Are Veneers Right for You?

Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry solution that can help you get the smile you want. However, they do represent a significant investment, and they have a limited lifespan. So are they the right choice for your smile? Read on to learn more about what veneers can do and what considerations come into play.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are coverings that fasten to the surface of your teeth. They are a cosmetic solution used to improve the look of your smile. Veneers for teeth are custom-made to your smile. To apply them, the top layer of enamel is trimmed from your teeth. This keeps them from adding extra bulk to the teeth. While a veneer can be made for every tooth, most folks require somewhere between 8 and 10 veneers to get the results they’re after.

What are veneers used for?

Veneers are used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues. Because they are placed on top of your teeth, the effect is immediate. Once a veneer is applied, it is what you’ll see when you look in the mirror at your smile. Patients turn to veneers to address spatial relationships between teeth, as well as imperfections on individual teeth. In terms of how teeth are arranged, veneers can cover gaps between teeth, as well as minor teeth misalignments. This makes them a great solution for someone who doesn’t have major misalignment issues and would prefer not to use braces to correct the alignment issues they do have. Veneers can provide extra length to small teeth and can give misshapen teeth a more traditional shape. Additionally, they can cover up cracks or chips. This makes veneers an appealing option for patients who don’t want a filling or resin bonding. One of the most common uses for veneers is to cover stained or discolored teeth. Porcelain is very stain-resistant and can withstand the discoloring effects of coffee, tea, red wine, and other frequent culprits of tooth discoloration. Additionally, they come in a variety of shades. You can pick something that looks natural, so there’s no need to worry about having an overly bright white smile.

What should I consider when deciding whether or not to get veneers?

Veneers are one of the more expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. That alone may prevent them from being an option. If you are still considering veneers, there are a few important factors you’ll want to think about. First, veneers can’t help with every situation. If teeth are decayed or if large fillings have already been applied, you may not be able to get veneers. Second, as we said above, a protective layer of enamel is removed from a tooth to make room for the veneer. This can make the tooth more sensitive. If your teeth are already very sensitive, you may not want to risk increasing that sensitivity further. Another thing to keep in mind: If you frequently grind or clench your teeth, you may crack or chip the veneers. It’s also important to consider the lifespan of veneers. With proper care, they last about ten years. If you’re comfortable replacing your veneers in the future, then you have nothing to worry about. If you’re looking for a permanent solution, they may not be the right choice for you.

Schedule an Appointment

Here at Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center, we’ve seen our patients transform their smiles with veneers. If you’re curious about porcelain veneers, we encourage you to make a dental appointment at our Chicago or Deerfield office.