Feeling good about your smile is important for your self-esteem. There’s nothing better than looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking: “Wow! I love my smile!” For those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to love the way we smile, talking to your dentist about your concerns is an important first step to making yourself feel better about your smile.
After a thorough oral examination, your dentist might suggest veneers to help bring your smile back to life. Don’t be discouraged or ashamed by their suggestion. Millions of people have procedures done on their teeth and mouth to give them better smiles. Veneer application is just one of the few.
Your first step when your dentist suggests a new procedure on your teeth is to get more information. So, here’s everything you need to know about Veneers.
What are Veneers?
While Veneers can’t correct your mouth or smile, they can make it look better. Veneers are essentially teeth coverings that are made from porcelain or composite resin. They give the appearance of a natural tooth and are placed in front of the tooth or teeth like a shield. They are customized to the shape of your teeth and gently cover them to give the desired appearance.
Why Would My Dentist Recommend Them?
Veneers can be used to bring back a white smile when you have severely stained or discolored teeth. They can also be used to cover or hide chipped teeth and close small gaps. Most patients who get veneers want to brighten or straighten their smiles. It’s less intrusive than braces and crowns so they could be a good cosmetic option for patients wanting to improve their smiles.
Porcelain vs Composite: Is There a Difference?
Yes! Your dentist will talk to you about which type of veneer is best for you. Essentially, porcelain veneers are used mostly for correcting things like the color and shape of teeth. They can last about 10-20 years depending on the person’s lifestyle. The downfall of porcelain veneers is the price. They can cost up to $2000 per tooth and they take time to make.
Composite veneers are about half the price and in most places, can be created the same day you walked in for your evaluation. They can be shaped and created onsite for faster usage. These can also be reversed so if you decide you no longer want your veneers, they can be removed without much work or notice.
Porcelain veneers require altering your natural teeth which makes it virtually impossible to reverse. So, if you’re unsure if you want to permanently alter your natural teeth in favor of a better smile, I suggest talking to your dentist about composite veneers instead.
What’s Involved in Getting Veneers?
The first thing a dentist should do is give you a thorough oral exam. They’ll check your gum, teeth, and your overall concerns regarding your smile before determining your treatment options. They’ll also want to do x-rays to make sure your mouth is healthy enough for the procedure.
Once you’ve been approved and everyone is in an agreement, you’ll have a full dental cleaning. Next, the dentist will sand your teeth down a little to make room for the veneers. They’ll fit the veneer over your tooth a few times, occasionally shaping it or trimming it to adjust to the space in your mouth. Then, once your dentist has determined it’s a perfect fit, they’ll use a special light to harden the cement holding the veneer in place.
The dentist will trim any excess cement and make some final adjustments as they go to make sure you leave with a happy, healthy smile. They’ll probably have you come back for a follow-up just to see how your gums are responding to the procedure and how your veneers are holding up.
I should note that the amount of time for this process varies. It’ll depend on how many veneers you’re having placed, if you sent away for porcelain veneers, or if you have any complications during the procedure. For more information on the process, click below: https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/cosmetic/veneers/
Are Veneers easy to care for?
Yes! Just as you would with your regular teeth, you want to make sure that you’re flossing and brushing daily. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, two or three times daily. Flossing should be done twice daily as well to keep gums happy and healthy.
Things to avoid:
- Acidic foods
- Drinking high amounts of coffee or other staining foods. These should be consumed in moderation
- Tobacco or cannabis
- Extremely hard foods
Who Are Not Candidates for Veneers?
Veneers can’t be used to fix teeth placement like braces can. If you want a tooth replaced or a large gap closed, then veneers aren’t a good choice. Instead, an implant of braces might be a better option.
Also, if you have gum disease or cavities, veneers can make these conditions worse. Your dentist must treat any underlying causes of gum disease or tooth decay before you even consider getting veneers. That’s why regular dental appointments and a thorough examination before placement are important.
Are Veneers Covered by Dental Insurance?
No. Not normally. Veneers are usually considered a cosmetic procedure and aren’t covered by most dental insurance plans. Since they can cost upwards of $2000 a tooth, you should consider the cost of getting them very seriously before you make your final decision. They will also need replacing around the 20-year mark depending on the case so you’ll need to have the procedure done again at some point.
If it is something you know you want and would be worthwhile for you, then don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about payment options. They might be willing to get you on a payment plan. If not, then you can start finding ways to save money for the procedure down the road. Your dentist should be able to help get you an estimate of the out-of-pocket cost for you so you know how much you’ll be investing in a new smile.
Also Read: Three Cosmetic Dental Treatments that will Enhance your Smile