If you don't like how your smile looks, you might be looking into various cosmetic dental procedures. One option to change the look of your smile is veneers. Our Straight Smile dentists are here to tell you all about them.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit your teeth and may be able to give you a straighter and more even smile.
Your dentist will begin by creating a mold of your teeth that will be sent to a lab to create your custom-fitted veneers. Once this process is complete, your dentist will bond your veneers to your natural teeth. Dental veneers imitate your tooth enamel’s natural translucency, so they look and feel like natural teeth.
How Long Can Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers, when properly cared for, tend to last longer than composite resin. On average, they last about 15 years. However, with extra care, they can last 20 years or more.
To ensure your veneers last as long as possible, you must maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine at home, brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing once daily.
Why Might I Consider Dental Veneers?
Here are 5 reasons why you might consider dental veneers as a cosmetic solution to your dental issues:
1. Dental veneers may restore your smile.
This cosmetic procedure can often be used to help change the look and function of your teeth. They can also be used to protect your teeth from becoming discoloured or damaged, and it can even hide existing stains that won't go away with teeth whitening procedures.
2. Veneers can sometimes be used to fix dental issues.
Dental veneers can be an option to change the look of your smile by altering the colour and shape of your natural teeth. Not only this, they can also be used to alter spacing, size, alignment, erosion, and chips.
3. Dental veneers are often less invasive than other options.
Dental veneers are typically a less invasive alternative to other procedures such as dental crowns. They also don’t require as much reshaping or shaving of your teeth.
4. You can have veneers on many different teeth.
You can choose to have veneers on only one tooth, or many at a time. If you have a tooth that has become discoloured or misshapen due to injury, you may only require one veneer. Some patients who want to change the way all of their teeth look may choose to have more done.
5. Veneers can be a cost-effective option.
Dental veneers are a common cosmetic dental restoration partly because of their cost-effectiveness. Depending on your dental issue and which type of veneers you choose, the cost of veneers may make more economic sense for you long-term than other dental restoration options.
While dental veneers are a great option for some looking to alter the appearance of their smile, they may not be right for everyone. The only way to know if dental veneers will work for you is to see your dentist for a consultation.