Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

When teeth are crooked or overlapping, our first inclination may be to believe that orthodontic treatment is necessary. Sometimes, this is true. There are degrees of misalignment that need to be fully and physically corrected by moving teeth into a better position. In some cases, however, we may be able to correct the appearance of crooked teeth using porcelain veneers.

What Types Of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?

Cosmetic veneer treatment for crooked teeth can achieve quite a bit for your smile, and even your oral health:

  • Tooth Shape : One of the aspects of veneer treatment that is so special is that it takes into account the overall shape and size of the teeth in question. To correct an overlap or misalignment, including turning, it may be necessary to cover more than one tooth. This is because we want each tooth to have a nice overall size, width, and shape at the end of the cosmetic process.
  • Vibrancy : Just because veneers may originally be intended for the correction of some degree of misalignment doesn’t mean we have to color match to the existing shade of enamel. Many patients undergo teeth whitening treatment before the fabrication of porcelain veneers so natural enamel and veneers all shine as bright as their inner personality. Because it is unlikely that porcelain will dull over time, veneers act as the new baseline shade for future maintenance.
  • Facial Symmetry : Addressing cosmetic flaws in the smile does a lot for the face as a whole. This is because more teeth may show in the smile when teeth no longer appear crowded. When each tooth is properly spaced, sized, and shaped, the proportion of teeth to gums to lips all changes for the better.
  • Multiple Improvements In One : It is easy to see why porcelain veneers are the go-to treatment for individuals who want the very best for their smile. While using veneers to hide misalignment, much more may be gained. Small spots or stains, chips, and odd shape are just a few of the imperfections that can be mitigated with veneers.

What Are the Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers?

Dental Veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain cemented to the front surfaces of your natural teeth, and are an easy way to address a variety of physical and aesthetic problems. Because they’re also permanent, however, you’ll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before you decide to get them. Here are six things to think about and discuss with your dentist.

Dental Veneers Pros

Easily Whiten Your Smile

Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or eating highly pigmented foods eventually take their toll on your teeth, turning them an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. Stained enamel can be bleached at home or by your dentist, but it can become stained again. If you’re looking for an easier way to whiten your smile for good, dental veneers may be a good fit for you. Veneers are largely stain-resistant, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), so you won’t have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.

Fix Minor Cosmetic Problems

Slightly crooked or gapped teeth can be treated with braces or other orthodontic treatments, but according to Dentistry Today, these problems can sometimes be helped with veneers as well. Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth – so although they don’t change their positions, they do camouflage minor orthodontic problems once they’re applied. Your natural teeth may still be gapped or crooked, but nobody will know aside from you and your dentist.

It’s important to note that veneers can’t always replace orthodontic treatment, and your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist instead of placing veneers.

Replace Damaged Enamel

Enamel is strong, but not indestructible. Your enamel may still be worn down from overzealous tooth brushing or eaten away by highly acidic foods and drinks. The stomach acid associated with acid reflux disease can also damage your enamel. This can become a cause for concern, because lost enamel doesn’t grow back. Fortunately, it can be replaced. Veneers are an excellent treatment for teeth with enamel abrasion or enamel erosion, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and are aesthetically pleasing at the same time.

Dental Veneers Cons

High Cost

The price of veneers will vary based on your location, your dentist and the number of teeth you want restored, but one thing is for sure: They are often expensive. According to a 2013 survey of members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost of a single veneer was $1,253.54.

Increased Sensitivity

Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you may feel sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for the first few days after your procedure, but it usually goes away. Tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but you can manage it with right products.

Irreversible Procedure

Veneers are considered permanent because your dentist needs to change the structure of your natural teeth to properly place them. In this way, the outer layer of your enamel may be removed to make room.

Dental veneers are an excellent way to hide discolored, crooked or damaged teeth, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons that come with the territory before getting them. Make an appointment with your Oxnard Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jivraj to find out if dental veneers are a fitting solution for you.

Schedule a Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation Today!

When it comes to efficiency of your time and proficiency of cosmetic dentistry techniques, Anacapa Dental Art Institute is the right choice for your teeth. Contact us to schedule your private consultation today and find out why we consider our dentists as the best cosmetic dentists in the area.

ABOUT YOUR OXNARD, CA, COSMETIC DENTIST:

We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jivraj contact our Oxnard, CA, dental office today by calling 805-800-8289. Our office welcomes patients in and around Oxnard, CA, including Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills, Ventura, and the surrounding Southern California communities.