If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, you may be thinking about getting dental veneers. Veneers are an extremely versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment that can be used to address a variety of different issues. However, you may not know a lot about them.

Here are some of the most common questions we are asked about dental veneers, and of course, the answers we are happy to provide.
 

What Exactly Are Dental Veneers and How Do They Work?

Veneers are a very popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. Each veneer is a thin, porcelain shell a lot like a fingernail, and is custom-designed to sit over the outer enamel of a specific tooth. Patients can get a single veneer to improve the appearance of just one tooth or as many as is needed to enhance their smile. Once created, the veneer is bonded to the tooth using special bonding material.

Do My Teeth Have To Be Prepared For Dental Veneers?

Yes, veneers are attached to the outer enamel of the teeth but before they can be, a little of the natural enamel needs to be removed. This helps the veneers to fit securely and stops them from making your teeth look abnormally thick. The removal process is done using a local anesthetic, so it won’t hurt. However, once the enamel has been removed it won’t regenerate. This means that any teeth that are prepped will always need veneers to cover them.

 

What Issues Can Dental Veneers Be Used To Fix?

Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic dental issues including gaps between teeth, undersized teeth, teeth that are set back from the rest in the arch, stains, discoloration, and minor imperfections like superficial chips and cracks. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you if veneers are a suitable solution to improve your smile.  

 

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

They are a permanent addition in that they can’t be removed yourself or taken off when you feel like it. However, they also won’t last forever. With proper care, they could remain intact for up to 20 years, but after this, it’s likely that they will need replacing.

 

Do I Have To Do Anything Special To Look After My Dental Veneers?

Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to take care of veneers. The porcelain shells are strong, but you should still avoid using your teeth as tools or putting them under any unnecessary stress of any kind. Brush them just like you brush your regular teeth and remember to floss to protect your teeth and gums. If you smoke or enjoy certain foods/drinks that contain tannins, there is a risk that your veneers will become stained over time. Regular professional dental cleaning will help keep them in the best possible condition, but you should try and avoid anything that could stain your veneers as much as possible.

For more information about dental veneers, or to schedule an appointment to see if you are a good candidate for this popular cosmetic dentistry solution, please contact our expert dental team at The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Destin, Panama City Beach, & Navarre, Florida at 850-810-0300, 850-810-0600, & 850-409-6400 today!