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Porcelain Veneer Pros and Cons

Pushpa Duddukuri
Cosmetics dentistry has become quite a rage among people who want to look good. One such cosmetic treatment of teeth is porcelain veneer. Read on to know its pros and cons...
There are no two opinions about the importance of smile in anyone's life. We all want to look good with a dazzling smile which can just win over everyone. However, not everyone is so lucky to have a winsome set of white teeth, which can brush aside all the flaws of face and facial expressions.
Therefore, the modern science of cosmetic dentistry has been invented to make teeth flawless. People suffering from a variety of dental defects opt for cosmetic dental procedures to rectify their dental defects.
One such method of correcting the dental flaw is, using porcelain veneers. These veneers are coatings of porcelain over the tooth enamel so that it could hide defects of teeth and dental structure. They give a glistening and slick look to the teeth. Apart from porcelain, veneers are also made from synthetic material.
It is recommended to people who suffer from yellow stains on the teeth. Wide gaps between teeth can also be altered with the use of veneers. Broken teeth can be covered with a layer of porcelain over the tooth enamel.

Advantages and Disadvantages

A drastic change in your appearance can be achieved by using porcelain veneers. Their pros and cons cannot be ignored. Below are some points which explain their utility in detail.
  • The most obvious advantage is that, it not only fixes your teeth but also gets you a million dollar smile. 
Your beautiful teeth will uplift your spirits and would make you feel confident about yourself.
  • They almost look like real teeth, minus the defects. You can also choose porcelain in any color, which matches the color of your real teeth. They are stain-free, as it is resistant to discoloration.
  • Though you can make your teeth beautiful and lustrous, but it might cost you a whooping amount. Having porcelain veneers done on your teeth can cost you around $500 to $1000 per tooth. One can say that the best things in life aren't always free.
  • Their life span is about ten to fifteen years, which is not a long time, considering the amount of money you shelled out on them. Comparatively, teeth bleaching or other teeth whitening methods are cheaper than porcelain veneers.
  • It has been said that they are strong and damage resistant, but on the contrary, it has a tendency of being brittle too. Consumption of very hot or cold drinks can be damaging of this expensive veneers.
  • Only people who are very sure about this treatment, are advised by the dentist to go for such cosmetic treatment, because once it's done, there is no way that you can revert it. Therefore, veneers have to be carefully used as the broken veneers cannot be fixed.
  • It is only recommended to people who are not suffering from decaying of teeth or any other dental or gum disease. If after getting these, you must maintain oral hygiene.
  • In order to place the porcelain veneer over the tooth enamel, the dentist has to chip some tooth particles. This is a tricky procedure, and needs careful handling. If the teeth has not been properly bonded with the veneer, it can lead to their breakage later.

Aftercare

After getting new and shiny teeth, you might feel more motivated to keep them in good hygiene. Veneers do not require a lot of after care. However, there are some rules you need to follow in order to prolong the life of your veneers. Regular teeth brushing and flossing habit is a must. Try not to indulge in the consumption of staining foods like wine etc.
Chewing hard foods like hard candy, ice, bones, etc. should be avoided as they can make the teeth prone to breakage. Similarly, biting on metal or other hard object will most certainly weaken the bond between porcelain and the teeth.
While playing sports, mouth guards are recommended by doctors as they can break off just like any natural teeth when they are subjected to extreme force. Some toothpastes are abrasive in nature and can lead to the weakening of porcelain veneers. Prevent teeth decay by eating a balanced diet and avoiding frequent snacking.
Go to your dentist for all the follow-up examinations and procedures. Remember, they take some time to get used to. After you are done with this procedure, you can have a normal dental health if you take proper care of your teeth.
People who have a tendency to grind their teeth, are unfit to have this treatment as they can easily break the veneer. Similarly, people with decaying teeth or people suffering gum diseases are prohibited from such treatment. They are an easy solution for dental problems, though it can be a bit expensive.
If you are ready to pay for dazzling and glistening teeth, then you can go for these veneers. Problems like misshapen or yellowed teeth can be fixed by their use.
Consider all the pros and cons before taking any decision regarding veneers. Consult your dentist, if you are still unsure about this. Then only, come to a decision. Good luck!