Are Veneers Right for Me?

A radiant smile doesn’t just improve your self-confidence, it also leaves everyone you meet with a lasting impression. Unfortunately, a rigorous dental care routine won’t always fix your teeth. You need a professional opinion to get the smile you’ve always wanted. One such intervention is dental veneers. Keep reading to get your answer to, are veneers right for me?

What Are Veneers?

These thin shells are applied on your tooth’s surface for cosmetic and restorative purposes. If your teeth have gaps and stains or are uneven, your dentist can recommend veneers to shape your smile. Veneers can be fitted in two ways. The first is the direct technique that uses bonding to apply composite resin outside the tooth.

On the other hand, the indirect method requires two appointments. First, your teeth are prepared and fitted with a temporary covering while your impressions go to the dental laboratory. Your veneers will be ready in 2-3 weeks. The next appointment involves removing the temporary covering and bonding the veneers to your teeth.

You can choose from the following types of veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

They’re some of the most popular veneers and are comprised of feldspar and glass ceramic. Although they take longer to install, porcelain veneers stand out for their resistance to staining, chipping, and discoloration.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are made using composite resin and are often used to fix small chips and cracks. Composite veneers are generally cheaper than porcelain and require less preparation.

Removable Veneers

Removable veneers, also called snap-on veneers, serve as a temporary fix before permanent veneers are fitted. They are meant to cover minor cosmetic flaws and should come off before eating or brushing.

Lumineers

The fact that they require minimal preparation makes lumineers a great choice for anyone looking for a quick fix. Moreover, they’re ultra-thin, giving you a more natural smile. The downside is that they easily fracture because of their thin design.

Are Veneers Right for Me?

Now that we’ve defined dental veneers, let’s dive into the question, are veneers right for me?

Dentists may recommend veneers to fix the following issues:

  • Broken or chipped teeth from injuries, chewing hard foods, and nail-biting
  • White spots from excessive fluoride use
  • Discoloration from drugs, aging, and certain foods
  • Irregular tooth shapes

The good news is veneers are easy to maintain. All you have to do is brush, floss, and keep up with your dental appointments.

Even so, veneers aren’t for everyone. You might not qualify for this procedure if:

  • You have large fillings or severe tooth decay.
  • You have gum disease.
  • Your teeth are too worn out from grinding or clenching, making it difficult for veneers to stick.
  • The gaps in your teeth are too large and require prior orthodontic care.

Still asking, are veneers right for me? The only way to know is by consulting a professional. And our dentists at LeCroy Dental are happy to answer this and other questions about your oral health. Schedule your appointment today!