Dental veneers are a cosmetic enhancement for your teeth. They are designed to conceal imperfections and give the teeth a like-new appearance.
If you’re considering dental veneers, you may be wondering how they work. Here’s what you need to know about veneers to determine if they may be right for you.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or composite resin that essentially reface your front row of teeth. They attach to the front side of each tooth and wrap slightly around the sides to cover the portion of the tooth that is visible when you smile.
Placement of Dental Veneers
In order to prepare for veneers, a very thin layer of enamel is removed from your teeth. This makes room for the veneers to attach and gives them a rougher surface for more effective bonding. Then digital images called impressions are made of your teeth that are used to create your veneers. The veneers are bonded to each tooth with dental adhesive and cured using a specialized light.
How Many Teeth Need Veneers?
You will not need veneers on all of your teeth, just the ones that are the most visible when you smile. Depending on the size of your mouth, that could be anywhere from 4-10 teeth on each row. You may only need veneers on the top row of teeth, but in many cases getting both the upper and lower teeth fitted with veneers offers the most natural looking results.
What Cosmetic Imperfections Can Veneers Correct?
Dental veneers are capable of concealing or correcting the following cosmetic imperfections:
- Uneven lengths. Veneers can make the teeth seem uniform in length.
- Severe stains. Veneers can cover severely stained teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments.
- Chipped teeth. One or more chipped teeth can be concealed with veneers.
- Worn down teeth. If your teeth are worn down from years of grinding your teeth, veneers can help them look like their original length.
- Gaps between teeth. Veneers can conceal small gaps between your teeth without orthodontic treatment.
- Slightly crooked teeth. Veneers can make slightly crooked teeth appear straight without orthodontic treatment.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers are bonded to your teeth so that only your dentist can remove them. Once your teeth have been prepped for veneers, some of the enamel is gone that can never be replaced. If your veneers wear out, they will need to be replaced because the natural teeth can’t remain uncovered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last an average of about 10-15 years. Composite veneers may only last 5-8 years. To get as many years as possible out of your veneers, be careful how you use them. Avoid biting non-food items or using your teeth to open packages or remove tags. Cut hard or chewy foods into bite size pieces to avoid biting into them with your veneers.
How do I brush and floss my teeth with veneers?
You can brush and floss your teeth with veneers the same way you would your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. You should still be able to get floss in between your veneers. If not, use a water flosser to reach tight spaces.
Get Started With Veneers Today
If you’re interested in enhancing your smile with dental veneers, start by scheduling a consultation with Dental Wellness Team. We provide both porcelain and composite dental veneers that are durable and offer a natural appearance. You can completely transform your smile without spending months or years in orthodontic treatment. And veneers correct a variety of cosmetic issues that orthodontics can’t.
Call 954-796-3355 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.