What Are Veneers?

Cosmetic dentistry offers one possible solution, known as veneers. These are thin porcelain covers the dentist will adhere to a patient's teeth.

This is a cosmetic procedure, so it won't be covered by insurance. The investment can put a real dent in your wallet.

If you have the budget and want a way to repair your smile, veneers might be for you. What are veneers? Why do people get them?

Continue reading to find out this and much more before you get veneers.

Veneers are used for a variety of different cosmetic purposes. Many people choose veneers to correct minor issues in their smile.

These include minor misalignments, discoloration, fractures, or chips. People may also use veneers as a less invasive alternative to braces or crowns. They can be used to correct gaps or misalignments too minor for braces.

Veneers are designed to look like natural teeth. They're thin covering adhered to the front part of the tooth.

Your dentist will help you decide on a few different options. You'll need to decide on the shape, color, and material.

Dental veneers can be made from either porcelain or a composite resin. Each material has its own pros and cons.

Depending on your personal needs and goals, your dentist will help you decide on which to choose.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is the most common material used to make dental veneers. This type of veneer can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on your lifestyle and dental care routine.

Depending on where you live, they can cost anywhere from $800 to even $4,000 for each tooth! That's a lot, I know.

The investment can be tough, so you should be sure you want them before you get them.

Compared to crowns and caps, porcelain veneers are easier to place and maintain. They don't stain easily. They have a more natural appearance.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin is a tooth-colored material traditionally used in fillings, crowns, and more. This option costs significantly less than porcelain veneers.

The process of placing a composite resin veneer requires less tooth enamel removal. They require less attention from your dentist. They may take only one dental visit to put them in place.

Compared to porcelain veneers, they may wear more easily. However, they are easy to repair.

If you plan to get veneers for any of a variety of reasons, be aware they won't last forever. Even if they last you 20 years, you'll need to have them replaces.

Depending on your lifestyle, you may put more or less strain on the veneers. They may not be a good option for those who grind their teeth or clench their jaw.

This can cause the veneers to loosen over time.

If you wish to get veneers anyway, you may need to wear a dental guard at night.

Once the veneers are in place, the process can't be undone. The dentist needs to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth. The enamel cannot be added back.

Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. This vital tissue protects your teeth during daily use, including chewing and biting.

Enamel contains no living cells. Once the enamel is damaged, the body has no way of repairing or replacing it.

Take Care of Your Veneers

Staying on top of your dental health is vital. Just like natural teeth, veneers can be subject to stains and wear.

You can still get cavities under and around your veneers.  

You should brush and floss your teeth just as you would without your veneers. Consider using a non-abrasive toothpaste. This will keep the veneers in good condition.

You might wish to limit food and drinks that will stain your teeth. This includes certain juices, wines, and coffee.

If you smoke, you should be aware of how smoking can lead to yellow teeth.

The veneers certainly won't last forever. Proper dental hygiene will help them last much longer.

Veneers can be a costly investment. If you are satisfied with your smile, except that one chipped tooth, you might not want to do all your teeth.

You don't have to place veneers on every tooth in your mouth. You can do one tooth, two teeth, or more.

This all depends on your own personal needs and budget.

Some people just wish to correct a chipped or fractured tooth. As an alternative to a crown or cap, you may choose to place a veneer.

Before you make a decision, discuss your options with your dentist. Think about what your goals are.

Would you be better off with a crown or cap? Your dentist can help you decide on the best treatment options for your needs.

Before you get veneers, your teeth and gums need to be healthy. Your dentist may decide to treat any disease or decay you might have.

Once you decide to get veneers, your dentist might recommend certain routine treatments. You should see the dentist regularly even if you don't have veneers.

If you have veneers, you should see your dentist once every six months. They'll clean and polish your teeth to make sure they last longer.

What are veneers? They're simply tooth colored covers used to correct or repair minor cosmetic issues.

If you want to improve your smile, veneers may be a great option for you. Talk with your dentist to find out more about veneers. They can help you decide on materials, colors, and more.

Veneers can be a costly investment, especially if you don't plan for it. Your dentist will help you figure out your payment options.