What are Veneers? A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain, resin, or other material that is made to fit your tooth. They attach to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. Usually, veneers are used to cover discolored teeth, chipped or broken teeth, irregularly shaped teeth, or teeth with gaps between them.
Veneers last about ten years before needing to be replaced. They usually take about two to four weeks to manufacture after the mold is made. To bond the veneer to your teeth, a small amount of enamel will need to be removed, but much less than is needed for a filling or crown.
Different Types of Veneers
Veneers can be made with a few different materials. The most expensive option—porcelain. They are typically known as the best looking. Porcelain can also match the shade of your natural teeth fairly well.
Composite veneers are similar to porcelain, but they are made some the material that makes up cavity fillings. These veneers are often used to cover minor chips or gaps in teeth. It is a less expensive and less durable option.
Instant veneers are premade and can be applied instantly. They are less expensive because they are not made to custom match your teeth. Removable veneers are a combination of porcelain and instant veneers. They are custom made for your teeth, and they can also be removed when needed. This is an inexpensive option but not considered to be a long-term solution.
Pros
Because they are mainly for cosmetic purposes, veneers have the ability to give you a flawless smile and boost your confidence. They are also (usually) made custom for your teeth and look very natural. It is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a tooth and veneer.
Veneers do not require any maintenance outside from regular dental hygiene—regular brushing and flossing. In most cases, there is no additional drilling or shaping required for veneers, they just bond to your teeth in whatever form they are in. If you’re looking for the answer to your imperfect teeth, veneers may be a big help to you.
Cons
Before getting veneers, there are a few things to consider. Veneers do not change color, though your teeth may. If your teeth yellow over time, the veneers will likely stand out in an unsavory way. They can be avoided with good dental hygiene.
It is possible for veneers to chip or crack, depending on the type of veneer, they can be more prone to problems than fillings or crowns. For this reason, they are not recommended for those who have habits of biting their nails, grinding their teeth, or chewing on ice. These things may lead to a costly chip or crack in your veneers. You can avoid this problem by kicking your bad habits.
Lastly, teeth can still decay underneath veneers. If this happens and goes undetected and untreated, it can lead to root canals and crowns. Veneers may not be a good idea for you if you have a history of dental conditions.
