If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, you may have heard that dental veneers are the most comprehensive and versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment available. Veneers are a great option for a wide range of cosmetic flaws, and they give you the unique opportunity to design a brand new smile for yourself, if you so desire.
Dental veneers are made of an extremely thin layer of dental porcelain that is permanently affixed to the front surface of the teeth. They are strong and durable and can totally change the appearance of one or more teeth. Philadelphia dentist Len Tau provides veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you restore your confidence and find your brightest smile. Call us at to learn more about this treatment.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
There are several attractive benefits to dental veneers, which make them an extremely popular choice for patients seeking a smile makeover.
1. Veneers are Longer Lasting than Other Cosmetic Treatments
Veneers are a lot like a car. If you take good care of them, have them checked periodically, and don’t use them too hard they can last a very long time. Officially we put the average life-span at 12 years, but there are anecdotes of veneers lasting 17-20 years or more when properly cared for.
2. Veneers Correct a Wide Range of Flaws
This treatment can correct issues with the size, shape, color and evenness of your teeth. If your teeth are mildly crooked or crowded they can even act as “instant orthodontics” by making your teeth appear straighter. If you have two teeth that are too small, veneers can make them match your other teeth. If you don’t like how pointy your canines are, veneers can make them smoother. Intrinsic stains caused by injury, fluorosis, or antibiotics can be effectively covered and camouflaged with veneers. Many patients choose to redesign their whole smile with veneers, to get a specific look they have always admired.
3. Veneers Look Natural
There was once a time when veneers were thicker and less naturally shaped, and they often made the teeth look bigger. Thanks to advances in dental technology, veneers now look more like natural tooth enamel. Some veneers are only as thick as a contact lens. They can also be created in the shade of white you prefer, so you don’t need to worry about them looking artificial.
4. Veneers Resist Stains Better Than Natural Enamel
You’ll never need to worry about teeth whitening again, as veneers resist staining better than natural enamel. Many patients who have struggled with very porous dental enamel have chosen veneers as a way to help them stop worrying about recurrent stains and yellowing caused by pigment residue from foods and beverages.
Potential Drawbacks of Dental Veneers
Despite their many benefits, there are some aspects of veneers that you’ll need to think carefully about before considering veneers.
1. Veneers Cost More Than Many Other Cosmetic Treatments
Because they are a more thorough and permanent treatment, dental veneers do cost more than whitening treatments and dental bonding. However, many patients find them a worthy investment in their appearance, since they last such a long time and improve their smiles so profoundly.
2. Veneers are a Permanent Treatment
In order to bond the veneers to the teeth, a small amount of enamel must be removed and resurfaced. After you get veneers, you can’t really go back to not having them, as the loss of enamel may make them more vulnerable to cracking and decay. You should only get veneers if you know you are going to be committed to taking care of them. This means not using your teeth to open bottles, and not chewing on pens, for example. You must also be committed to following recommended oral hygiene practices and routine six-month visits so Dr. Tau can check on them regularly.