Ceramic veneers can be a good option for patients with misshapen, damaged, stained, or misaligned teeth. A thin ceramic layer is cemented upon the front of each tooth. This is to improve the appearance of your smile and protect the surface of your teeth. At Providence Dental Spa, we offer a variety of restorative options for your teeth, including permanent veneers. Explore the pros and cons of veneers to see if they may be a good fit for your smile.
How Veneers Work
The veneer process conserves your existing teeth by only requiring a thin layer to be removed. Once removed, our team will take impressions of your teeth, so the customized veneers fit properly. Depending on your situation, you can use temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready. When your customized permanent veneers are ready, we will tweak them to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural appearance. Before the veneers are cemented on the surface of your teeth, your teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched for proper bonding. We use a curing light to set the veneers after the cementing process is complete.
The Benefits of Veneers
- Natural Appearance—Ceramic porcelain looks and feels very similar to your teeth’ natural enamel. Veneers are a popular restorative option because they look like real teeth.
- Stain Resistance—The surface of ceramic porcelain is very smooth and resistant to permanent staining. There is no need to worry about common stains like cigarettes, coffee, or wine.
- Customization—Veneers are shaped to fit naturally with your teeth. They can also be colored to brighten up your smile.
- Long-Lasting—Porcelain veneers often last up to fifteen years in comparison to the seven-year lifespan of composite veneers.
- Confidence—Having gaps, misaligned teeth, or significant discoloration can be hard on anyone’s self-esteem. Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, so you will want to smile again.
The Downside of Veneers
- Cost—Veneers are a long-term investment in your smile. Since you are paying for each veneer, the cost can add up if you need quite a few to achieve your improved smile. Investing in your smile is worthwhile even if the upfront cost seems high because of the long-lasting value.
- Permanent—Because veneers are cemented to your teeth, they cannot be easily removed. Since your teeth have been prepared for the veneer, you will need to fix or replace the veneers if damage occurs. Permanent veneers are durable, but they are not entirely impervious to damage from hard foods, teeth grinding, etc.
- Sensitivity—Although not common, some patients report temperature sensitivity after receiving veneers. This is possible because of the layer of enamel being removed from your teeth, but this is not the most likely outcome.
If you are considering permanent veneers, schedule a consultation with us at Providence Dental Spa. We can answer all your questions and determine if veneers would be the right restorative choice for you.