If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, veneers may be an option for you. Veneers are a thin piece of porcelain that a dentist uses to create the look of your regular teeth. Veneers also give your existing teeth strength and resilience that the enamel your natural teeth may not have. They are fitted to the contours of your existing teeth and bonded to them as well.

If you have chips, fractures, or small misalignments in your teeth, veneers can be the best option to address those issues. Veneers are also another way fix yellow or discolored teeth without the use of chemicals or bleaching agents. Some teeth discoloration also cannot be fixed with conventional teeth whitening methods, but can be addressed with veneers.

There are different types of materials used for veneers, usually either porcelain or a composite made of resin cement. The material is placed on the front part of the tooth. The cost and how long the veneers last depend on the type of material used, ranging from $800 to $2,000 a tooth and lasting 10 to 20 years. Porcelain veneers resist stains better and also better mimic how light reflects off natural teeth. Gum tissue also tolerates porcelain well.

To apply veneers, a tiny amount of the original tooth enamel must be removed, usually less than a millimeter. Anesthesia is usually not required for people getting veneers, unless they have high tooth sensitivity. The dentist will also create an impression of your existing tooth, so a dental laboratory can make the veneer. You may get a temporary veneer placed in the meantime.

Once the permanent veneers are ready, the dentist will clean your existing tooth with water and pumice. Adhesive is placed on the veneer, followed by cement, and then affixed to your natural tooth. A special light is used to make sure the veneer bonds to your tooth. Then the dentist will remove any excess cement and polish the tooth to make sure everything looks as natural as possible.

Before getting veneers, be mindful that some of your original tooth enamel will be shaved off, and that is not a reversible procedure. The enamel removal also may make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Once veneers break down, you will have to get new ones. Veneers can still be stained by foods such as red wine, coffee, and tea.

One of the main benefits of having veneers? Veneers don’t require any extra special care after they’re placed, just regular brushing and flossing habits.

If you have chipped, stained, or cracked teeth and want to know if veneers are your best option, give us a call today at 602-482-5100 to schedule a FREE consultation!