Veneers–How can they help me look better?
Are you unhappy with your smile? Whether you’ve got a big event coming up or you’re just not happy when you see your teeth in the mirror or in photos, you may be wondering if there are cosmetic solutions that could be right for you. It could be that a professional tooth whitening procedure can help you get that pearly white smile you’re dreaming of. Tooth whitening procedures can whiten your teeth several shades and can often get you the ideal results you’re looking for.
However, if your teeth have more serious stains on them, are slightly misaligned, or have chips and cracks on them, there may be another option. Dental veneers are a great solution for those who want to transform their smile.
What are Dental Veneers?
Simply put, dental veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit onto the front of your teeth. They can conceal gaps, stains, chips, cracks, and most other cosmetic concerns keeping you from that picture-perfect smile.
Keep in mind that dental veneers are only a good option for those who have healthy teeth and gums. Cavities and other damage to teeth will need to be addressed before a cosmetic treatment like dental veneers can be explored.
What is the Difference Between Crowns and Veneers?
A dental crown is used to cover the whole tooth in order to restore functionality and of course the cosmetic. Dental crowns can protect and add strength to teeth that have been damaged by trauma, or decay or have undergone a procedure such as root canal therapy.
Dental veneers, on the other day, cover just the front surface of each tooth. Veneers are used to improve your smile but don’t necessarily protect or strengthen the teeth they’re placed on.
Some do opt to get full crowns on some of their teeth, depending on their personal preferences and dental needs. Your dentist can help to guide you toward the right choice to meet your smile goals.
Is There Just One Type of Dental Veneers?
There are several types of veneers. The option that’s right for you will be based on your specific goals. Some of the different veneer types include the following:
Composite veneers: These veneers can help to conceal small cosmetic concerns. Your dentist will use a composite resin that has been colored to match your other teeth. The composite resin can also be colored to help you achieve a smile that’s a few shades lighter.
Porcelain veneers: These veneers can be used to address a number of cosmetic issues and are often used by those who want a full smile makeover. They are made to fit each of your teeth and do require the removal of a very small layer of enamel from the surface of each tooth that will be fitted with a veneer. The removal of the enamel is not a reversible process.
Removable veneers: Also referred to as snap-on veneers, these veneers cover your natural teeth in order to conceal cosmetic concerns. Just a retainer or mouth guard, these veneers can be removed when you don’t want them in.
After examining your teeth and having a discussion with you about your smile, your dentist will be able to direct you to the veneer option that is right for you.
What Can Dental Veneers Do for Your Smile?
You know that veneers can help you to achieve a few of your smile goals, but do you know all of the ways that they can help you to improve your smile? Here are some more of the cosmetic issues that veneers can help you with.
- Closing minor gaps between teeth.
- Brightening and whitening your smile, whether that involves one or two discolored teeth or a whole smile makeover.
- Giving you a more uniform and straighter look to your smile, without the need for orthodontic solutions.
- Covering up small chips and cracks in your teeth. Remember, your teeth need to be healthy and strong before getting veneers.
- Address a gummy smile by helping to balance the proportions between your teeth and gums.
Is There Special Care Needed for Veneers?
If you’re hesitating considering veneers because you’re concerned they’ll need special care, there’s good news. Your veneers don’t need any type of special care. You’ll need to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss after every meal, and of course use a good quality mouth rinse. And you’ll need to visit your dentist regularly to keep your smile in good health.
You should be sure to avoid whitening products–they can lead to minor damage to your veneers.
While porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, it’s still not a bad idea to avoid food and drink that may stain the veneers and your teeth. This could include coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and tomato-based foods.
And, of course, it’s just a good oral care practice to avoid using your teeth to open packages, chew ice, and bite down on hard foods.
What are the Pros and Cons of Veneers?
There are a number of pros to getting veneers, but there are a few things that you may want to be aware of before you start the process. Let’s start with the pros.
- Veneers offer a fast and dramatic enhancement to your smile.
- Veneers can blend in well with your natural teeth so that you get a completely natural look once they’re in place.
- Veneers can resist stains better than the enamel on your natural teeth.
- There’s almost zero extra maintenance required in order to keep your veneers looking great.
- With the right type of care, your veneers can last as long as 15 years.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential downsides to veneers.
- With porcelain veneers, you will lose a small amount of your natural tooth enamel.
- Some types of veneers cannot be reversed. The tooth or teeth will need veneers or a crown in order to keep them protected.
- Veneers can potentially fall off or be dislodged if you sustain an injury to your mouth.
Most insurance plans don’t cover the cost of veneers. However, there are plenty of options to help you invest in the smile that you’ve been dreaming of.
Veneers are a great way to enhance your beautiful smile and also give you a little boost in your confidence levels. They could be the right solution for you. Start a conversation with your dentist at your next visit and discuss your cosmetic goals for your smile. It could just be that veneers and the smile you’ve been dreaming of are just around the corner.
