How Do Veneers Work? 8 Considerations Before Your Dental Procedure

Most people appreciate a perfect smile. For one, it’s a sign of good health, beauty, and trustworthiness. However, not everyone is blessed with pure white, straight teeth.

If you also wish to have straighter teeth, a veneer procedure could be the answer you’re looking for. It’s an effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth and, by extension, your self-esteem. In fact, around 60% of American adults would consider getting veneers to straighten teeth, while 70% would do it to boost confidence. (1)

But how do veneers work? This piece explains everything, plus some considerations you should make before getting veneers. Let’s begin!

What Are Veneers?

Unlike typical dentures, veneers are customized, tooth-like shells as thin as wafers. A dentist bonds these shells to your natural teeth. They’re like masks or disguises hiding the common dental imperfections like chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, discoloration, or gaps.

Most dental veneers are made of porcelain, but you’ll also encounter other types, such as:

Composite or resin veneers

Palatal veneers

Lumineers
Removable or non-permanent veneers

Visiting a reputable cosmetic dentist lets you see which type of veneers suits you best. They’ll also help you decide on the ideal size and shape that matches your natural teeth. Moreover, the expertise of cosmetic dental clinics ensures you receive the best treatment and safest procedures for better-looking teeth.

How Do Veneers Work? The Step-by-Step Procedure

If you’re planning to get veneers, it’s wise to understand how dental veneers work and how dentists apply them. Here’s a quick guide on what to expect from a dental veneer procedure.

Consultation with a Dentist

Before anything else, it’s essential to speak with an expert cosmetic dentist. During your visit, you’ll discuss your dental goals and they’ll assess if you’re suitable for the procedure.

You must only consult a licensed dental practitioner. According to a report, more and more unlicensed ‘veneer techs’ are emerging, offering less-invasive cosmetic procedures for a cheaper price than usual. However, having your veneers applied by an unqualified individual could cause problems, such as veneers that are too big for your mouth. (2)

Preparation

When you think veneers are the way to go, it’s time to prepare your teeth for the procedure. Your dentist will remove the enamel—a thin layer—from your natural tooth’s surface. This creates a space for your veneer to be bonded to without looking too bulky. Your dentist may use local anesthesia during this part to minimize pain as much as possible.

Creating the Veneer

After prepping, your dentist will get your teeth’s impressions. They’ll be given to technicians who will craft your custom porcelain veneers or composite veneers based on your desired outcome and the dentist’s specifications. You’ll likely need to wait a couple of weeks for them.

Temporary Veneers

This is an optional step, but while your permanent veneers are being made, your dentist might place temporary veneers first. Temporary veneers protect your teeth and give you a glimpse and feel of what it’s like to have a straighter smile.

Bonding the Veneer

When your permanent veneers are done, your dentist will check the fit and color. Using a special light-cured resin, your dentist will expertly bond each veneer to your prepared teeth. Later on, you’ll have a chance to admire your new, dazzling smile and request any minor adjustments for the perfect fit.

Considerations Before Your Dental Procedure

While veneers are a fantastic option for a dazzling smile, it pays to step back and consider these eight key points before making a decision.

Suitability

Veneers aren’t ideal for everyone. They’re great for hiding minor imperfections. However, for cases like severe misalignment or extensive tooth decay, other dental procedures might be necessary.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Talking costs, veneers demand a significant financial investment, ranging from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Genearlly, material matters when it comes to pricing. For instance, composite veneers tend to be more affordable than porcelain options. (3)

It’s worth noting that cosmetic procedures aren’t usually covered by dental insurance. That said, before moving forward, check with your insurance provider about coverage and discuss costs transparently with your dentist.

Permanence

Committing to dental veneers is a big decision; permanent enamel removal means there’s no going back. So, if you’re still not mentally ready for the procedure, it’s best to wait until you are.

Sensitivity after Procedure

You may experience some temporary sensitivity after enamel removal. This is normally mild discomfort you can manage with over-the-counter pain medication. But if you tend to feel severe dental sensitivity, speak to your dentist to find another way to cover up your teeth’s imperfections.

Maintaining Veneers

Just like with braces, consistent oral hygiene is non-negotiable after getting veneers. Doing so maintains their quality for longer, keeping your smile in excellent condition.

Besides proper oral care, refrain from biting your nails, using your teeth as tools, and other habits that could damage your veneers. Furthermore, brush and floss daily while keeping up with your scheduled dental checkups.

Lifespan of Veneers

With proper care, veneers can retain their radiance for 7-15 years. But inevitably, replacements may be needed.

Finding a Certified Dentist

Always choose an experienced dental professional for optimal veneer application. For starters, qualified dentists should have a proven track record in veneer placement. They should also take the time to listen to your concerns, address your goals for your smile, bust myths, and answer questions like, ‘How do veneers work on different people?’

By choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist, you gain a trusted advisor who will guide you through the entire process; they can personalize the veneers to perfectly complement your facial features and desired outcome and ensure a smile you’ll love for years to come

Expectations vs. Reality

While veneers dramatically enhance smiles, it’s wise to keep expectations grounded in reality. Sometimes, the shells don’t match your natural teeth’s shape or color 100%. Discussing your desired outcome helps determine if veneers align with your expectations.

Conclusion

So, how do veneers work? They offer a cosmetic solution to dental worries and imperfections. Whether veneers are right for you is a personal decision best made after thoughtful talks with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

If you’re longing for a dazzling new smile, schedule a consultation–veneers could improve your teeth and confidence.

References