What Are Veneers?: Everything You Need to Know
A study by the American Association of Orthodontics found that more than 33% of people in the United States are not happy with their smiles. Many of these people face insecurities about the color or shape of their teeth and want to find ways to improve the aesthetics of their smiles.
Something that can improve nearly any aspect of your smile is dental veneers. Do you want to learn more about the benefits of veneers? Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about this dental procedure.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a type of covering for your teeth that gives them a natural appearance. Many people use veneers to improve aesthetic problems with their mouth, from discolored teeth to crooked teeth and more.
Because this is not a necessary treatment, veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment, similar to teeth whitening.
Veneers look like natural teeth and are typically made of porcelain or composite resin. They are wafer-thin shells, so they will not make your teeth appear bulky or unnatural.
Because they are made from strong materials, they will cover the surface of your teeth while still providing the strength of your natural teeth.
To make sure your veneers look natural, your dentist will customize your veneers to be the best shape and color for your teeth.
Veneer Treatment Process
Getting veneers can be a lengthy process, as you want to be sure you get the best shape and color for your teeth.
First, you will meet with your dentist for a veneer consultation. In this appointment, you can learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of getting veneers. You can also talk more about your other questions or concerns before you get your veneers.
During your consultation, you need to discuss your end goals with your dentist. This will help you get the results you are looking for.
Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so they can create veneers that will fit perfectly over your existing teeth.
Before your veneers are placed, your dentist needs to remove a bit of the enamel from your teeth. This will provide enough room for your veneers to be placed.
Next, your dentist will send the model of your teeth to a laboratory to create your veneers if you are using porcelain veneers. In some cases, you may have temporary veneers placed.
Finally, once your dentist ensures that your veneers have the right shape, fit, and color, they will bond it to your teeth to make sure it is a permanent solution.
Types of Veneers
There are a few different types of materials used for veneers you can choose from that vary in price, durability, and more.
First, you can use porcelain veneers. These are durable and can last up to 20 years.
However, they are a more expensive option and may cost over $1,000 per tooth. These may also take longer to make, which means you will have to wait longer between your appointments before getting your veneers placed.
Another common material used for veneers is composite resin. These are a much less expensive alternative and may even cost half the price of porcelain veneers.
Because these can be fabricated quickly, you may be able to get your veneers placed on the same day as your appointment. Composite veneers also require less prep work on your teeth, so they do not have to be a permanent solution.
Both of these materials are great options, so you may want to discuss your options with your dentist before making a decision.
Benefits of Veneers
There are many benefits of getting dental veneers placed. One of the biggest benefits is that veneers can improve a variety of dental problems. Whether you have seriously stained teeth, gaps, or even a crooked tooth, veneers can improve the appearance of your smile.
Next, veneers are much less intrusive than other options, like dental crowns or braces.
Rather than getting a painful procedure done to close gaps or fix your misaligned smile, veneers can fix these problems faster and more effectively.
Finally, veneers are also a great way to boost your confidence. If you have discolored or chipped teeth, it can be easy to feel self-conscious of your smile. Veneers can improve your confidence in your smile.
Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Lastly, you need to be sure that you are a good candidate for veneers before you get the treatment.
First, veneers are not a great option for patients who have problems with clenching or grinding their teeth. While veneers are made out of strong materials, they can still be chipped or broken.
You also need to be sure that your teeth and gums are healthy before you get your veneers placed. Because these are coverings for your teeth, you need to treat any disease or decay before getting veneers.
Something else you may want to consider is "Do I need veneers?" If you are trying to improve simple dental problems, like teeth discoloration, you may want to consider an easier treatment, like teeth whitening.
Finally, it is important to realize that you will have to remove some of your tooth enamel to get your veneers. Enamel cannot be regrown or replaced, so it is important to be aware of the permanence of getting veneers.
Want Dental Veneers? Find a Dental Provider Today
Veneers are a great solution for many dental health problems, whether you want whiter teeth or if you want to improve the shape of your smile.
Do you want to learn more about the benefits of getting dental veneers? Logan Dental Care can help! We offer pain-free dental services from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry and can help you find the best option to improve your smile.
Contact our office today to learn more about veneers and to request an appointment with our dental team.