Should You Get Porcelain Veneers? The Pros and Cons

by | May 31, 2018

You’ve likely seen actors, musicians, and other celebrities on TV with dazzling white smiles. But chances are, they weren’t born with perfect teeth. Often, those pearly whites are actually porcelain veneers.
While many people in Hendricks County may want to have a movie star smile, veneers aren’t for everyone. Therefore, you need to weigh the pros and cons of veneers to determine if they’re right for you.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain ceramic. They’re used to change the size, color, and/or shape of your tooth. Veneers can correct:

  • Chipped or broken teeth.
  • Misshaped teeth.
  • Discolored teeth that can’t be whitened.
  • Gaps between the teeth.
  • Other dental issues that result in the loss of self-confidence.

Porcelain veneers are custom made to fit the size and shape of your teeth. Dr. Jon Erickson of Danville Family Dentistry applies the veneers to the top and front surfaces of your existing teeth using a special tooth-colored cement. Ultraviolet light is used to harden this cement and create a strong bond.
Veneers are a permanent treatment. Therefore, you need to consider the pros and cons before you decide to have the procedure.

The Pros of Veneers

Some of the advantages of getting veneers include:

  • They can improve your smile’s appearance by fixing minor cosmetic dental problems, giving you greater self-confidence.
  • Veneers can replace tooth enamel that’s been worn away from overzealous tooth brushing or acidic foods and drinks.
  • Veneers are very natural looking. Your friends and family in Hendricks County won’t be able to tell the difference between your veneers and your teeth.
  • You can select the tooth color you want. You can choose a whiter, dazzling shade, or you can go with a hue closer to your natural color.
  • Veneers don’t require any special maintenance. You just brush and floss like you normally do.
  • They’re stain-resistant. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about coffee, tea, wine, or nicotine discoloring your veneers.
  • Veneers require only two treatment visits.

The Cons of Veneers

Besides being an irreversible procedure, other disadvantages of veneers include:

  • The porcelain is prone to chipping and cracking. Therefore, if you bite your nails, grind your teeth, or chew on ice regularly, veneers may not be for you – unless you can change your habits.
  • The color of your veneers may not match that of your natural teeth over time, leading to awkward differences in your smile. However, Dr. Erickson can stay on top of this issue to make sure your smile looks consistent.
  • Your teeth under the veneer can still decay. Therefore, you may still need root canals and crowns later. If you have a history of weakened tooth enamel, gum disease, or other dental issues, veneers may not be right for you.
  • You may have increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers.
  • Veneers need to be replaced after 7 to 15 years.
  • Veneers are costly. Generally, the price can range between $1,000 to $2,000 for each veneer. Since it’s considered a cosmetic treatment, the procedure typically isn’t covered by dental insurance.

If you’re interested in getting porcelain veneers, schedule an appointment at Danville Family Dentistry’s Hendricks County office by calling 317-745-4400. Dr. Erickson can assess your teeth and determine if veneers would be a good option for you based on your oral health. If you have any questions about the pros and cons of veneers, be sure to discuss them with him, too. Porcelain veneers can be a simple, yet effective, solution to obtaining a beautiful smile.