades. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are key.

Stain resistant

Just as with ceramic tiled countertops, the ceramic material of porcelain veneers means that potential stains brush off easily.

Nearly immediate

Instead of waiting for weeks for a beautiful smile, porcelain veneers can be fully applied in as few as two dental visits over a few weeks’ time.

Beauty, strength, and (nearly) instant gratification are all good reasons why porcelain veneers are the choice of many patients wanting whiter teeth.

What are downsides to porcelain veneers?

However, there are some downsides to this type of veneer. When looking at porcelain veneers pros and cons, some potential challenges include:

  • Permanence
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Repair
  • Cost

Here’s what you should consider.

Permanence

Because applying porcelain veneers requires removal of some of the natural tooth, these are considered permanent and irreversible. Once you remove enamel, keeping it exposed can lead to tooth decay and more staining, so once you commit to porcelain veneers, you cannot change your mind and leave teeth uncovered.

May increase tooth sensitivity

Removing enamel can increase the possibility of sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If this is something you already experience, veneers may make that more intense. Always work closely with an experienced dentist to help avoid this risk.

Damage

Although the possibility is slight, porcelain veneers can become chipped or cracked over time. In some cases, your dentist may be able to repair minor damage, but in others the entire veneer may need to be replaced.

Costs of porcelain veneers

The cost of any dental procedure varies wildly depending on the location, the dentist, and the extent of the procedure. Most insurance companies will not pay for cosmetic procedures, but many doctors will offer payment plans to help ease the financial burden.

There are many things to consider when choosing porcelain veneers. Weighing porcelain veneers pros and cons before you make your decision can help you get all the facts before you proceed.

Your veneers dentist in the Phoenix area is AZ Dentist. Get in touch today to see if porcelain veneers are the best option for your whiter, brighter smile!

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