Rediscover Your Smile With Veneers: Are They Right for You?

Dental veneers are among the most widely used treatments in cosmetic dentistry. They provide a solution for just about any smile, whether discolored, slightly crooked, chipped, or cracked. Here’s what you should know about veneers and how they can give you the smile of your dreams.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or other materials that cover the faces of individual teeth. Each tooth receives a custom-made veneer, presenting a flawless and natural appearance. You might receive a single veneer to deal with one problem tooth or multiple veneers to restore your entire smile.
Each veneer is incredibly thin to restore the appearance of the tooth without requiring removing significant material. While some enamel must be removed to allow the veneer to lie flat, this is only a small amount that doesn’t impact long-term oral health.
Once placed, dental veneers are practically undetectable and present a truly stunning smile. They also stand up to the everyday challenges of biting and chewing, ensuring your new smile doesn’t wear away quickly. Depending on the type you get, they’re a long-term solution that can last for over a decade when properly cared for.
Who can benefit from dental veneers?
Veneers are an excellent choice in many situations. They are among the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments and tackle just about any imperfection imaginable.
Chips, cracks, and discoloration are easily dealt with using porcelain veneers. As long as the damage isn’t so severe as to warrant a dental crown or other restorative treatments to address structure and oral health, dental veneers restore the appearance of teeth with cosmetic issues.
Veneers are even an option to deal with uneven teeth in some cases. If you have a minor misalignment that sets your smile askew but isn’t an oral health concern, dental veneers will balance your smile for a perfect appearance. The same is true for oddly shaped, too small, or permanently stained teeth.
Types of Veneers: Porcelain vs. Composite
Several materials are used to fabricate dental veneers today. Porcelain veneers are the traditional choice due to their durability and excellent aesthetic match for tooth enamel. However, composite resin veneers are becoming more popular as well.
Composite resin veneers involve removing less, or no enamel, compared to porcelain veneers. A thin layer of composite resin is applied by your dentist and cured to restore any defects on the surface of the tooth. Composite veneers are fast and affordable, but fall behind porcelain in terms of durability and appearance.
Lumineers are a modern variation of porcelain veneers that let you enjoy the best of both worlds. They’re made of porcelain but are considerably thinner than traditional veneers. This means less enamel removal, a faster procedure, and often more affordable overall treatment.
It’s important to note that if your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel, you will always need a veneer to protect the tooth. The process is irreversible.
The Veneer Process
The journey to getting your dental veneers starts with a thorough consultation with your dentist. They’ll evaluate your smile and oral health to determine the best course of action. Additionally, they’ll discuss your concerns and goals along with what you should know before deciding on veneers.
The process begins with the dentist preparing the teeth to receive veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel. They then take impressions of your teeth to ensure your veneers are a perfect fit. In most cases, veneers are prepared by a specialized dental lab, so you’ll have to wear temporary veneers until they arrive.
Once the custom dental veneers arrive, you’ll come in for another appointment to have them placed. Your dentist carefully removes the temporary veneers and cleans the tooth surfaces. The veneers are then bonded to the teeth using dental cement or resin, providing a long-lasting and durable hold.
Are veneers right for you?
Dental veneers are highly versatile, so they may very well be the solution for your smile. However, they aren’t for everyone. If you have severely chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth, you may need a dental crown or other options to tackle both the appearance and function of your smile. Very misaligned teeth will probably need orthodontic treatment.
If you have purely cosmetic issues with your smile, veneers are likely the ideal solution. You can restore the appearance of your smile and tackle multiple defects at once. Veneers offer the perfect shape, size, shade, and symmetry for your smile through a minimally invasive and straightforward treatment.
Veneers From Your Trusted Cosmetic Dentist in Virginia Beach
Are you considering dental veneers to revitalize and restore your smile? They’re an excellent choice for a wide range of cases. King Dental is your source for cosmetic dentistry in Virginia Beach, including Lumineers veneers. Schedule a consultation to find out whether veneers or other cosmetic treatments may be right for you.