Dental Veneers 101: Answering 5 Common Questions

If you have excessive teeth staining, your dentist may recommend dental veneers as an alternative to standard whitening treatments. Among the common cosmetic procedures done in dental clinics, dental veneers can fix a lot of aesthetic concerns. When you are unhappy with how your teeth look or are concerned about your smile, visiting a family dentistry clinic can help. Before you decide to go ahead with dental veneers, here’s what you need to know. 

What are dental veneers?

Made of durable porcelain material, dental veneers bond to the surface of teeth to fix coloring and other concerns. Dental veneers can help correct the shape, size, and length of your teeth as needed. 

Who can consider dental veneers?

Patients who have aesthetic concerns related to their smile may consider dental veneers. Most people are ideal candidates for the procedure, as long as they don’t have cavities or gum diseases. Your dentist can advise you on whether you can consider dental veneers, keeping your teeth conditions in mind. 

What is the procedure like?

Getting dental veneers is a simple procedure. Your dentist will remove a thin layer of the enamel for placing dental veneers. You may have to wear temporary veneers for a while before you get permanent dental veneers from the lab. There can be some tooth sensitivity, but this should subside within a few days. Note that conventional porcelain veneers are irreversible. However, there are alternatives like Lumineers that don’t require removing the enamel layer. Dentists often recommend porcelain veneers over other options because these are more durable and offer better room to correct aesthetic concerns. 

How long do dental veneers last?

As long as you keep up with oral hygiene habits, your dental veneers can last for as long as 25 years. At some point, these veneers must be replaced. If you are getting dental veneers for cosmetic reasons alone, your dental insurance may not cover the costs. 

How to care for dental veneers?

Porcelain dental veneers don’t stain, but your natural teeth are still prone to staining. If you are eating pigmented foods, ensure that you rinse or brush immediately after. Avoid biting hard or inedible things once you get your dental veneers. 

It will take two appointments at the least to get dental veneers. The second session is just about fixing the veneers. Talk to your dentist to know more, and don’t forget to ask for an estimate in advance.