Cosmetic dentistry allows patients to totally transform their smiles. Perhaps one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments is porcelain veneers. These shell-like prosthetics adhere to the front surface of the teeth, effectively concealing most smile flaws.
Get the captivating smile of your dreams with Dr. Thomas W. Wegner at Town & Country Dental in Oak Park, IL. We have numerous preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services to help you get a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy. Just send us a message here, or give us a call at (708) 383-0330 to get scheduled.
In today’s blog post, we tell you five things you should know before pursuing porcelain veneers. Understanding the risks along with the rewards can help you make a fully-informed decision about your smile, health, and well-being.
1. Porcelain Veneers are Considered Permanent…
Dentists must remove a small amount of tooth enamel in order to successfully secure the veneers onto the teeth. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot regenerate tooth enamel. So, once it is gone, it is gone for good.
Therefore, something must cover enamel-less teeth to shield them from accidental damage, bacteria, and decay. This means that once a patient gets veneers, there is no turning back–they must protect their teeth with veneers or other prosthetics for the rest of their lives.
2. …But They Don’t Last Forever
Although veneer treatment is a lifelong commitment, the prosthetics themselves may not last that long. Luckily, porcelain veneers are among the longest-lasting veneers, with an average lifespan of roughly 10 to 15 years.
But, recent data suggest that porcelain veneers may actually last much longer with the proper care and upkeep. Indeed, many patients report no issues with their veneers, even after 20 years of constant wear.
3. Damaged Veneers May Require Replacement
Dental restorations undergo normal wear-and-tear over the years, and porcelain veneers are no different. Damaged veneers may require replacement, especially if the underlying tooth is exposed.
Patients can prevent accidental damage by fixing certain behaviors (like teeth grinding and fingernail chewing) and altering their diets to avoid excessively hard foods.
4. Extremely White Porcelain Veneers May Look Unnatural
We all want a perfectly white smile, but going too white can look unnatural. So, when choosing the perfect shade of your veneers, try using the whites of your eyes as guidance.
5. Dentists Prefer to Keep Treatment to the ‘Social Six’
The ‘Social Six’ refers to the six, most prominent upper teeth in your smile. Generally, these teeth are the only teeth that people see when you speak, smile, or eat. Therefore, these are the teeth that dentists prefer to treat for veneers.
If you want to revamp your entire smile, then another cosmetic or restorative solution may be better for you.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Oak Park, IL
If you’re ready to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you, then contact the team at Town & Country Dental today. All prospective and existing patients can reach us online here anytime, or they may call our Oak Park dental office at (708) 383-0330.