What You Need To Know About Dental Veneers

If you dream of having a Hollywood smile, it’s going to take more than brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Unless you are among the small percentage of women born with perfect teeth, you’re going to spend some money to get them. Fortunately, there are a variety of both restorative and cosmetic treatments to get the smile of your dreams. In some cases, veneers could seal the deal by concealing imperfections. Here, we’re going to look at what you need to know about dental veneers, how they’re applied, and whether they’re right for you.

About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells- typically made of ceramic- that fit on top of your teeth. They’re designed to fit well with existing teeth in size, color, and shape. They are used typically to cover cosmetic issues. For instance, they can cover discolored teeth to make your smile whiter, or cover a chipped tooth. 

How They’re Put On

Veneers are put on by a qualified dentist or dental specialist. As such, it’s essential to choose the right dentist– one who has a good reputation and solid experience. First, you will have an appointment to assess your teeth and whether you are a good candidate for veneers. During the actual procedure, a very thin layer of enamel is scraped off the front of the tooth, and a groove is created for the veneer to adhere to. You will be given temporary veneers while the final products are created, which are installed using dental adhesive at a later appointment.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Some issues could get in the way of getting veneers. For instance, if you have active oral health problems, such as poor oral hygiene, excessive cavities, or gum disease. If so, these issues will have to be treated first. Other issues, like structural damage to the tooth, might mean there isn’t enough to adhere the veneer to. Severe tooth crowding or crossbite might also present problems fitting veneers.

Caring for Veneers

Even though veneers are artificial, you still need to care for the tooth beneath. As such, patients are encouraged to treat them like regular teeth, brushing and flossing them regularly. Veneers are made of porcelain, so while they are sturdy enough to serve you well, it isn’t advised to chew ice and hard candy. When given the right care, veneers should last for 10 to 30 years.

Consider Other Options

Before you commit to getting veneers, talk to your dentist about other options. For instance, if the damage is too extensive, then they might recommend a crown instead of a veneer. You might do better with a combination of veneers, crowns, implants, or other dental appliances. Of course, this all depends on your specific situation. 

Veneers can be an effective option for addressing a range of issues, including minor damage, discoloration, and even some alignment problems. However, you have to talk to your dentist to see if they’re the right option for you. I also recommend reading reviews or talking to actual patients who have received veneers.