How Do Dental Veneers Work?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth due to staining, damage, or other such factors, you may be a candidate for dental veneers. Discuss this treatment option with a cosmetic dentist for more information. In the meantime, the following guide will explain what dental veneers are and how they can improve the appearance of your smile.

What Are Dental Veneers?

A dental veneer is typically a small porcelain shell that resembles the front of a healthy and natural tooth. After a lab generates veneers that match the shape of your natural teeth, a dentist applies the veneers by:

• Removing a thin layer of enamel form all teeth receiving veneers
• Using a bonding material to attach the veneers to the teeth
• Applying a specialized light to complete the bonding process

Unlike dental implants or bridges, which fully replace missing teeth, veneers only cover the front of a patient’s teeth. As such, they offer cosmetic benefits, but don’t replace teeth entirely.

Dental Veneers May Address a Range of Issues

A patient may be a candidate for dental veneers if their teeth are:

• Stained
• Cracked
• Uneven
• Crooked
• Misshapen

Veneers can also fill in excessively large gaps between teeth. In addition, receiving veneers may be an alternative to getting braces if a patient’s teeth are only slightly misaligned.

What You Need to Know About No-Prep Veneers

No-prep veneers don’t require removal of enamel from a patient’s existing teeth. The process of receiving no-prep veneers usually isn’t as lengthy as the process of receiving traditional porcelain veneers. However, no-prep veneers might not offer the same degree of aesthetic benefits.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers aren’t permanent. That said, according to a study in the European Journal of Dentistry, with proper care, a dental veneer could remain in good condition for a decade or more.

Ways to keep your veneers in the best shape possible for as long as possible include the following:

• Schedule regular appointments with your dentist
• Stay on top of brushing and flossing
• Don’t use your teeth to open bags or other such items
• Try to avoid chewing hard foods when possible
• Minimize or avoid smoking and consumptions of alcohol
• Try not to grind your teeth, as this can damage veneers

See a dentist right away if you believe you have damaged one of your veneers. They can determine whether it’s necessary to replace the veneer.

Talk to a Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers aren’t always the only option to consider when you wish to improve the appearance of your smile. For instance, if your teeth are stained, you may also consider professional teeth whitening. 

On the other hand, perhaps a tooth appears unsightly due to significant decay. In these circumstances, depending on the severity of the decay, a dentist might recommend pulling the tooth and replacing it with an implant.

The best way to learn whether veneers are right for you is to discuss this treatment option with a professional. After assessing the condition of your teeth, a dentist can explain if veneers will address your needs.

Learn More About Dental Veneers in Bronxville, NY

At Bronxville Family Dental, our team would be happy to check your teeth and determine if veneers are right for you. Contact us online or call us at 914-337-8430 to request an appointment.