Are Veneers Right for Your Teeth?

When you’re exploring ways to improve your smile, veneers might be a great option to consider. What are veneers? Dental veneers are thin coverings or shells that are applied directly to the front surfaces of your teeth. Dentists use veneers for a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, such as stained teeth or chipped teeth. Although veneers can give your smile a boost, are they the right option for you? Keep the following information in mind while considering this option.

When to Consider Veneers

When you have cosmetic issues that affect your smile, veneers might offer a solution. What kinds of dental flaws are you concerned about? Veneers can be used to treat teeth that are severely discolored or stained. You might consider this option if teeth whitening hasn’t worked or if you’re not a good candidate for teeth whitening. Veneers can also be used for uneven coloring.

You might look into getting veneers if you have gaps between your teeth, especially in the front of your mouth where they’re more visible. Veneers can help cover these gaps, so that they don’t show when you smile.

If you have teeth that are smaller than average, veneers can be a good option to consider. Veneers placed on these teeth can help them look larger, which helps them blend in better with your surrounding teeth.

When you have teeth that have an unusual shape, veneers can provide them with a more normal appearance. With veneers, these teeth can look more natural rather than standing out when you smile.

Having chipped or broken teeth in the front of your mouth can affect your smile. Veneers can help cover these signs of damage.

Types of Veneers

Different materials are used to make veneers, including porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite resin and can last for a longer time. However, there are some pros and cons to compare for both types of veneers.

Cost

Whether or not veneers are right for you depends in part on your budget. Veneers can vary in cost, but porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive than composite resin veneers. Your dentist can help you compare the costs of different veneer types if cost is a concern.

Number of Visits

When you want to improve your smile, are you willing to visit the dentist’s office multiple times? If so, porcelain veneers might be a good option for you. When you have these veneers applied to your teeth, you might need to come in for more than one visit. Composite resin veneers can usually be placed on your teeth in one visit. In both cases, your dentist needs to prepare your teeth for these thin coverings. However, your teeth might need less preparation when you’re getting composite resin veneers.

Durability

Veneers are made to last for many years, although they don’t last forever. Composite resin veneers typically don’t last as long as porcelain veneers. If you get composite resin veneers, you might need to have new ones applied when they wear out or become damaged. Keep in mind that composite resin veneers are more prone to damage compared to porcelain veneers, which are stronger.

Good Candidate for Veneers

Not everyone can have veneers placed on their teeth. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth to see if you’re a good candidate for them. If you have tooth or gum problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay, you might not be a good candidate for veneers. Your dentist can let you know what other options you have if you’re not a good candidate, such as bonding or crowns.

If you’re interested in learning more about veneers, please contact Cedar Walk Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for an appointment. We can help you determine if veneers are the right option for your teeth. We also offer other services, including endodontics and periodontal therapy.