A Dentist Discusses The Facts About Dental Veneers

Whether you have chipped, stained, or uneven teeth, veneers are effective at improving the overall appearance of your smile. Here is what you need to know about what veneers can accomplish, what types of veneers are available, and what to expect during a procedure.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed over the front of the tooth. They can correct:

• Chips
• Decay
• Gaps between the teeth
• Misalignment of the teeth
• Staining and discoloration

If you have not responded well to other treatments, such as braces or teeth whitening, veneers may be a good option for you.

What are the different types of veneers?

There are two main types of veneers: composite resin and porcelain. While composite resin veneers are made from a white material that is bonded to the tooth, porcelain veneers are thin shells that are specifically made to fit on the tooth. Composite resin veneers are more affordable, and they are also easier to fix if they get damaged. However, they are more prone to breakage, especially due to grinding the teeth or chewing on hard food.

Porcelain veneers are pricier, but they tend to last 10 to 15 years, as opposed to composite veneers' shorter life of 4 to 8 years. In addition, porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant. They also catch the light similarly to real teeth, giving them a more natural appearance than composite veneers.

If you are unsure about which type of veneer is suitable for your teeth, keep in mind that porcelain veneers are not reversible. Therefore, composite veneers may be a better option if you are not completely sure about getting permanent dental veneers.

What is the procedure like?

The dental veneer procedure depends on the type of veneer you choose. If you opt for composite resin veneers, the dentist will begin by cleaning and reshaping the teeth. Next, they will bond and sculpt the composite material so that it looks natural in your mouth. After using a special light to harden the composite material, the dentist will polish your new veneers so that they look like real teeth.

The procedure for porcelain veneers is lengthier and may require several trips to the dentist. First, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth and take impressions to create a mold. This mold will be sent to a laboratory, where custom-fit veneers are created. While the permanent veneers are being formulated, the dentist may place temporary veneers on your teeth. Once the veneers have been created, the dentist will test them out on your teeth to see if they look natural in your mouth. After adjustments are made, the dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth.