The world of dentistry has changed significantly over recent decades. As oral health and hygiene are becoming more important, dentistry tactics and procedures have evolved. Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures that dentistry professionals are performing today. We’ll take a deep dive into explaining what dental veneers are and everything you should know about them.

What are dental veneers?

The term dental veneer is used to describe a permanent alternation to correct a tooth imperfection. These imperfections range from stains to chips in the teeth. Dental veneers are typically constructed of porcelain or composite resin material that’s bonded to the front surface of the tooth. This bonding practice is made possible with an adhesive known as dental cement. Dental veneers are considered a permanent fix to dental imperfections.

Why do people get veneers?

People get dental veneers for a variety of reasons. They all fall into the category of fixing dental imperfections. Some imperfections are considered cosmetic and only affect the look of the mouth. Other imperfections are considered medical and must be corrected to protect the future health of the tooth. Some common dental imperfections include:

• Yellow staining
• Chips
• Cracks
• Misalignment
• Damaged enamel

If you’ve spoken with your dentist about cosmetic dental issues or you’ve been alerted of medical imperfections, they may recommend dental veneers. Ultimately, veneers are a cost-effective solution that can enhance the look of your teeth and ensure a healthy future. When choosing dental veneers, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of the different materials available.

What are the different types of veneers?

There are two different types of veneers that you can choose to get: composite veneers or porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are common as they can be applied to your teeth in a single visit to the dentist and are a less expensive option. While veneers made from a composite material may not last as long as porcelain veneers, they are still a great option to hide any imperfections of your front teeth. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are created in a laboratory setting and require additional time and effort to cement to your tooth surface. Typically, two cosmetic dentist appointments are required for porcelain veneer application. While this type of veneer is more costly than composite resin veneers, they are proven to last longer and do not change color over time.

What to expect during a veneer dental procedure?

Once you have made the decision to get veneers for your teeth, the procedure can vary depending on whether you choose to get composite veneers or porcelain veneers. In most cases, you will first visit your dentist for initial x-rays and take a small amount of your tooth surface to allow placement of the veneer. These are sent off to a dental laboratory for your veneers to begin being created. In the meantime, some dental offices will have you wear temporary veneers in the one to two-week period it takes for this to be completed. Once the veneers have been created and made to fit your teeth, they will be sent back to your dentist, ready for application. The last part of the process simply involves you coming into the office to have the veneers bonded to your teeth with resin cement. A follow up visit will be scheduled for a few weeks after this procedure to ensure that your veneers are properly fitting on your teeth.

How long do veneers last?

This question truly depends on how well you choose to take care of your veneers as they are not completely indestructible. A good rule of thumb is veneers made from composite will last anywhere from five to seven years. Porcelain veneers will typically last anywhere from ten to fifteen years and in some cases even longer. It is important that you continue to practice good oral hygiene even with veneers including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing as normal. This will also help preserve your veneers and ensure that they last as long as possible.

Have questions about veneers?

If you live in Southeast Michigan and are curious about veneers, give us a call or set up an appointment at the Fortson Dentistry location nearest to you. Our staff will be happy to help you understand your options and decide which veneers are the best fit for you.