Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment which have been growing in popularity in recent years to solve a variety of patient issues, and you may be wondering if they could be suitable for you too! But how do you know when you should consider getting porcelain veneers?
Everyone wants to have the perfect hollywood smile. And for good reason!
Studies have shown that people with nice teeth are 21% more likely to be seen as happy, 47% more likely to be viewed as being healthy and 38% more likely to be perceived as smart.
Clearly having a great smile can have a huge impact on how you are perceived by others.
Porcelain veneers have experienced a strong increase in interest over the last few years because they provide patients with a method of resolving several inconvenient dental issues.
As a leading cosmetic dentist on the Gold Coast we’ve certainly noticed the increase in demand.
What can porcelain veneers help with?
Porcelain veneers are a super thin covering which is physically bonded to the outside of the existing tooth.
This means that using porcelain veneers can be considered if the patient suffers from:
Worn Teeth
If the patient has worn down their natural teeth due to age, Bruxism (teeth grinding) for example, then porcelain veneers may be a suitable option to restore the visual appearance, and the function of full sized, natural looking teeth.
However if the worn teeth are in fact caused by teeth grinding, the patient will need to ensure that issue has been corrected before having veneers installed.
This is because teeth grinding or clenching can cause chips and cracks to the veneers which cannot be repaired and would require an expensive replacement procedure.
Broken Teeth
As we age the chances of having a broken teeth increases.
It could be caused by diet and nutrition, age, or medication which weakens the teeth, a sudden impact or accidental breakage, or simply just biting down on something hard.
If the patient is unlucky enough for to break one of their front teeth, it can impact their speech, and their ability to eat in addition to the obvious change to their overall appearance and self-confidence.
Porcelain veneers provide a rapid way to restore the appearance and function which is lost when a tooth is broken.
Poor Alignment of Teeth
When people think of the best way to straighten their crooked teeth the first thought is often the use of orthodontic appliances like braces.
“People with nice teeth are 21% more likely to be seen as happy, 47% more likely to be viewed as being healthy and 38% more likely to be perceived as smart.”
However adults are often more likely to opt for the use of veneers as a faster way of achieving the same result, while also being able to improve the shape and colour of their teeth as well!
Irregular Shaped Teeth
As mentioned above, porcelain veneers don’t have to look exactly like your natural teeth.
You can enhance them!
Are your teeth slightly too short for your mouth? The veneers can give them some added length!
Gaps in Teeth
The ability to change the shape of your teeth using veneers also means that they can be used to correct gaps between the teeth too.
It’s a rapid alternative compared to an orthodontic treatment such as braces which will take months if not years to complete.
Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
- They have a natural appearance.
- Gum tissue responds well to porcelain.
- Porcelain is a stain resistant material.
- You get to choose the colour of your porcelain veneers.
- It is a more conservative approach compared to getting a full crown.
- Porcelain veneers don’t require special care.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
- The procedure is irreversible.
- Porcelain veneers are more expensive than resin veneers.
- Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired if they become damaged.
- The patient may find that teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold after the treatment.
- The veneer colour may not be an exact match to your natural teeth.
- It is not suitable if your natural teeth are particularly unhealthy.
- They are not suitable if you grind your teeth (Bruxism).
Conclusion
Nothing lasts forever and that also goes for your porcelain veneers which will be good for between 7 – 15 years depending on how you look after your teeth generally.
So if you’ve read all this information think you’d be a good fit for porcelain veneers, it might be time to call Dr Jenni Tippmann and her team!
