Dental veneers have become a popular option for people seeking to improve the aesthetics of their smiles. Dentists often recommend them to improve cosmetics when the underlying tooth is sound. The process is minimally invasive, and the product is relatively inexpensive. But are veneers the right choice for you?
What Are Dental Veneers?
You will sometimes see dental veneers referred to as porcelain veneers or even porcelain laminates. These coverings are as thin as a wafer, made from porcelain or a resin and crated specifically to match the individual patient’s teeth. They are generally bonded to the surface of a tooth in order to alter length, size, color or even shape. You may get a veneer for a single tooth or have a series of veneers bonded to a couple of teeth or more.
Veneers are often an excellent option when:
You Want White Teeth
When you want whiter teeth, you opt for teeth whitening, right? Often, but whitening is not always effective or practical. You may, for instance, have staining that resulted over a long period, and while it can be whitened, it cannot be lightened to the degree you like. That is where veneers can come in. Be mindful that there are also medications and dental surgeries that can deeply discolor teeth.
You Want to Get Rid of Gaps
Another common reason to use veneers is to cover gaps. Some people love their gaps as a fashion statement or a personal mark. Others hate them and want them gone. Gaps often exist even though the underlying structure of the mouth is just fine. There is no need for a more invasive solution and so veneers are ideal.
You Want Straighter-Looking Teeth
Veneers are also an effective technique for making teeth seem straight. Perhaps you have minor unevenness where other techniques would be overkill. There are also people who cannot or do not want to wear bracers or aligners and can thus opt for veneers instead.
You Want to Hide Irregularities
In fact, dental veneers can be used to hide practically any irregularity at all as long as any underlying issues with the teeth and gums has been dealt with. Teeth can be misaligned, irregularly shaped or even have bulges or craters. Teeth can chip or break, and that damage can be fixed and then, hidden through the use of a veneer.
Veneers are often an exciting option. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you just want to correct some aspect of your smile, this may be just the way. Of course, be mindful that you should schedule a dental exam and speak with a dentist before determining if dental veneers are the right choice for you.
