If you’ve ever seen acrylic fingernails, then you have some idea of what dental veneers are. While the material is different, they are similar in that they cover your natural nails to be more visually pleasing. Dental veneers are most often used to fix aesthetic problems, like discoloration. In this article, we will address the basics of dental veneers further to see if they are right for you! 

Do I Need Dental Veneers?  

Dental veneers are a wonderful solution if you’d like to make your chipped teeth look perfect again, or if you’d like to close small gaps in your teeth and reshape your smile. If you’d like a brighter smile, after years of exposure to acidic foods and drinks, veneers can also help you. 

How are Dental Veneers Made? 

Porcelain is the closest match to your natural teeth, and are resistant to stains, making them the ideal option for your veneers. This material is strong, so they have a long lifespan. They are also thin, meaning less enamel needs to be removed from your natural teeth.  

Less expensive than porcelain, but still an excellent option are composite resin veneers. These are made of filling materials, and less strong than their porcelain counterpart. If these are ever damaged, they are relatively easy to fix, compared to the porcelain ones, which aren’t. 

How will My Teeth Be Prepared? 

The Ross Township dentistry team will first assess your smile to ensure that your teeth are eligible to receive veneers. Cavities, gingivitis, or other oral issues will be attended to before they begin to prepare your teeth for veneers. After your successful assessment, Dr. DeBonis will prepare your teeth by removing the top enamel layer, less than a half millimeter, to make space for your veneers. 

After your teeth have been filed, the Ross Township dental team will take digital or putty impressions of your teeth to be sent to a dental lab for your custom-fabricated veneers. You will be offered a local anesthetic to numb any discomfort you may feel during the preparation. We will match your veneers to your teeth, so your smile looks as natural as possible. 

How Long Will the Process Take? 

You will need to book at least two appointments with your Ross Township dentist to complete the process. The first step is the assessment and preparation. Your veneers will be fitted during your second visit.  

What Happens Next? 

Once your custom veneers are cemented onto your teeth, only small adjustments are able to be made. It’s best to get used to them for several days before adjusting or polishing. 

How Long Do Veneers Last? 

Dental veneers can last for several years, but that depends on how well you take care of them. Talk to Dr. DeBonis about what kinds of things to avoid to prevent your veneers from chipping, cracking, or breaking.  

What are the Pros?

Veneers can replace enamel that’s worn down over long exposure to acidic foods and drinks. This erosion in your enamel could make you vulnerable to oral issues like tooth sensitivity or discoloration. Dental veneers would cover the exposed area and make your teeth stronger.   

They can also whiten your smile after years of cigarette-smoking or coffee-drinking. They will improve the color, and stay white for longer, since they are more stain-resistant than your natural teeth.  

What are the Cons?

The most important risk to consider is that the process of receiving dental veneers is irreversible. The preparation process is invasive, and removes a layer or enamel that can’t be replaced.  

Another factor to consider is that the preparation process will heighten sensitivity in your teeth. The enamel being removed will bring the soft dentine closer to the surface, and you may be susceptible to extreme temperatures or pressure.   

Let us Answer Your Questions!

Call DeBonis Family Dentistry or request an appointment so we can answer any other questions you have about dental veneers. We will help you decide if dental veneers are the perfect solution for you!