While most people think of veneers as a cosmetic dental treatment, these implants are becoming increasingly common. In many cases, veneers are actually linked to dental health in addition to cosmetics. For instance, misaligned teeth can be difficult to brush regularly, thus inviting cavities to form.
Not only can dental veneers give you a perfect smile, but in many cases they are easy to maintain. If you still have questions about dental veneers, this guide will seek to answer them.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are small shells placed around a tooth to create a more attractive smile. Typically, dental veneers are made out of porcelain, although they can be made from resin composite as well.
What Issues Do Dental Veneers Address?
Veneers are used to fix a variety of dental issues, many of which develop over time. For instance, you may have chipped your teeth years ago or you might have deep stains from your favorite beverages. Your teeth can also simply wear down from daily use as you age.
Some people naturally have teeth that are abnormally shaped or that have gaps between them. In other cases, people have misaligned or uneven teeth. Veneers address these issues.
What Is the Process of Obtaining Veneers?
In order to have dental veneers, you must first go in for a consultation. You and your dentist will discuss your dental options and ensure that you are a good candidate for veneers. This appointment might also involve x-rays and other types of assessments.
Next, you will go in for a preparation treatment. At this appointment, the dentist will prepare the surface of your teeth. Preparation will include etching off part of your teeth’s enamel so that there is room for a veneer shell. Your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth and then send the mold to the laboratory so that technicians can craft the ideal veneers for your teeth.
Finally, your dentist will place your veneers over your teeth, first checking for appearance and fit. The dentist will ensure that your current teeth are rough enough for the veneers to adhere to the surface.
Part of this final appointment also involves an assessment of the color of your veneers, which is especially important if you have veneers on only part of your smile. You obviously want your teeth to look uniform.
After the three visits, you will go in for a follow-up, just to ensure that the veneers are working well for you.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
One of the first benefits of dental veneers is that the porcelain shells often last 15 years or longer with proper maintenance and care. Of course, how long they last will depend on how well you take care of them and whether they undergo any damage or stress.
Additionally, veneers are a great choice because they are so immediate. You don’t have months of healing. After just a few weeks, you’ll have beautiful, even teeth.
Veneers also provide a natural appearance. Nobody will know that you have veneers unless you tell them.
What Are the Downsides of Dental Veneers?
The major downside to choosing veneers is that they are not reversible. Once you begin the process, you cannot turn back.
Additionally, veneers can be expensive. For instance, porcelain veneers can cost between $500 and $1,900 per tooth. If you are replacing your entire smile, you can see how this becomes costly.
What After-Care Comes With Dental Veneers?
The after-care for veneers is not abnormal when you compare your needs to those of somebody with natural teeth. Veneers require regular dental check-ups in addition to brushing twice a day.
Family First Dentistry understands that you want your smile to be beautiful and refreshing. Call us to set up your consultation for dental veneers today.