Perfect Smile 101: Should you spend on dental veneers?

Your smile is easily one of the most influential aspects of your personality. If you have misshaped, crooked, or uneven teeth, it can impact your confidence. Fortunately, there are numerous options and treatments in cosmetic dentistry that are available for different concerns. The chances are high that you have heard about veneers when visiting a Gulf Breeze family dentist. Here’s what you need to know before spending on dental veneers.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are fixed to the front surface of the tooth to alter shape and size. Much like most restorative dental appliances, veneers are customized for each patient and made in a dental lab. Dental veneers are used to reshape the smile and can work as alternatives to some of the other procedures, including crowns.

Are veneers right for you?

Your dentist will consider your aesthetic concerns and decide whether you are a good candidate for veneers. Typically, veneers are used for creating a uniform smile. You may also benefit from the procedure when you have stained teeth but cannot consider the standard cosmetic teeth-whitening procedure. Other reasons to consider veneers include gapped teeth, uneven spaces between teeth, and chipped teeth.

Facts worth knowing about veneers

Veneers are not permanent, and after 15 years or so, you will need to consider a replacement. However, the procedure of getting veneers is permanent. Your dentist will have to buff your teeth to remove a part of the enamel, which may cause some sensitivity. Also, if you are extremely sensitive to pain, the dentist may use local anesthesia. Once the dentist buffs the teeth and takes impressions of your teeth, they will order the veneers from a lab. You can also decide the color of your veneers. During the second visit, your teeth will be cleaned, and your dentist will use bonding cement to fix the veneers.

Meeting a dentist

If you are visiting a dentist for dental veneers, make sure that you discuss previous restorations. At times, it may be necessary to fix an existing crown or bridge before you can get veneers. Because this is a cosmetic procedure, the costs are not covered under insurance. You should consider talking to the clinic in advance for an estimate. It takes at least two or three sessions to complete the entire procedure, and there will be a gap of at least two weeks between the first and second appointments.