Do I Need Veneers?
Veneers are a commonly discussed part of Cosmetic Dentistry, but are they right for you?
First, let’s talk about what veneers are, and what they aren’t.
What are they made out of? Veneers are any type of thin covering that gets bonded over the front of your teeth. Veneers can be made out of different types of materials such as ceramic or resin. They can be made in a laboratory or made directly on your tooth. When someone says they are getting veneers they can be talking about quite a range of treatment.
What are veneers for? Veneers can change the color, shape, and size of your teeth while changing the position of them slightly. Doing veneers on just some of your front teeth may result in being able to tell which teeth are veneers and which are not. Veneers work best when they are planned out from the beginning with your cosmetic dentist so that you can get an idea of what they will look like before you even start.
Do you need to cut down my teeth in order to make veneers? This depends on where your teeth currently are, and where you want them to end up. There are times we need to remove some tooth structure in order to make everything straighter in the end. When you don’t remove any tooth structure there is a chance that the end result looks bulky and unnatural. You can plan all this out with your dentist ahead of time, so that there are no surprises.
How long do veneers last? A great (and difficult) question to answer. Longevity depends on so many factors, that it would be hard to give one specific number. You can plan on having to refresh the veneers and have them remade at least once every 15 years.
I don’t like the idea of cutting down my teeth, what are some other alternatives? If you already like the shape and size of your teeth and you just want them to be straighter and whiter, Invisalign and professional teeth whitening may be a better answer. This may cost you less, last longer and have less side effects. You may also be a candidate for cosmetic bonding (much like veneers in some cases, but with some distinct differences). Or, you may be the perfect candidate for veneers and discussing the process step by step may help you realize that it is the best choice for you! This is one of the reasons that it’s important to see a dentist that has all the cosmetic dental procedures available at their office so that you can get a customized plan that is best for your specific scenario. . S