When it comes to minor imperfections in your smile, there are a lot of treatment options available. Porcelain veneers in Chapel Hill, NC, are just one of the potential treatment plans to consider when looking to improve your smile. While they have many benefits over other treatments, they also have some drawbacks. After examining your bite and discussing your lifestyle and cosmetic goals, your dentist can help determine if veneers are right for you.
Who Can Benefit from Porcelain Veneers in Chapel Hill, NC
Veneers are a wonderful, versatile treatment option that can fix many imperfections in your smile. However, not every patient will be able to benefit from getting porcelain veneers. But even if you aren’t a good candidate for veneers, there are still plenty of other treatment options available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Patients with Mild to Moderate Dental Issues
Veneers could help fix several mild to moderate cases of the following conditions:
- Chips and fractures
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Staining and discoloration
- Cavities and decay
However, extensive cases will often need further treatment. For example, if the gap between two teeth is too large, patients will likely need to seek orthodontic treatment to help adjust their smile. Patients who suffer from extensive decay, as another example, might need a dental crown to help fully protect the natural tooth.
On the other side of the damage spectrum, patients who only have minimal damage or imperfections in their smile might benefit from a less invasive treatment plan. Dental bonding can often provide the necessary adjustments on a much smaller scale. When you go in for a consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine the extent of the damage and decide if veneers could work for you.
Patients With the Right Budget
Porcelain veneers can be costly to get. And since they’re considered a cosmetic treatment procedure, it can be incredibly difficult to secure even partial coverage from your dental insurance plan. While many dental offices work with third-party lenders or accept payment plans for treatment, it can still be hard to secure the financing for veneers. If you can’t afford the cost of porcelain veneers, your dentist can offer additional treatment plans that could still adjust your smile for a lower cost.
Patients With Good At-Home Oral Hygiene
While porcelain veneers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they can still suffer damage. The porcelain may not be as affected by plaque and tartar as normal tooth enamel, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid brushing and flossing your teeth. If your gums develop disease or plaque builds up on the neighboring teeth, your veneers could become compromised. Patients still need to brush and floss properly and get a routine cleaning and exam every six months to get the most out of their veneers.
If you’re unhappy with the look or feel of your smile, Tarheel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help. Give us a call at (919) 551-8847 to schedule a consultation and learn more about porcelain veneers.