The Pros and Cons of Veneers

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your teeth? When you look in the mirror, do you notice chips, gaps or staining where there were once pearly whites? Aging can take a toll on your teeth, causing wear and tear from years of use. If your smile could use some attention, veneers may be the right choice for you. But how do you know if veneers are the right cosmetic dentistry option for you?

At the office of Michael J. Spitzer, DDS, we always want you to feel completely confident in your treatment plan. This means understanding the potential benefits and pitfalls of any necessary or elective dental treatment. For patients considering porcelain veneers, here are a few important facts to understand and consider before moving forward with the procedure.

attractive woman with stunning smile shows the transformation and benefits available with porcelain veneers

About: What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin covers attached to the teeth with an adhesive to hide cosmetic issues such as gaps between teeth, chipped or stained teeth, or oddly shaped teeth. Veneers are a possible solution for those looking for a more ideal smile. At Michael J. Spitzer, D.D.S., in Costa Mesa, CA, Dr. Spitzer offers veneers as a cosmetic dentistry procedure with outstanding results!

The Pros: Three Ways Porcelain Veneers Can Benefit Your Smile

VERSATILITY: Veneers are a versatile way to improve your smile aesthetically.

Porcelain veneers offer versatility as veneers can be applied to a single tooth to cover damage or multiple teeth for a more comprehensive smile makeover. Veneers improve the appearance of your smile by covering cosmetic imperfections such as cracks, chips, gaps and discoloration. Additionally, the thin porcelain covers create a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance, providing a brighter, whiter smile that maintains a natural look.

As opposed to other cosmetic dentistry treatments that address individual issues such as staining or alignment, veneers can make your teeth appear straighter, more evenly sized, and better aligned without invasive treatments or extensive orthodontic work.

INSTANT: The veneer process produces instant results and is comfortable.

Another reason to consider porcelain veneers for your cosmetic dental needs is their ability to provide immediate results. Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth in just a few visits to the dentist.

PERMANENT: Veneers are a durable and permanent way to improve your smile.

Porcelain veneers are not like cavity fillings or other dental procedures that may need to be replaced. They are considered permanent procedures since they are bonded directly to the tooth enamel. Veneers are not designed to be removed. They are created from durable porcelain and designed to last for 10-15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.

porcelain veneer being fitted on a tooth on the lower jaw

The "Cons": Must-Know Facts Before Choosing Veneers as a Cosmetic Dentistry Option

To talk about the "cons" of porcelain veneers is perhaps a misnomer. However, it is important for patients to understand certain facts about porcelain veneers in order to make an informed decision.

Veneers are irreversible.

As part of attaching the veneers, the dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel to create room for the veneers to fit naturally along the gum line and create your new smile. Because this change to the surface of your teeth cannot be reversed, this cosmetic procedure is irreversible and permanent.

Your veneers may feel sensitive at first.

A side effect of removing the enamel is increased sensitivity once your procedure is completed. You may feel sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for the first few days after the procedure, but it usually goes away. Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable but manageable with toothpastes and mouthwashes designed specifically for sensitive teeth.

Your veneers will need ongoing maintenance.

Porcelain veneers are durable and act like natural teeth, which means that veneers also require proper care. Fortunately, porcelain veneers have a longer lifespan than veneers made of other materials. We recommend that patients see their dentist every four months to maintain healthy gums and examine the veneers for wear and tear. The good news: porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance, making veneers an excellent, long-term investment in your smile.

How to Know if Veneers Are Right For You

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers is to discuss your cosmetic dentistry goals with a trusted dentist. Although veneers are an excellent solution for many people looking to improve their smiles, veneers are not recommended for people with active periodontal disease or tooth decay. These problems should be thoroughly treated and rectified before proceeding with veneer placement.

In addition, patients who grind their teeth or have issues with jaw clenching may find that Dr. Spitzer does not recommend veneers because these habits can crack or break veneers. Although veneers can cover stained or misshapen teeth, veneers cannot cover up severe misalignment, so talk to Dr. Spitzer at Michael J. Spitzer, D.D.S., about your cosmetic dental goals and whether your expectations are realistic.

As with all treatments, Dr. Spitzer will discuss all the pros and cons of veneer teeth with you in depth to help you decide the best approach for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. If you are looking for a dentist who provides porcelain veneers in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach or other Coastal Orange County communities, schedule your consultation with Michael J. Spitzer, DDS, today.