Dental Dentist

By Patricia Woloch

Also called dental veneers or tooth veneers, porcelain veneers are exceptionally thin pieces of ceramic that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are commonly used to hide discoloration, brighten teeth, correct slight crookedness or misalignment, and fill small gaps.

Porcelain veneers are a great smile-makeover option, but may not be right for you. Dr. Sands, a highly recognized Hollywood and Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, explains the factors to consider when deciding if porcelain veneers will work for you:

“Porcelain veneers are the best option for most people, you really should weigh all your options and decide what is best for your lifestyle. Veneers are very strong, but if you can’t give up chewing on the end of pens, on ice, [or similar hard-on-your teeth habits], they’re probably not for you. You should also think about the condition of your teeth. No reputable dentist is going to put veneers over unhealthy teeth or gums. He’ll want to correct whatever is causing those problems before doing cosmetic smile changes.”

Things to consider

- Lifestyle
Porcelain veneers are extremely tough and durable, but they are not indestructible. They can be chipped or broken -- if you often participate in contact sports or if you tend to grind your teeth, you will need to wear a mouth guard to protect your veneers. In addition to avoiding hard foods and candy, you need to avoid certain bad habits like chewing on your fingernails and clenching or grinding your teeth.

Porcelain veneers are amazingly stain resistant, but not stain proof. If you drink excessive amounts of coffee, black tea or red wine, or if you are a heavy smoker, the veneers can become stained over time.

- Current condition of your teeth
There are some instances when porcelain veneers cannot be used, such as on unhealthy or weak teeth. If you have tooth decay oractive periodontal disease, or if your teeth have been weakened by large dental fillings, decay or fracture, porcelain veneers may not be a good choice for you. A porcelain crown may be, and your cosmetic dentist will discuss options with you.

- Expense
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite dental veneers. Depending on your cosmetic dentist and your unique needs, porcelain veneers can cost as much as $1,000 per tooth. For many, the expense is well worth the feeling of confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. If cost is stopping you from undergoing this procedure, be sure to ask your cosmetic dentist about the fantastic dental-procedure financing options available.

- Realistic expectations
When considering porcelain veneers, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Porcelain veneers look very similar to natural teeth, but they are not your natural teeth. That said, the procedure can greatly enhance your smile, and may increase your confidence and self-esteem.

When considering porcelain veneers as a dental option, do some pre-procedure research. Talk to a few people who have had the procedure, read-up online, visit your cosmetic dentist for an initial consultation and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures that will improve your smile, but porcelain veneers are one of the longest-lasting and most dramatically-changing procedures currently offered.