What are veneers?
Veneers are porcelain shells that cover the front of your teeth. They're usually best for the front teeth because they show when you smile. Veneers can conceal many types of damage to make your teeth look beautiful, healthy, and completely natural since they're custom-crafted for you.
Crowns — porcelain caps that encase the whole tooth — are usually a better option for molars and other back teeth because they endure more wear-and-tear.
How can veneers improve my smile?
Veneers can greatly improve your smile in many ways. They can change the shape, color, size, and even alignment of your teeth. Some of the many problems that veneers can solve include:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Severe stains or discoloration
- Worn teeth
- Gaps between front teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Slight side-to-side misalignment in front teeth
Some patients don't have any of problems above, but simply want a more perfect smile, and veneers can help with that, too.
How does the veneers process work?
Your Allen and Schwarz Dental dentist examines your tooth, including checking the stability of any fillings within the tooth, before preparing it by lightly buffing away a little bit of enamel. Removing this small amount of enamel prevents your veneer from looking or feeling bulky.
Next, your dentist makes an impression of your mouth. This impression is then used to create your porcelain veneer so it fits perfectly. Your dentist fixes the new veneer onto your tooth using very strong bonding material. Then, they typically apply a curing light to harden and set the bonding material.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers usually last for at least 10 years, and often much longer. In some studies, 91% of patients still had their veneers at 12-13 years and 83% still had functional veneers at 20 years post-placement.
To keep your veneers in ideal shape for the longest time possible, practice good dental care habits, get teeth cleanings twice a year, and have oral health checkups with your Allen and Schwarz Dental dentist at the recommended intervals.
Want to learn more or get started with the veneers process? Use online booking or call the Allen and Schwarz Dental office to schedule your appointment today.
