Veneers are a common cosmetic dental procedure that can enhance the beauty of your smile. If you’re concerned about how your smile looks, due to a chipped tooth, staining, discoloration, or misaligned teeth, you might have heard that veneers could resolve your worries. So, what are veneers? Here’s everything you need to know about veneers and how they might work for your smile.
What are veneers?
Veneers are a thin cover for your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain or ceramic and recreate the look of natural teeth. Veneers are custom-made and are fitted directly to the visible front surface of your teeth, permanently.
What can veneers do for me?
Veneers are a way to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. Patients who want brighter, whiter smiles or have chips or gaps in their teeth can elect to get veneers, rather than dentures, whitening procedures, crowns, or braces. In some cases, though, veneers are not the right option, in which case you might need crowns, bridges, or implants.
How long do veneers last?
This depends on a lot of different factors, such as your eating habits and your care of your veneers. Veneers typically last for 10 to 20 years, so in most cases, veneers will likely need to be replaced.
You can ensure that your veneers last longer by taking good care of them: brushing and flossing properly, using non-abrasive toothpaste, and limiting foods (like coffee and red wine) that cause staining.
How are veneers placed?
Veneer placement is generally an in-office procedure that requires one or two visits. The dentist will clean the teeth and determine the right shade for the veneer, as well as preparing the teeth for the veneer attachment. The dentist will make an impression of the tooth for the veneer to be modeled on and may place a temporary veneer.
When the veneer is ready, any temporary veneer will be removed and the tooth surface prepared for the veneer placement. The dentist will place the veneer, then it will be light cured to securely adhere it to the teeth.
If you’re considering veneers or other cosmetic dentistry, schedule an appointment at Mogren Dental to discuss your options. We offer veneers, inlays and overlays, and whitening, as well as other general, cosmetic, and restorative dental and orthodontic services.
