Are Dental Veneers Worth It?

Are you unhappy with the appearance of a tooth that is damaged or discolored? You may be a candidate for dental veneers if so.

Dental veneer treatment is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves concealing aesthetically-displeasing dental health issues. The best way to learn whether this treatment is right for you is to discuss the matter with a dentist. In the meantime, however, the following overview may help you begin determining whether receiving a dental veneer is worth your time and money.

What is a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer typically consists of a porcelain shell that mimics the appearance of a patient’s natural tooth. Unlike dental implants, which replace full teeth, a dental veneer only resembles the front portion of a tooth, making it easier to install than a full implant.

A dental veneer may conceal such cosmetic issues as:

• Particularly large gaps between a patient’s teeth
• Cracking or other such forms of damage
• Significant discoloration
• Misshapen teeth
• Misalignments that don’t require orthodontic treatment

Although the treatment process may vary somewhat from one patient to another, typically, installing a dental veneer involves removing a small amount of enamel from the surface of a patient’s tooth. The dentist will then apply the veneer to the patient’s tooth, allowing a safe adhesive to essentially “glue” the veneer to the tooth.

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers offer a wide range of potential advantages to patients who opt for this form of treatment. Examples include:

• Veneers can significantly improve the appearance of a patient’s smile without requiring particularly lengthy treatment
• With proper care, a dental veneer may last 10 years or more
• Maintaining dental veneers is fairly easy

That said, veneers aren’t for everyone. For example, if a tooth is significantly discolored as a result of major dental trauma or decay, the best option may be to extract the tooth and replace it with an implant or other such false tooth. Your dentist can examine your teeth and help you better understand your treatment options in these circumstances.

An Important Point: Receiving a Dental Veneer is a Permanent Decision

It’s worth noting that when a dentist removes enamel from a patient’s tooth to prepare it for a veneer, that enamel won’t grow back. Ask your dentist to explain the possible implications of this in regard to your long-term oral health.

However, no-prep veneers can serve their purpose without requiring a dentist to remove as much enamel as they would remove to facilitate a traditional veneer. Receiving a no-prep veneer also usually doesn’t take as long as receiving a veneer the traditional way. Ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for this treatment option, and what the pros and cons of no-prep veneers may be.

Dental Veneers: The Importance of Speaking With a Professional

No cosmetic dentistry procedure is ideal for all patients. Thus, no blog article can definitively answer whether dental veneer treatment is worth scheduling. 

Discuss the topic with your dentist for more information. They can evaluate your teeth, explain how dental veneers may help, and possibly even explain how another treatment option may better serve your needs depending on the condition of your teeth. 

That said, if they do recommend veneers, strongly consider following their advice. With basic upkeep, a dental veneer can restore your smile for years to come.

Learn More About Dental Veneers in Bronxville, NY

At Bronxville Family Dental, our team would be happy to answer your questions about veneers. Contact us online or call us at 914-337-8430 to request an appointment today.