Do you look in the mirror and wish that you could change something about your smile?  It might be time to consider an aesthetic change. Veneers for teeth are a fantastic, simple dental procedure that can dramatically change your life. If you have low self-esteem or dislike your smile, veneers could be a solution. But what exactly are they? In this blog post we’ll discuss what veneers are and how they can help you!

What Exactly Are They?

To put it at its most basic, veneers are simply a layer of a material placed over the tooth. There are several materials that are most frequently used, such as composite resin  and dental porcelain. These thin covers adhere to the teeth to give them a classic, healthy look. Veneers for teeth vary based on your needs. These thin coverings are placed on the outside of the tooth, making your teeth look naturally white and straight! 

Porcelain veneers are thin shells custom made to fit on the tooth/teeth. They are incredibly strong and long-lasting and look completely natural. Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth colored filling material that is then bonded to the existing tooth. This is a great option if you are looking for something a bit more cost effective than porcelain. Composite resin veneers may not be as durable as porcelain but an advantage is that they are easier to repair and composite veneers generally involve less tooth enamel removal than for crowns or porcelain. 

When Are Veneers for Teeth Needed?

While veneers for teeth are a cosmetic choice, they still need to be prescribed by a dentist and there are certain situations where these coverings are highly recommended.  Veneers are an ideal choice for someone with a chipped tooth that needs repairing, a tooth or teeth misaligned, tooth size discrepancy, internal staining, intentional spacing after orthodontics for cosmetics. Whatever the reason, the outcome can be tremendously helpful.

What Is It Like to Have Them Put On?

When it comes to dental procedures, placing veneers is one of the easiest! To place a porcelain veneer, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel and make an impression of the tooth or teeth. Once they have determined the proper color for the veneer, your dentist will send out the mold to a lab where a proper porcelain veneer will be formed. When it is returned, your dentist will check the fit and accuracy, clean the tooth, and carefully bond the veneer to the tooth. Composite resin veneers are even easier. Your dentist will prepare and possibly remove some enamel off to reshape your tooth and sculpt the material to contour the tooth. Your dentist will harden the composite with a special light before bonding it to your tooth. 

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

The price of a veneer varies based upon a number of variables, but on average will cost $600-$1500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers are more costly than composite, but they will generally last longer. Talk to your dentist to determine the best plan for you.

What Is It Like to Live With Veneers?

The great thing about veneers for teeth is that these are a lasting solution. Most veneers have a lifespan of about ten years depending on many factors, and you can treat them as you would your natural teeth. You still need to brush and floss veneers to avoid any potential cavities under or around the tooth. Since veneers are an added layer to your tooth , they can fracture  if put under too much force. Avoid eating really hard or crunchy foods like ice or meat off the bone. Otherwise, you can resume your normal lifestyle!

Are dental veneers the right choice for you? Contact Orzechowski and Arndt to rejuvenate your smile today!