Dental veneers can improve the cosmetic appeal of your smile. These wafer-thin, custom-made caps hide embarrassing imperfections and restore your confidence. As with many dental procedures, there are benefits and drawbacks to dental veneers. Understanding these pros and cons can help you decide if dental veneers are right for you.
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more attractive and durable than composite resin, however, they are more expensive. Veneers made of porcelain are also more stain-resistant, glossier, and natural-looking.
The Upside of Veneers 
Veneers are a good idea for a number of reasons. Perhaps the biggest advantage to dental veneers is their ability to create straighter, whiter teeth. Because they cover the surface of teeth completely, dental veneers can do a better job of restoring a bright, healthy smile than teeth whitening or other treatments too.
Natural-looking white, translucent teeth
Light reflects off porcelain in the same way as it reflects off tooth enamel. In fact, porcelain veneers can allow the layer of yellow dentin to peek through, which creates natural-looking teeth. If masking the true color of your teeth is your main objective, veneers can do that too!
Stain resistance
Because they consist of tough porcelain, dental veneers resist discoloration from food and beverages. Stain-causing compounds just roll right off veneers or sit on the surface where you can easily brush them away.
Instant results
Unlike other types of dental treatments that take weeks of dental visits to see results, veneers make your teeth look whiter and brighter immediately after your dentist applies them, and for years to come.
Versatility
Veneers are versatile in that they can cover up the appearance of stubborn stains and discolorations, chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, and even teeth that are slightly crooked. No other type of dental restoration can improve so many different problems.
Affordability
As dental restorations go, veneers are affordable. This is especially true when you consider that veneers last 15 years or longer, which is considerably longer than teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental procedures that need to be repeated to maintain the cosmetic effects. Dental veneers cost substantially less than dental crowns.
Requires very little preparation
Unlike other types of dental restorations, veneers require only two visits and a little preparation. Dental veneers are a more conservative way to restore your smile as well. Before applying the veneers to your teeth, your dentist may need to remove a tiny amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. Your dentist cements the veneers to the fronts of your teeth to create a bright, even smile. In contrast, your dentist would need to remove much more enamel to accommodate a crown.
Veneers look great
If you’re looking to improve a single tooth, your dentist can create a veneer that matches the overall shape and shade of your teeth. If you would like a smile overhaul, the shape, size, and color of the veneers can be practically whatever you want!
Long-lasting results
Porcelain veneers last 7 to 15 years, although they can last much longer for many patients. To keep your dental veneers looking and feeling their best, your dentist may recommend replacing them every 15 years.
Strong and supportive
Some types of veneers, such as pressed porcelain veneers, are strong enough to provide structural support to slightly damaged teeth and are sturdy enough to serve as a conservative alternative to dental crowns. These veneers are tough enough to last for decades.
Easy to maintain
Dental veneers do not require special care. Simply brush twice a day and floss daily as you normally would, and see your dentist for regular checkups twice per year.
The Downsides of Veneers
Every type of dental restoration, including dental veneers, has its drawbacks. Your dentist can help you determine if any of the drawbacks of veneers would prevent them from being a good fit for you.
Veneers are permanent
Dental veneers are irreversible. To make more room to accommodate the veneers, your dentist may have to remove a thin layer of enamel prior to affixing the veneers to your teeth. Removing the enamel can make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold, as a veneer is not thick enough to act as a barrier between your tooth and hot or cold foods.
Not strong enough to restore badly damaged teeth
While attractive, veneers may be inadequate for the restoration of badly failing teeth; dental crowns are often the better option for restoring severely damaged teeth.
Shorter lifespan than other restorations
Veneers can last up to 15 years or longer, but this is a much shorter lifespan compared to other dental restorations, such bridges and dental crowns. This is especially true if you grind or clench your teeth. It is generally a good idea to protect your new veneers by wearing a night guard when you sleep.
Vulnerable to damage
Dental veneers may be vulnerable to damage. Composite veneers are susceptible to staining, chipping, or cracking, for example, while porcelain veneers can also chip and crack.
More expensive than whitening, other cosmetic procedures
The toughest, most durable veneers can be more expensive; more affordable veneers tend to have a shorter lifespan.
For more information about the pros and cons of dental veneers, consult with your cosmetic dentist in Hilliard, OH. Our team of dental professionals at Smile Hilliard can help you determine if dental veneers are right for you.
