If you are not happy with your smile, you may opt for veneers. Dental veneers offer a cosmetic solution to chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth that may be impacting your appearance. Veneers are thin overlays for your teeth that make them more uniform, straight, and white. There are several different types of veneers, and the right ones for you may depend on the current condition of your teeth and your budget. Some things to know before you plan on getting veneers include:
- Your teeth and gums need to be in tip-top shape prior to veneers. If you are struggling with issues like gum disease or decay, this requires treatment and resolution before getting veneers.
- If you grind your teeth at night, veneers may not be the best option for you as veneers are vulnerable to breakage and chipping, too. Some dentists may prescribe a mouth guard for their patients that grind their teeth.
- Veneers cannot be removed after they have been put over your teeth. In some cases, veneers are replaced or updated, but there is no going back to your natural teeth once you have gone through the process of veneers. Enamel is removed from the surface of the natural teeth to allow the veneer to secure to the surface, so the natural tooth will be vulnerable and sensitive without the covering of a veneer.
- Veneers can become loose or merit replacement at some point in the future.
The best approach for those that are contemplating veneers is to speak with your dental provider to learn more, while addressing any dental issues in preparation for the possibility of veneers later-on.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are adhered to the front of the tooth to provide a covering and camouflage, of sorts, to conceal dental issues or imperfections. Veneers are intended to look like your normal teeth- only better. Typically, veneers are available in porcelain or in a less-expensive composite resin. Your dental provider will recommend the best veneers for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is the gold standard of veneers, durable and lasting a long time. Porcelain is resistant to stains, which keeps your smile whiter longer. The process of getting porcelain veneers involves an appointment to make a mold or impression of your mouth, as well as to select the right color for your new teeth. You may be sent home for a few days until the veneers are made in a lab and secured to your teeth. Regular visits will provide the opportunity to detect any issues with the veneers, as well as a chance to make any necessary adjustments.
Composite resin veneers
Composite resin veneers may cost a bit less than porcelain and they require fewer appointments during the process, too. While not as strong as porcelain, resin veneers are easy to repair and quick to adhere to your own teeth. It is possible to have composite resin veneers in a single visit! Talk to your dentist to learn more.
Veneers need to be treated with care; don’t let oral hygiene habits slip after you get your new smile. Make sure to be vigilant about brushing and flossing as it is still possible to get cavities with veneers. Individuals who bite their nails or enjoy hard, brittle foods may be at-risk for damaging or chipping their veneers.
Think you are a good candidate for veneers? If your teeth are damaged or you are self-conscious about your smile, talk to the dental professionals at Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry, in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, to learn more about your options today.
