6 Things to Consider Before Getting Veneers

According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, your smile is one of the things that help to build a lasting first impression. It is a confidence boost for those extra gloomy days. However, if, for some reason or another, your pearly whites are no longer what they used to be, you get them a makeover. Depending on the type of issue that needs addressing, your dentist could recommend getting veneers.

A veneer is a shell-like covering mainly made of porcelain placed on the crown of your teeth to fix imperfections such as chipping or staining. They are custom-made to fit your specific dental formula and are semi-permanent; your dentist is the only person that can take them out.

Are You a Candidate for Veneers

If veneers could fix every dental problem in the book, everyone would have them. However, you need to satisfy a few qualifications to be the ideal candidate for veneers. Your cosmetic dentist in Melbourne will walk you through the following to determine if they are the right fit for your smile:

Is the Veneer for Aesthetic Purposes?

Most patients come in looking for a way to cover up their gaps, crookedness, discoloration, or broken teeth.

Do you Have Healthy Gums and Teeth?

If your dentist examines your mouth and finds any sign of poor oral health, such as cavities and gum inflammation, they will have to treat those before recommending veneers.

Do you Clench your Jaw or Grind your Teeth?

If you suffer from bruxism, you will likely crack the veneers, which makes you a terrible candidate for them.

Getting Veneers Is a Lengthy Procedure

The procedure is often spread out through a couple of dental visits. Veneers are custom-made to fit over your teeth, which means there will be a waiting period as they get made for you. On your first dental visit, your doctor will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab. They will also prepare your teeth by shaving off some of your enamel and giving you temporary veneers. Once your permanent veneers are done, you will be called for another appointment.

It Is Not Covered by Insurance

Veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, not a medical one. Mainly because they don’t treat anything and are only used to enhance appearances; for this reason, your insurance provider might be reluctant to cover the cost of the procedure. However, this should not discourage you from revamping your smile with Mulgrave Dental Group.

They Are Long Lasting

The average set of veneers lasts between seven to fifteen years before a replacement is required. However, if they chip or crack before then, they can be repaired. If the damage is too significant for repair, your dentist will replace it entirely. You must also maintain regular checkups with your dentist as with any other dental procedure. They will monitor the transition and ensure there are no complications from the procedure.

The Procedure Is Irreversible

While the veneers are relatively permanent, the procedure is irreversible. This is because as the dentist prepares your teeth for the process, they typically shave down your enamel. This procedure is necessary to ensure your veneers fit naturally within your mouth. However, the downside is that your enamel does not grow back once shaved. This means that if you have a change of heart at some point, you wouldn’t be able to reverse the procedure.

Porcelain vs. Composite Resin

When it comes to veneers, personal preference takes the day. However, there are some key advantages and disadvantages to each material. For example, composite resin means you can do the entire procedure in one appointment. Resin veneers are relatively reversible. Since they do not require much teeth preparation, you do not lose as much enamel as you would applying porcelain veneers. They are also 50 percent cheaper than porcelain.

On the other hand, porcelain is much more durable and chips off less. They are also more resistant to staining and give your teeth a natural finish. However, it all comes down to money value over time. Porcelain costs twice as much but also lasts twice as long.

Conclusion

Veneer will require you to maintain good oral hygiene while you have them. They are a small price to pay for a lasting first impression.