Dental News

Are Veneers the Best Choice for You?

August 8, 2014

Veneers the Best ChoiceLiving with a flawed smile can be frustrating, but fortunately, it is easier than ever to correct perceived issues and boost your self-esteem. Choosing the right cosmetic dentistry procedure can be difficult, however. Veneers are an option that many people with cosmetic dental issues have considered at some point. If you are wondering whether veneers are the right choice for you, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Issues Veneers Can Correct

eneers, which are porcelain shells that adhere to your existing teeth, are excellent for fixing minor cosmetic issues and protecting mildly damaged teeth. If you have issues with individual teeth, such as chips and cracks, a veneer can cover those imperfections. For issues such as poor orientation or unusual tooth shape, veneers provide an alternative to tooth extraction and replacement. If you are dissatisfied with the overall appearance of your smile because of minor gaps or tooth crookedness, veneers can also help.

Why Patients Prefer Veneers

Many patients ultimately choose veneers for their pricing, durability, and convenience. Veneers last longer than many other cosmetic treatments, such as bonding or whitening. Veneers often last over a decade, which makes their price point relatively affordable compared to shorter-term solutions. Although veneers require some specialized care, they are usually considered more convenient than corrective treatments such as braces. Overall, veneers usually appeal to people with mild but widespread tooth issues who are looking for a fairly long-term fix.

When to Consider Other Options

Veneers aren’t the ideal solution for everyone, of course. A dental professional can help you determine whether veneers or other treatments are the optimal choice. Here are a few cases when your dentist may not recommend veneers:

  • Your teeth are very crooked. You might benefit from an orthodontic treatment to correct the alignment of your teeth and potential issues with your bite.
  • You grind your teeth or chew objects like ice. These habits will likely cause damage to veneers, such as chips, cracks, or fractures.
  • You want to avoid surgical procedures. The enamel of your tooth must be shaved down before a veneer can be placed. This procedure requires anesthesia and can cause mild discomfort.
  • You don’t want to commit to using veneers indefinitely. Since the removed enamel cannot be restored, you will someday need to replace your veneers with new ones to prevent tooth damage and temperature sensitivity.
  • Coloration is the main issue you wish to correct. If your teeth are in good condition besides staining or decay, whitening may be a more fitting solution.

If at least one of these statements is true, you might be able to save money or improve your oral health by choosing options other than veneers.

Making the Best Choice

A consultation with a dental professional is the first step to determining whether veneers can help you. At California Dental Group, we welcome new patients and we are always ready to help current patients explore their treatment options. Please call us today to set up your appointment and find out whether veneers are right for you.

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