What Are Dental Veneers And How Do They Work?

A veneer is a wafer-thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. They are customized to the shape of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth’s original enamel during in-office procedures. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between those two.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Veneers can be a less intrusive option than crowns or braces. Veneers can be used to close gaps or correct small misalignments. Patients also choose veneers as a cosmetic solution to enhance the brightness of their teeth and to straighten their smile, correcting issues like discoloration, fractures, or chips.

What is the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?

The most commonly used materials for veneers are the conventional porcelain veneer and composite resin veneer. Porcelain veneers are preferable for correcting issues of shape or color and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. 

While veneers are a longer-term solution, it is important to know that like most dental work, they will need to be replaced eventually. Good homecare and routine hygiene appointments will significantly extend the life of your dental work. 

Composite veneers on average are around half the price of porcelain veneers. Composites can typically be fabricated while you wait, making it a same-day treatment. They are actually shaped and sculpted on your teeth rather than in an offsite lab. Composite veneers also have the factor of reversibility. Porcelain requires reshaping of your natural teeth in order to fit the veneer. When it comes to composites, minimal prep work is required on your natural teeth, meaning that they are not permanently altered to such an extent that the composite material cannot be removed and replaced as needed.

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

Veneers are a quick way to a beautiful smile, and this treatment is perfect for people with teeth that are stained, chipped, or have gaps. But veneers are largely a permanent treatment and having them placed is a big decision. Before you and your dentist decide the procedure is right for you, it’s important to have the right information about veneers, their cost and how best to care for them.

Care for Veneers

You should brush and floss just as you would your regular teeth. Proper daily brushing, and use of non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Consider limiting coffee and other stain-inducing foods. Keep in mind that veneers will need to be replaced at some point, no matter how well you take care of them. But proper oral hygiene will help them last as long as possible. If you’re deciding on veneers, consult with your dentist and be sure you understand every part of the process and cost. A beautiful smile feels great and can increase both your confidence and well-being.

Dental Veneers in Dunedin

Whether you're looking to repair chipped or broken teeth, mask discoloration, or just enhance your smile, dental veneers may be the perfect solution for you.At Dunedin Dental Associates, we’re dedicated to creating natural looking veneers that match your unique features and facial proportions. Contact us today at 727-734-3321 to learn more and schedule your appointment.