Veneers Q & A
What are veneers?
Dental veneers, sometimes called porcelain veneers, are thin, shell-like coverings that your dentist permanently bonds to your teeth to improve your smile. Veneers are made to match the color and texture of your normal teeth, and they resist stains and cracking, providing long-term wear and comfort.
What problems can veneers fix?
Veneers can address a wide range of common dental concerns, including:
- Discoloration: stains from food or drink, yellowing from age, or grey shades from medication use
- Cracks: chips or breaks in your teeth
- Alignment: gaps or teeth that are uneven or irregularly shaped
Veneers can also help if you’re not satisfied with your gum line or feel that your teeth look too small.
What is the process of getting veneers?
Veneers usually require a few dental visits. At your first appointment, your dentist performs a comprehensive evaluation and discusses how veneers can help your smile. You might also need X-rays or impressions.
During your next visit, your dentist removes some of the natural enamel from your tooth or teeth, so the veneers fit snugly and align with the rest of your smile. Meanwhile, a lab creates your custom veneers to match the shape, shade, and contours of your other teeth.
At your last appointment, your dentist positions and bonds the veneers to your teeth. Final steps may include filing, buffing, or shaping the veneers, so they blend in with the rest of your teeth.
You’ll return for a follow-up visit a few weeks later to make sure your smile is healthy.
What are the benefits of veneers?
Veneers look and function just like your natural teeth. They can also add strength and durability to damaged teeth, and unlike your natural teeth, veneers are stain-resistant.
If you have minor teeth imperfections and want a permanent solution, veneers are a great option that can last many years. Since gum tissue tends to tolerate veneers well, you can also expect to maintain good oral health.
To learn more about veneers and have a consultation with a dental expert, call the office or book an appointment online today.
