Dental veneers are shell-like materials placed over teeth enamel. These materials protect the teeth from harm and improve the wearer’s look. Essentially, Appearance can be everything in the current world. Veneers improve your smile and teeth aesthetics. But whether veneers weaken the wearer’s teeth or not is a frequently asked question.
To answer this question, we will look at how veneers are fitted and the different types of shells. The pros and cons will also help answer the question.
There are two major types of dental veneers; composite and porcelain veneers.
Types of Veneers
Most veneers that are made of porcelain can either be traditional or modern. Traditional veneers are complex to mold into a single piece; as such, they are somehow expensive.
The process of applying a traditional veneer starts by grinding down the tooth structure. At times the dentists may grind past the tooth enamel to get a perfect fit. This process is painful, but with a local anesthetic, you can get over it.
The modern veneers are also known as no-prep veneers. These veneers require little to no tooth preparation. No-prep veneers are placed on the enamel.
Porcelain veneers are made in a lab after your teeth’ structure has been measured. This attribute makes them long-lasting.
Composite veneers are not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers. These veneers are made on the spot by the dentist. Composite resin is the material used to make these veneers.
These types of veneers are placed depending on the state of the teeth. Small cracks and chips call for composite veneers. On the other hand, invasive treatments call for porcelain veneers.
Following the aforementioned types and the materials used to make them, veneers do not weaken teeth. Instead, veneers strengthen weak teeth. It is recommended that you ask your dentist to be open about the risks as well as benefits of the specific veneer you wish to get.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Veneers have numerous pros. These are filling in gaps and spaces in teeth, covering chips and cracks in teeth, and discolored teeth. Veneers also protect your teeth from damage.
Unlike tooth fillings, veneers don’t require getting rid of the teeth. They are placed on the front enamel of the teeth. Veneers last for at least four years and sometimes up to fifteen years.
The various cons of veneers include the cost incurred and the irreversibility of the process. The process may also be painful in some cases. The dentist responsible for fitting your veneers has to be meticulous as there is no room for error.
When comparing the pros and cons, it all narrows down to your dentist’s skill and advice. The fitted veneers will not weaken your teeth.
What Do You Need to Know?
Firstly, veneers don’t fix all teeth-related problems. Some of the issues that are not fixed by veneers are crowded or multiple teeth, decayed teeth, and teeth that shifted due to gum diseases.
From a general point of view, and in most cases, veneers will not weaken your teeth. However, a professional opinion from your dentist should confirm this.