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Porcelain Veneers as an Alternative to Braces? Exploring Your Options in Bend

Living in Bend means you get to enjoy beautiful weather, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community. There are also many excellent dental practices in Bend that can help you to keep your oral health in peak condition. In particular, a common reason people visit the dentist is to fix their crooked, misaligned teeth. One of the most popular solutions to this problem is braces, but another option is to use porcelain veneers. In this article, we’ll discuss what porcelain veneers are, the pros and cons of using them, as well as what to consider if you decide this is the best course for you.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Purchased from the dentist and then applied by them, porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of dental-grade porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They can be used to change the shape, size, and color of the teeth, and to cover up natural tooth abnormalities, which is why they’re such a popular cosmetic treatment. They can even be used as an alternative to braces as they can effectively close the gaps between teeth without the need for brackets or wires. Porcelain veneers can also be used to fix chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Pros:

Fast and Convenient: One of the biggest advantages to using porcelain veneers is that the treatment is incredibly quick and straightforward. Once your dentist has determined you’re a candidate for veneers, the treatment typically only takes three to four visits to complete. You’ll be out of the office in no time, with a beautiful new smile.

Long-Lasting: Porcelain veneers are an extremely durable solution to crooked teeth, in fact they can last up to 15 years if proper care is taken. For the price, this is an excellent value. Plus, once you’ve opted for porcelain veneers, you can enjoy a beautiful, straight smile for years to come.

Natural-Looking Appearance: Porcelain veneers are made from a highly stain-resistant material, so you can expect them to maintain their natural-looking color for years. They are also extremely thin, so they blend in well with your surrounding teeth, making them incredibly difficult to detect.

Cons:

Price: The main drawback to porcelain veneers is definitely the cost. The treatment can be quite expensive, depending on how many veneers you need and the procedures involved. This is certainly something to keep in mind as you consider your options.

Irreversible: Another con of porcelain veneers is that the treatment is not reversible. Since a layer of enamel is removed from the natural tooth to make room for the veneer, the procedure cannot be undone.

Things to Consider

When considering veneers as an alternative to braces, there are a few things you should think about. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that your teeth and gums are in good condition before going through with the treatment. If there are any cavities, teeth may need to be filled before proceeding, and if the gums are not healthy, the veneers may not hold up well. It is also important to factor in your smile goals, as well as your budget. It’s essential to talk with your dentist about the pros and cons of each type of treatment so that you can make the right decision for your teeth and your wallet.

Conclusion

Porcelain veneers are an extremely popular, and effective way to straighten, beautify, and even out teeth. They can be used as an affordable, and more discreet alternative to braces, and can last for up to 15 years with the proper care. If you’re interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, please don’t hesitate to call Bend Smiles at (541) 389-2885 and we’d be happy to talk with you about the amazing results you could achieve with porcelain veneers.