Your smile is the first thing people notice, and having a set of white, straight teeth can boost your confidence in both personal and professional settings.
If you are dissatisfied with your smile, you may be considering veneers as an option. But are veneers the right choice for you?
There is a common misconception that veneers are bad for your teeth. Media scare stories have fed this myth by reporting on people visiting under-qualified practitioners in countries with questionable practices. However, if you choose an experienced, fully qualified cosmetic dentist, veneers can provide an excellent solution to those with chipped, discoloured, uneven, or misshapen teeth.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the pros and cons of veneers to help you determine whether they’re the best solution for you.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They are used in cosmetic dentistry to help with:
- Discoloured or stained teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are uneven, misshapen, or misaligned
Veneers are popular as they offer a natural look and improve the aesthetics of your smile. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and there are several factors that might influence whether veneers are the right choice for you.
At Indigo Dental in Leeds, we offer a veneer treatment system called SmileFast, which involves taking clinical photographs and digital scans of your teeth which are sent to a central laboratory. There, the latest 3D planning technology is used to prepare the materials needed to achieve your perfect smile. This is sent directly to us at Indigo Dental where we can place up to six teeth in just one application. Most SmileFast Direct composite smile makeovers can be completed in less than an hour, offering a cost-effective veneer option.
What are the benefits of veneers?
Veneers are a versatile and effective cosmetic dental treatment that offer several advantages:
1. Natural appearance
Veneers look just like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to mimic the light-reflecting properties of real teeth, offering a truly natural appearance. When applied correctly by a skilled cosmetic dentist, veneers blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, enhancing your smile without it looking artificial.
2. Stain resistance
Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, which means your smile can remain bright and white for years, even if you enjoy heavily staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine. Composite veneers, while not as resistant as porcelain, can also offer protection against discolouration.
3. Durability
Porcelain veneers are very durable and can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Composite veneers, while less durable, can last between 5 and 7 years. This longevity makes veneers a great long-term investment in your smile, as they resist wear and tear better than some other cosmetic treatments. Veneers can even protect worn teeth from further damage.
4. Tailor made
We tailor each veneer to the unique shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. You will work with your cosmetic dentist to create a smile that’s aesthetically pleasing to you and complements your facial features.
Who are veneers suitable for?
While veneers have clear benefits, they are not necessarily the right treatment choice for everyone. Several factors come into play when determining whether you’re a good candidate for veneers:
1. Cosmetic dental concerns
Veneers are ideal if you want to address cosmetic imperfections. If you have stained, chipped, misshapen, or slightly crooked teeth and are looking for a quick fix, veneers might be the perfect solution. They cover up imperfections, providing a uniform, bright, and straight smile.
However, if you have severe misalignment or bite issues, you may require orthodontic treatment such as ClearCorrect or Invisalign first. Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth, but they won’t correct functional dental problems like misalignment or occlusion (how your teeth come together).
2. Good oral health
Before getting veneers, it’s crucial to have a healthy foundation. You must address underlying issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or weak tooth enamel first. Veneers are purely cosmetic – not a treatment for dental health issues. Placing veneers on unhealthy teeth can exacerbate existing problems, leading to complications down the road.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums before proceeding with veneers to ensure that your oral health is in good shape.
3. Enamel thickness
Veneers require the removal of a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This is necessary to make room for the veneer and to ensure a proper fit and natural appearance. If you have thin enamel or have previously undergone other procedures that have compromised the strength of your enamel, veneers may not be the best choice for you.
There are also minimal-preparation veneers (also known as non-invasive veneers) that don’t require as much enamel removal, but they are typically less durable and are not be suitable for everyone. Your dentist will help you decide if you have enough healthy enamel to support traditional veneers.
4. Commitment to long-term care
Veneers are a permanent solution because once enamel is removed, it cannot be restored. You must be fully committed to maintaining your veneers and following proper dental hygiene practices to ensure their longevity. Poor oral care can lead to problems like gum disease, which could compromise your veneers.
While porcelain veneers are highly durable, they can still chip or crack if subjected to excessive force, just as teeth can. If you have habits such as nail-biting, chewing on pens, or grinding your teeth, you’ll need to address these behaviours to avoid damaging your veneers.
Are there any downsides to veneers?
While veneers come with benefits and also offer numerous benefits, they also come with some potential downsides that should be considered:
1. Irreversibility
The veneer procedure is irreversible. Once enamel is removed to place the veneer, you cannot get it back. If the veneer is damaged or removed in the future, you’ll need to replace it. This makes veneers a lifelong commitment, so you must be sure about your decision.
2. Cost
Veneers are not a low-cost option. While composite veneers offer a less expensive alternative to porcelain, they don’t last as long. Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like veneers, however, some clinics will offer a discount if you are a member of their patient plan. For example, at Indigo Dental we offer 20% off both composite and porcelain veneers to members of our Private Membership Plan. Veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment and are not available free of charge with an NHS dentist.
3. Sensitivity
Some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. This sensitivity is usually temporary, but for some, it can persist. Sensitivity occurs because a layer of enamel is removed, exposing the dentin, which can make your teeth more responsive to hot or cold temperatures. If you have pre-existing sensitivity, discuss it with your dentist.
4. Chipping and wear
Porcelain veneers are durable, but not indestructible. They can chip, crack, or wear down over time just like teeth, especially if you grind your teeth or bite into hard objects. If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your veneers while you sleep.
What are the alternatives to veneers?
If veneers don’t seem like the right fit for you, don’t worry. There are several alternative treatments to consider.
1. Teeth whitening
If discolouration is your primary concern, professional teeth whitening may be all you need. Whitening is a much less invasive procedure than veneers and can effectively brighten your smile. However, it won’t fix other issues like chips or gaps.
2. Orthodontics
For those with very misaligned or crooked teeth, orthodontic treatments like ClearCorrect or Invisalign may be the best option. These treatments can straighten your teeth without the need for veneers, although the process typically takes longer. You can read more about these teeth straightening options and how they differ from each other in our blog post here.
3. Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a more affordable and less invasive alternative to veneers. Here, a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the tooth, shaped, and polished to improve its appearance. Bonding is great for minor imperfections, but it’s not as durable or long-lasting as veneers.
4. Crowns
Crowns may be a better option than veneers if teeth are badly damaged or decayed. They cover the entire tooth, offering both cosmetic improvement and protection. However, crowns require more tooth reduction than veneers.
In summary
Veneers can be a fantastic option for transforming your smile, but are not right for everyone. If you have healthy teeth and gums, enough enamel, and can commit to proper care, veneers could be right for you. This is why it’s is important to have them applied by an experienced, well qualified cosmetic dentist you trust.
At our clinic in Wortley, Leeds, veneers are a popular treatment with patients who want to improve cosmetic issues with their teeth, and our dentists are passionate about providing natural, long lasting veneers. With the right professional advice, you can make the best choice for your smile and your overall dental health, whether that be veneers or one of the other cosmetic dental treatments available.