While cosmetic dentistry may sound somewhat superficial, it offers significant benefits for not just oral but also general health. These incentives are among the reasons cosmetic dental procedures like veneers are so popular today.
Veneers are designed to stay in place for the rest of your life. They can last from 10 to 20 years, and if one wears out or loosens, you can replace it. Benefits include a natural tooth appearance, stain resistance, and color choice. The gums also tolerate veneers, so there is no discomfort.
You can enhance your smile with veneers, as the procedure helps you change things you don’t like about your teeth. Besides, beautiful teeth will boost your self-confidence. You’ll no longer need to suppress your smile because of crooked teeth constantly.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are covers that adhere to your teeth to offer a classically shaped look. It is a layer of material placed over your tooth to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Also, veneers protect your tooth’s surface from damage.
They’re shaped to look like natural teeth and are made of either composite resin or ceramic material. Discuss with your dentist to find the most suitable material for you. Each type offers different benefits.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to slot onto the tooth. Some benefits of getting porcelain veneers include that they’re strong and long-lasting, offer a natural-looking surface and remove little tooth enamel. Also, porcelain veneers don’t stain easily.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are made from tooth-coloring filling material bonded to your teeth. Some benefits of composite resin veneers include that you don’t need to remove a lot of tooth enamel. Also, these veneers often take a single visit to the dentist, and you’re good.
They’re also cheaper than porcelain veneers. If they get damaged, composite resin veneers are easier to fix. However, the downside is that composite resin veneers are not wear-resistant or as strong as porcelain veneers.
Getting Veneers
Before getting veneers, you must ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. The dentist will check for any diseases and offer treatment before any procedures.
Also, veneers are not always suitable for people who grind or clench their teeth. This is because the thin veneers can break or chip. Finally, keep in mind over time, the veneers may come loose. If this is the case, you might need new ones.
After getting veneers, avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils. It will take several days to get used to the veneers.
If your bite doesn’t feel okay, discuss it with your dentist after the veneers are placed. This can be corrected while you’re still at the office. Most importantly, keep your gums and teeth clean. Brush and floss every day.
Are Veneers Permanent?
By installing the veneers, you cover the teeth, and they bond with them, keeping them strong and in excellent condition. Using veneers can strengthen your teeth. If you removed your veneers, the remaining teeth would be exposed and prone to decay and damage.
For this reason, veneers are a permanent treatment, so you should keep this in mind when getting them. While they’re an excellent option to restore your smile, the treatment is not reversible. So you must be sure you’re making the right choice for yourself before committing.
Alternatives to Veneers
Typically, veneers are suitable if you want to hide a minor dental imperfection and achieve a confident smile, enhancing the appearance of your teeth. However, if you don’t fancy getting permanent treatment, you can find other options.
These include teeth whitening if your teeth are stained. However, teeth whitening is not a solution if you need to reshape your teeth. In this case, a dental bonding treatment is an ideal option.
In dental bonding, the dentist uses tooth-colored resin, which they apply onto the tooth to fix gaps and reshape it. And your dentist will discuss alternative treatments for badly damaged teeth or gum disease. But ultimately, it’s your decision whether veneers are the best option.
How Long do Veneers Last?
How long veneers last depends on the option between composite and porcelain veneers. Also, how well you care for the veneers can affect how long they last. Veneers, if installed correctly, are permanent.
Porcelain laminate veneers can remain intact for the rest of your life and usually last from 10 to 20 years. But if you opted for composite resin veneers, these last between 4 and 8 years, so they’ll need replacing sooner.
Most patients get their veneers replaced at some point. When this time comes, the dentist polishes and redoes the veneers. A small amount of enamel is removed together with the old veneers. If the natural teeth don’t have enough enamel for a new veneer, you can get a crown as a suitable replacement.
So, even if one loosens, breaks, or wears out, you can have it replaced easily. However, you cannot reverse the treatment because the dentist will trim down your enamel before installing the veneers. After this, you cannot reverse the process, as this layer of your enamel is thin.
Are Veneers Good for Your Teeth?
If you find a dentist you trust, veneers will not harm your teeth. Before providing veneers, the dentist will perform several checks, including an x-ray, to ensure your teeth are healthy and not affected by tooth decay. If there’s an underlying issue, the dentist should attend to it before they begin treatment for the veneers.
When checked and confirmed your teeth are ready to go, the dentist will move to the next step, which is prepping the teeth. To prepare your teeth for veneers, you must remove a layer of enamel to create room for the veneers.
While this sounds harmful to the teeth, it’s not as the veneer bonds over the teeth. This gives the teeth even more protection, and you will not experience staining like before.
Dentists use a special bonding cement that creates a strong bond between the veneer and teeth. This procedure provides beautiful results that offer protection and also prevent stains. Over a decade after getting veneers, you’ll enjoy the beautiful smile.
Eventually, you’ll replace them with a new set. Regardless of the times you replace veneers; they’ll not damage your teeth. The teeth will always stay safe and protected.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Veneers?
Like in the case of many dental procedures, what you’ll pay for veneers depends on several factors, including the severity of your case, your location, and the dentist’s reputation. In general, veneers cost from $400 to $2,500 per tooth.
The least expensive option is composite veneers, which range from $400 to $1,500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers generally cost from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. These differences are especially significant if you’re not covered by insurance. So consider your options, including durability, to know what would suit you best.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are not just a suitable option for cosmetic enhancements; the procedure can help you improve your overall health.
Dental veneers can last more than ten years if installed by an expert, depending on your choice between composite and porcelain veneers. In addition, the veneers are stain-resistant and give a natural tooth appearance.
