Everything You Need to Know About Dental Veneers

You’ve probably heard of dental veneers as one of the most sought-after treatments in cosmetic dentistry. In fact, many of the celebrity smiles you admire from Hollywood have been artfully crafted with a set of cosmetic dental veneers. Whether you hate your front tooth gap or don’t want to wear braces to fix a slightly crooked tooth, dental veneers can be one of the easiest and quickest ways to achieve the beautiful, balanced and white smile you desire.

What are Porcelain Veneers?
Before we address some of the most frequently asked questions about dental veneers, we thought it would be helpful explain exactly what porcelain veneers are. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that we custom shape and size to go over the front of your teeth.

Veneers are purely cosmetic, which means they are only used on the teeth that are visible when you smile. Essentially, they cover up the imperfections that are making you self-conscious about your smile. Because a tiny portion of the underlying tooth needs to be shaved off to help the veneer bond in place, dental veneers are an irreversible procedure, but one you’ll be proud to show off for years to come!

How many veneers will I need for my teeth?
Most people need 6-8 dental veneers to cover the top front teeth that are visible when they smile.

Does it hurt to get veneers put on?
Fortunately, the placement of veneers is both quick and painless. In just two short office visits, patients can walk away with their new smile of porcelain veneers.

Can I floss and brush dental veneers like normal?
While you may not be brushing the actual surface of your tooth, your veneers need a good polishing every day to remove food debris and surface stains. You can and should floss around veneers every day as well, as this protects your underlying teeth and gums from decay and disease – which would eventually compromise the success of your veneers.

What is the difference between dental veneers and crowns?
A dental crown is a “cap” that encases all surfaces of your tooth. Dental veneers, however, only cover the front and edges of your teeth. Veneers are strictly used cosmetically while dental crowns can also be used restoratively.

How long will my veneers last?
Most patients are able to keep their dental veneers in good condition for up to 10 years before replacing them. Understandably, taking care of your veneers properly will help you maximize their lifespan, which includes staying on top of your oral health as well as not biting pens or chomping ice and protecting your teeth from bruxism.

Can veneers be used to fix cracked or broken teeth?
As long as the fracture or chip is minor and the integrity of the tooth as a whole is not compromised, a dental veneer can address your dental damage. Otherwise, you may need a crown.

Can dental veneers straighten crooked smiles?
Dental veneers can be used to cover the front of your smile and make crooked or gapped teeth appear straighter. This solution of “instant orthodontics” with dental veneers should only be used when there is no bite issues or major alignment problems to correct.

Will dental insurance cover cosmetic veneers?
Since dental veneers are an elective cosmetic procedure, dental insurance does not cover them. However, some patients are able to use HSA or FSA funds to pay for them. You may also ask about financing plans to lower your upfront cost.

Can I choose how my dental veneers look?
Absolutely, your dentist will carefully discuss the size, shape, and color of each veneer or tooth. We can customize them exactly how you want and in a way that looks natural and complements your overall facial features.

Will Veneers Ruin My Teeth?
Porcelain veneers don’t harm your teeth. However, it is important that your teeth are healthy before veneers are placed. Any areas of decay will need to be treated prior to getting veneers. To prep your teeth for porcelain veneers, a thin layer of your enamel is removed. However, this does not leave your teeth more vulnerable to damage. In fact, the veneer itself is not only stain-resistant but also acts as a barrier of protection for your underlying tooth.

Have more questions about porcelain veneers and what they can do for your smile? Call Grateful Dental. We have a talented cosmetic dentist who understands the artistic precision and skill it takes to improve your smile confidence.

Posted on behalf of Grateful Dental

2000 Powers Ferry Rd SE, #1, Marietta, GA 30067

Phone: (678) 593-2979