The Pros & Cons of Dental Porcelain Veneers (Updated 2023)

The Pros & Cons of Dental Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers transform smiles by improving the appearance of tooth colour, shape and size.

The cosmetic dental treatment of choice among Hollywood A-listers, porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are custom fitted to the front of teeth.

The procedure provides many benefits for individuals who want the smile of their dreams, but do porcelain veneers come with any drawbacks?

Let’s find out as we explore the pros and cons of dental porcelain veneers.

24 JAN 2023

The Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

You must have heard of various views on whether porcelain veneers is good or bad for you. Many people are attracted by the aesthetics given by veneers and it is the best way to renew your smile! Dental porcelain veneers offer multiple benefits, including versatility and durability.

Versatility of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can address a range of dental problems that may be spoiling your smile, such as:

Teeth stained by dark-coloured foods and drinks.
Teeth that turn yellow as we get older.
Teeth that have worn down.
Teeth that are slightly crooked.
Minor cases of teeth crowding.
Small gaps between teeth.
Cracked or chipped teeth.
Misshapen teeth.

Durability of Porcelain Veneers

Besides versatility, porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and can withstand the pressures of chewing and biting over many years.

Although veneers are ultra-thin, the material is sturdy and stable, and veneers can last 15 years or longer with good oral hygiene. This compares with an average lifespan of three to five years for composite veneers, which are more prone to staining.

Besides stain- and wear-resistance, porcelain veneers are also durable when it comes to handling temperature extremes, even the coldest milkshake or hottest coffee.

Other Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Further advantages of dental porcelain veneers include:

Quick smile remodel. Getting porcelain veneers usually only takes a couple of appointments to perfect your smile.
Natural appearance. Porcelain veneers are made from high-quality, medical-grade ceramic. This material looks like real teeth because it’s semi-transparent and responds to light in the same way as dental enamel.
Minimal tooth preparation. Advances in dental technology have made porcelain veneers even thinner, which means less trimming of tooth enamel.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have many advantages but there are a few potential downsides.

Veneers themselves aren’t susceptible to decay but the teeth they’re bonded to can still get cavities if you don’t brush and floss diligently – as we explain to our patients at Porcelain Veneers Sydney.

Although veneers are highly resilient, they can sustain damage the same way as natural teeth in some instances, such as a heavy blow to the face in a sports mishap or traffic collision. Habitual teeth grinding or using your teeth to open bottles can also damage veneers. However, porcelain veneers are so durable that breakage is rare.

Getting porcelain veneers is an irreversible process because it involves removal of a tiny amount of dental enamel – the protective, outer layer of a tooth. If your veneers do become compromised, you’ll need to have them repaired or replaced.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

Many people believe the advantages of porcelain veneers far outweigh the potential disadvantages.

Now you know a little more about the pros and cons of dental porcelain veneers, you’re better placed to decide whether this type of smile makeover is right for you.

If you’d like to know more about how veneers can give you a Hollywood smile, get in touch with us at Porcelain Veneers Sydney.