Which Dental Veneers Are Right for Me?
A beautiful smile can create a great impression—and achieving that perfect smile could be easier than you think. Dental veneers are a proven way to cover common cosmetic problems and improve your smile.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers mask the front surface of your teeth to improve your smile. These covers, placed by licensed dentists, help to hide flaws in your teeth, including:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps between your teeth or crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stains that won’t come clean
After an initial consultation to determine if veneers are right for you, your dentist will remove some enamel from your natural teeth to create a better surface for the veneers. Depending on what type of veneer you choose, you will likely get dental impressions to ensure a natural look that fits with your smile. It may take a few weeks for them to be produced.
Once they arrive, your dentist will use dental cement to bond your veneers to your teeth. They will make any final adjustments, including checking the fit, evaluating your bite, and polishing or removing any excess material.
What Are the Different Kinds?
There are several kinds of dental veneers you might consider. But your dentist will likely recommend a specific kind depending on your budget and goals for your smile. Still, understanding what types of veneers are available will help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Porcelain Veneers
The gold standard of veneers, porcelain veneers offer a high-quality, long-lasting, natural appearance. These veneers can last more than a decade and are easy to maintain. Your dentist will custom-make these veneers to fit over your teeth.
While porcelain veneers offer the best aesthetic option, they are more expensive than other types of veneers. Placing them takes longer and your dentist may need to remove more enamel than they would for other types of veneers. Further, any chipped or broken porcelain veneers must be replaced by your dentist.
Composite Veneers
Composite dental veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers. They are made of resin and require less enamel removal than alternatives. Many dentists are also able to apply composite veneers in a single, less invasive visit than for porcelain veneers.
However, because they are made of resin, stains can show up more quickly on composite veneers. These veneers require regular maintenance, including professional cleanings, and the material will need to be replaced faster (less than eight years) than porcelain veneers.
Removable Veneers
For a less permanent solution, your dentist may recommend removable, or pop-on, veneers. These veneers fit on top of your natural teeth like a retainer, and you can remove them at any time. They are often cheaper than permanent veneers and do not require any enamel removal.
Because they fit over your teeth, removable veneers may make eating and speaking more difficult. It’s also important to keep pop-on veneers clean to prevent issues like tooth decay from trapped food and bacteria.
Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?
Dental veneers can help create a whiter, brighter smile by hiding many cosmetic problems with your teeth. Your dentist will work with you to fix any existing oral health problems, like gum disease, cavities, missing teeth, and teeth grinding, before moving forward.
While veneers are a cosmetic solution, they may also offer some protection to damaged teeth. Your dentist will discuss the best options for your dental health, including if dental crowns would work better for your needs.
Start Your Journey to a Brighter Smile
The smile of your dreams is closer than you might think. Request an appointment now to learn how dental veneers can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Our care team is here to help answer any questions you have in a low-stress, no-pressure environment.