Are Dental Veneers Right For Me?

Are your teeth chipped or discolored? If so, you might be able to benefit from dental veneers.

These are thin, tooth-colored caps that adhere to the fronts of the teeth. They can cover a number of aesthetic blemishes, thus returning a patient’s teeth to their prime state.

Wondering whether dental veneers are right for you? Read on for more information!

What Are Dental Veneers?

First, we should explain what dental veneers are. As we explained in the introduction of this article, dental veneers are thin caps that attach to the fronts of the teeth. They’re bonded to the teeth with an adhesive and are used to change the aesthetic of the teeth.

You can use dental veneers to change the size of your teeth, the shape of your teeth, the color of your teeth, and the length of your teeth. Most dental veneers last between 5 and 10 years. Note, though, that this is dependent on how well they’re cared for.

There are, in general, two types of veneers: composite and porcelain. We’ll discuss the specifics of each now.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are generally the more expensive of the two. That said, they also last longer. In fact, some can last as long as 20 years (not that this is typical). In most cases, porcelain veneers top out at around 10 years of use.

Aesthetically speaking, porcelain veneers are very authentic-looking. Because they’re translucent in nature, they take the tooth’s actual aesthetic into account. This, mixed with the aesthetic of the veneer, makes for a genuine and believable appearance.

Composite Veneers

The alternative to porcelain veneers is composite veneers. These don’t last as long as porcelain veneers but don’t cost as much either. As such, they’re a good option for those on a budget.

Most composite veneers top out at around 5 years of use. Note, however, that some make it as far as 10 years.

Composite veneers aren’t quite as translucent as porcelain veneers. For this reason, they lack some authenticity. That said, they still look very similar to real teeth.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?

Now, you might be wondering: who’s a good candidate for dental veneers? Generally speaking, it’s people with the following problems.

Those With Stained Teeth

Are your teeth permanently stained or yellowed? If so, teeth whitening procedures aren’t going to work. However, dental veneers will.

By having veneers bonded to the fronts of your teeth, you can return your teeth to their prime state. They’ll appear white and shiny, even if they’re the exact opposite underneath.

Those With Chipped Teeth

Maybe portions of your teeth are chipped? If so, there’s not much you can do to restore those portions. However, you can cover your teeth in veneers, thus removing the appearance of chips.

Those With Mismatching Teeth

The hope is that your teeth will fit well together. Obviously, you don’t want them all to look the same. However, you do want them to have good proportions in relation to the teeth that surround them.

But what if your teeth are wildly different? What if you’re embarrassed by the difference in size and shape? If so, you should consider utilizing veneers.

Veneers can alter the perception of each tooth’s size and shape. As such, they can greatly improve the overall appearance of a set of teeth.

Getting Veneers: The Process

Getting veneers is advanced cosmetic dentistry. It requires a great deal of work and planning and should only be done by those who are truly ready to do it. The steps of the veneer process include the following.

Trimming of the Enamel

At your first appointment for veneers, your dentist will trim off a small part of your tooth’s enamel. This is necessary to clear the way for the veneer. It must be able to sit back into the tooth a bit, otherwise, it won’t align with the rest of the teeth in the mouth.

Molding of the Impressions

To obtain the perfect veneer for your tooth, your dentist will have to mold impressions of your teeth. These will indicate the exact shape and size of your teeth, thus helping the manufacturer of the veneer to get the job done right.

Comparing of the Color

You’ll also want your veneer to match the color of the rest of your teeth. As such, your dentist will gauge the shade of your tooth and send color information to the veneer’s manufacturer.

The Manufacturing of the Veneer

After your impressions and other dental information have been sent to the lab, the lab will work on manufacturing your veneer. During this time, you might be given a temporary veneer. Note, though, that a temporary veneer is not a certainty.

The Assessing of the Veneer

Once the veneer arrives in your dentist’s office, he or she will assess the veneer to determine whether it’s right for your teeth. Odds are, it will be. Note, though, that accidents happen.

If the veneer is determined to be appropriate, it will be bonded directly to the front of your tooth. It will then be solidified with the help of a high-powered light, ensuring that it doesn’t go anywhere in the near future.

The Removal of Excess Material

In some cases, after the veneer has been inserted, there is excess material left over. If this is the case, the dentist will use a variety of tools in order to eliminate that material, thus ending the procedure.

Need Dental Veneers in San Diego?

What do you say? Are you interested in getting dental veneers? Looking for dental veneers in San Diego?

If so, I, David Eshom, DDS, can help you. I’ve supplied dental veneers to countless patients throughout the San Diego area. I’ll have your teeth looking their best in no time.

Are Dental Veneers Right For Me?