Dental Care

Answering 5 essential questions about dental veneers

Your smile is a vital personality asset, and you deserve to feel your best about that. If you are unsatisfied with the color or shape of your teeth, you may want to consider veneers. There are several concerns that dental veneers can fix, and the procedure is simple and highly effective. Many clinics offer cosmetic dental treatments in Burlingame, and if you are considering veneers, below is an overview for your help.

What are porcelain veneers?

Made of porcelain, veneers are shells that are designed to resemble the natural color of your teeth. Dentists fix porcelain veneers to your teeth to correct the smile concerns and enhance the aesthetics. If you have extremely stained teeth and other dental imperfections, you can consider veneers.

Are veneers right for me?

If your gums and teeth are healthy, the chances are high that you could benefit from veneers. Typically, the procedure is recommended for cracked or chipped teeth and to fix uneven gaps between teeth. If teeth whitening is unlikely to improve your discoloration and staining concerns, veneers could be a good alternative. The treatment is also effective for correcting minor misalignment.

What are the common types of veneers?

Veneers are typically made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain is a ceramic, which is also resistant to stains. Porcelain veneers look natural and can withstand considerable pressure. The durability is as high as 15 years. Composite resin veneers are also as effective and offer a budget-friendly way of fixing teeth concerns. However, you may need a replacement sooner.

Are the results permanent?

The process of getting veneers involves removing a part of the enamel, which is a permanent step. The results can last for years, but like most cosmetic dental procedures, veneers also need replacement at some point.

How long does it take to get dental veneers?

You need at least two appointments with the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will use local anesthesia and buff your teeth. They will also create molds and order custom veneers from the lab. You will have to return for a second appointment to get the shells in place. Your dentist will share the detailed treatment plan when you visit the first time, along with the pros and cons of the procedure.

This is a cosmetic dental treatment, so your insurance may not cover the costs. Ask for an estimate in advance and ensure that you understand the expected outcome.