Not everyone is blessed with a perfect set of pearly whites. And lifestyle—coffee, tea, acidic drinks, hobbies and pastimes—might contribute to how your teeth age. Dentists have plenty of tools in their toolbelt to help your smile look great. If you’re considering some kind of cosmetic treatment in the near future, here’s what you should know about veneers.
What are veneers?
Veneers are very thin caps that a dentist places on the surface of your teeth. They are made to fit tightly and to the exact specifications of your teeth. Veneers are an easy way to improve the appearance of stains, broken teeth, and even close gaps between teeth. They are created especially for your teeth by utilizing a mold that your dentist will take of your mouth.
Preparing the mouth for veneers
If you elect to have veneers added to your teeth, you’re probably looking at three separate appointments before you’re done with the process. The first appointment will be to take molds of your mouth as referenced above. The second, once your veneers have been created, will be to shave off a very thin layer of the enamel on your teeth and then to place the veneers on top. Dental cement is used to bond the veneer to your natural teeth.
Getting veneers are painless
Even if you have a healthy dose of dental anxiety, getting a mouth full of veneers isn’t something to be afraid of. Local anesthetics are used only when the dentist is roughing up the surface of your existing teeth. Other than that process, fitting your mouth with veneers will be uneventful and easy.
How long do veneers last
Veneers can keep your smile looking great for many years to come. Veneers can be made of composite material or porcelain. Porcelain can have a longer lifespan than composite, but only by a few years. With proper care and regular visits to your dentist, you can expect your composite veneers to serve you well for 10-15 years and porcelain veneers, much longer than that.