Are you considering improving your smile with porcelain veneers? These dental treatments are growing in popularity, and they are a convenient and sometimes cost-effective way to achieve a flawless smile.
Veneer Marick Heymann, head of Heymann Dental in Bend, Oregon, shares his insights into the pros and cons of porcelain veneers and reveals how patients can determine whether they are right for them.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Paper-thin porcelain shells that are custom-fitted to fit over the natural tooth, porcelain veneers are a permanent solution to cosmetic dentistry issues such as chip or discolored teeth. They are popular since they offer a minimally invasive and comfortable way to improve smiles without needing extensive dental work.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
The appeal of porcelain veneers are that they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. They also require less of the natural tooth to be removed than dental crowns, and they are less prone to staining. Once placed, they require little to no maintenance.
The cons of porcelain veneers include the fact that they are permanent, and they can be sensitive to high pressure like biting down on hard foods, and they are an expensive option.
Bend’s Respected Cosmetic Dentist Shares How Patients Can Decide If Porcelain Veneers Are Right for Them
For patients who are unsure if porcelain veneers are right for them, Bend’s top cosmetic dentist offers some tips to help them make an informed decision. Firstly, consider getting a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, as many offer free consultations. Discuss your needs and concerns with the dentist and get an assessment of whether they are a good candidate for veneers.
Veneer Heymann also advises patients to be prepared for a commitment, as veneers are not reversible once placed. Since they are a permanent solution, patients must be confident that veneers are what they want. Also, keep in mind that since they are non-refundable and often expensive, it’s important to consider the cost.
Other Options Besides Veneers
If veneers aren’t the right option for you, there are several other options that can be used to improve smiles. Veneer Marick Heymann recommends bonding, crowns, and tooth whitening. Bonding covers up chips and stains and can last up to 10 years. Crowns can also cover up chips or irreversible discoloration and also last around 10 years. Tooth whitening uses a bleaching solution to remove extrinsic stains from the teeth.
The Bottom Line
Veneer Marick Heymann advises patients to reserve judgment until they get a consultation. Since all patients have different needs and a different treatment plan can be created for each, it’s important to get information directly from a cosmetic dentist before making a decision. Remember that veneers are a permanent solution, so it’s important to thoroughly explore all options and discuss whether or not they are right for you.