Are Dental Veneers Right for You? Explore Your Options

Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers might be the answer for you. These thin, customized porcelain shells will fit over your existing teeth and even out their appearance.

An overview of dental veneers

Over time, dental veneers have become more prevalent as a cosmetic dental choice. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that cover the front surface area of the tooth. These veneers match the shape, size, and color of natural teeth. They may be used to fill gaps between teeth, repair chips, and cracks, as well as remove stains.

The typical process for receiving dental veneers entails two appointments at the dentist's office, one for preparation of the tooth for veneers. At the very first appointment, the dentist will remove a small quantity of enamel from the tooth and impressions to create custom veneers for the patient.

Once the dental laboratory creates the veneers, patients will come back for a follow-up appointment where the veneers will be connected to the tooth with an adhesive substance. Dental veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care.

Different kinds of dental veneers

Two kinds of dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain. The best option for appearance and durability will be porcelain veneers. These mimic the color and transparency of real teeth.

On the other hand, composite resin veneers are made of a tooth-colored filling material that is cemented to the front surface area of the teeth. They are typically less expensive than porcelain veneers and also less of the natural teeth structure is removed during installation.

The dentist might also offer another kind of veneer called "no-prep" or "minimal prep." These veneers require no removal of the natural tooth structure. The entire process is generally reversible. Talk with the dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of each dental veneer alternative before deciding on one. Patients usually select the type according to dental health, budget, and desired outcomes.

Important points to note

The patient's teeth must be healthy and free of cavities or gum diseases before getting dental veneers. Practical expectations about the results of dental veneers are crucial. Veneers cover minor imperfections like discolorations and chips but are not as effective at mending crooked teeth or major structural problems.

Another factor to consider is the price of dental veneers. The cost could depend on the number of teeth currently being treated. Patients should discuss all costs with their dentist in advance to avoid unforeseen charges in the future.

Patients should also continue to maintain good oral hygiene habits after the veneers have been placed. They are tough, so brush and floss regularly to help keep them looking great and stop them from decaying around the edges.

In summary

Dental veneers can improve the look of your teeth and overall smile. With proper oral hygiene and routine visits, dental veneers can provide years of aesthetically pleasing smiles. Find out if this is the right treatment by booking an appointment with our dental office today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistinridgewood.com or call John D. Aston, DMD at (201) 620-9996 for an appointment in our Ridgewood office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Ridgewood, NJ.