Everyone deserves a smile they love to share. Getting veneers is a great way to fix your smile if you have dental issues that lower your confidence. For many candidates, dental veneers are a quick way to achieve a flawless, natural smile.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a very thin cover that adhere to the front of your teeth. Veneers are virtually undetectable and look exactly like natural teeth. A consultation with a cosmetic dentist is the best way to find out all about veneers, if you are a candidate, and what type would be best for you.
Getting dental veneers will require a few visits to a cosmetic dentist. Your first visit will be the consultation where you will talk about your concerns and what results you’d like to see. The dentist will explain how veneers work and will likely take x-rays or impressions of your teeth.
For porcelain veneers, your second visit will involve the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, and an impression will be made. You will then have a temporary veneer placed over your teeth. At your final appointment, the temporary veneer is removed, and your permanent veneer is bonded to your teeth.
Here are 10 things to know before getting porcelain veneers:
Veneers Fix a Lot of Issues
Porcelain veneers can cover up a lot of cosmetic issues that affect your smile. If you have discolored teeth, veneers can be a quick way to whiten your smile. Veneers are also good at camouflaging chipped or worn-down teeth. They can also be an alternative to orthodontics for gapped or misaligned teeth.
It Is a Cosmetic Procedure
Dental veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is unlikely that you will have insurance coverage. There are instances where dental insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. It is always a good idea to check with your dental insurance provider before getting veneers to fully understand what your out-of-pocket investment will be.
Veneers Are Not for Everyone
Veneers are very popular because they are relatively easy to install and look exactly like natural teeth. However, that does not mean that everyone will be a good candidate for veneers. You will need an examination by a dentist who will decide if you are able to get veneers. Patients with a history of oral infections or severe tooth decay may not do well with veneers, but there are other cosmetic dentistry options available.
Veneers Are Not Removable
When you choose to have porcelain veneers, you are making a permanent commitment. When the veneers are installed, your cosmetic dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers to adhere to your teeth. This is not reversible. Once this is done, you must have a veneer or some kind of covering on your teeth to protect from nerve damage. Your veneers will typically last 15-20 years. At that point, they will need to be removed by a dentist and replaced with new veneers or some other dental covering.
You Will Keep Your Natural Teeth
With other options like dental implants, your entire natural tooth must be removed. With veneers, your natural tooth acts as a base to support the covering, so it will remain in place.
Temporary Veneers Are Available
When you opt for porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist will need to make a dental impression of your teeth, which will be used to make the veneer. The impression must be sent out to a dental lab, so there will be some time between the veneer prep appointment and when the final veneer is installed.
However, you will not be left without anything to cover your teeth. Your dentist will install a temporary veneer to keep in for a few weeks while your permanent veneers are being made.
Veneers Are Not Required for the Entire Mouth
Some people do get veneers to cover all their teeth, but that is not required. In fact, some people may only get veneers to cover the front teeth shown when smiling. Generally, it is recommended to get veneers in pairs to maintain symmetry for the most natural look.
It Is Possible to Go Too White
While veneers are a great way to brighten up a discolored smile, whiter is not always better. A harsh, opaque white looks very unnatural. A soft white is usually a shade that looks the best.
Porcelain Is Good at Resisting Stains
Many people choose to get porcelain veneers rather than resin materials because they are much better at resisting stains. Just like regular teeth, porcelain veneers need to be brushed twice daily, and you need to keep up with regular cleaning and dental exam appointments. With the proper care, your veneers will remain naturally white for many years.
They Can Chip and Crack
Veneers can stand up to normal wear and tear, but, just like regular teeth, they can be damaged. Veneers can chip or crack if the proper precautions are not taken. It is very important to avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or opening packages with your teeth. If you do this, it is very likely that your veneers will become damaged and need to be replaced.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth in your sleep, and you get your veneers, invest in a custom night guard to protect your teeth from grinding.
Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
If you decide you would like to pursue getting porcelain veneers, you should do some research to find a cosmetic dentist you feel comfortable with. You can start by looking at websites for dentists in your area. Check the website for photos of the dentist’s work, particularly before and after photos of veneer cases. Pay close attention to the photos and be sure they are not stock photography or Photoshopped.
Once you come up with a short list of cosmetic dentists, you can schedule consultations to meet them in person. This will give you an opportunity to ask more questions about their experience. Once they’ve had the chance to see your teeth and hear your concerns, you can ask them to show you more before and after photos of cases that are similar to yours.
Dental veneers are an investment in yourself, so you should choose a dentist you feel comfortable with. Do not let your excitement about your new smile rush you into scheduling a procedure if you have not yet found a dentist you are totally sold on. When you are making this kind of commitment and investment, you do not want to have issues or regrets in the future.
Get the Smile You Deserve
Your winning smile is waiting for you at Austin Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Tejas Patel and his highly experienced team are standing by to give you the smile of your dreams. With over 20 years of experience in high-quality dental veneers, there is no better option than Austin Cosmetic Dentistry. Contact us today for a free consultation.
