Veneers are becoming more and more popular, for good reason. This guide on the dental veneers process shows you everything to know about cosmetic dentistry.

Only about 25% of Americans are really satisfied with the way their mouth, teeth, and gums look. You may be one of the remaining Americans that wish their teeth looked a little bit differently or their smile was a little brighter.

Even so, it is hard to tell what types of changes you can make to get the smile you want. Is cosmetic dentistry worth the time and money? What are dental veneers and what types of issues can they help resolve?

These questions and more are answered below, so keep reading to find out what you need to know about veneers and whether or not they can help you.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are shells of tooth-colored material designed to cover the surface of teeth and improve their appearance. They are bonded to the tooth to change the shape, color, size, or even length.

While this may sound painful, these are very thin and can be personalized to your teeth to ensure they are comfortable. They give your teeth a natural appearance, but will still enhance the features that you want them to, making them a great option for people that want a certain look.

The gum tissue is able to tolerate porcelain veneers easily and another benefit of porcelain is that it is almost entirely stain-resistant.

It's also important to note that the covering will allow you to change the way your tooth looks without truly affecting the tooth itself. You can change the shape of the way your tooth looks to others without having to actually reshape it.

Dental veneers are typically going to last somewhere between 7 years and 15 years. After this, you would need to get them replaced by a professional to keep up the same look.

They don't require you to provide exceptional care, so as long as you continue to follow proper dental hygiene routines, you'll keep your new teeth coverings happy and healthy.

The cost will depend on several factors, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth for traditional veneers. Generally, this cost is not covered by insurance because it is regarded as a cosmetic procedure.

What Is the Difference Between Porcelain and Resin Veneers?

As we mentioned earlier, there are several benefits to getting porcelain veneers, but you may have heard of resin composite veneers as well.

They are made from either of these materials. Discuss which material is going to be best for you with your dentist.

The resin composite option is also made to match the look of your natural tooth and can be personalized to fit your smile. This material is also very durable and capable of lasting several years with proper care.

The biggest downside to choosing resin composite is that they are not stain-resistant, which means they will darken like natural teeth.

Common Types of Problems Veneers Can Fix

Veneers can correct slight cosmetically unappealing features in your smile or mouth, but they are also used for more specific purposes.

Some of the reasons that you may want to consider them include:

Correcting discolored teeth
Closing gaps between teeth
Correcting weakened teeth
Correcting broken teeth
Realigning teeth that are uneven or irregular

With the help of trained dental professionals, you can get the teeth that you've been dreaming about!

Procedure for Getting Veneers

You'll likely need to take at least three separate trips to your dentist. The first visit is a consultation, the second visit is for preparation and construction, and the third visit is for application.

You have the choice to have the veneers process completed for one or more teeth at a time, so you can get it done all at once if you'd like.

First Visit: Consultation

During your initial visit, you will want to talk to your dentist about why you want veneers and what type of end goal you have for your teeth.

Your dentist will look at your teeth to see what type of dental veneers are appropriate for your mouth (if any) and will discuss with you what the process involves in detail. You will also get to learn about some of the limitations during this initial consultation.

If necessary, your dentist may also decide to take x-rays or make impressions of your teeth.

Second Visit: Preparation and Veneer Construction

In order for your tooth to hold a veneer, your dentist will need to do some work on your tooth surface. This will involve trimming off some enamel to make room for the veneer itself so that your mouth still feels natural after the last appointment.

You and the dentist will decide together if you need a local anesthetic to numb the area before they work on your tooth. Following this, the dentist will make an impression of your tooth or teeth. Then, the impression is sent to a dental lab that constructs the veneer for you.

Generally, this process will take at least a few weeks and the set will be sent from the lab back to your dentist before your final appointment.

Third Visit: Application and Bonding

During the last appointment, the dentist will make sure that the veneers fit and that the color is right before permanently bonding them to your teeth.

Your dentist will remove and trim the veneer repeatedly to make sure it fits. They may also adjust the color at this stage if it is necessary.

Next, your tooth or teeth will get cleaned, polished, and roughened before the bonding process to ensure they can stick permanently. A unique cement is used for this purpose as the veneer is placed on your tooth.

After the veneer is in position on your tooth, the dentist will apply a special light that activates the chemicals in the cement so that it cures quickly.

Your dentist will then remove any excess cement, double-check the fit, and make final adjustments if needed.

Your dentist might ask you to come back in for a final follow-up appointment a few weeks after this as well.

Are You Ready to Get Cosmetic Dentistry?

After learning more about dental veneers themselves, the veneers process, and how they work, you may be considering them as an option for yourself.

If it's time for you to make an appointment, choose us for your cosmetic dentistry needs. Sewell Dental Designs in Sewell, NJ offers dental veneers services and is ready to help you!

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