Are you considering getting dental veneers? Veneers are a great way to preserve your teeth and enhance your smile if you seek to cover weak or damaged teeth. It is a life-changing treatment you can receive at your dentist's office.

Your dentist will suggest veneers only after a dental exam. Your general health, dental health, and teeth alignment will tell if veneers will improve your smile. That is why your dentist will examine your teeth before prescribing veneers.

But as with any lasting cosmetic treatment, veneers require commitment. Here are 10 things you should know before getting them.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, customized, tooth-colored materials that cover your tooth's front surface to improve its appearance. Veneers can enhance the look of your smile and guard your tooth against damage.

What Is the Purpose of Veneers?

Veneers work to improve your tooth's color, size, shape, or length. Patients mostly get them on their front teeth. Ultimately, veneers improve your dental aesthetics and capacity to eat and chew food normally.

Who Needs Veneers?

Anyone who wishes to revamp their smile can get veneers. Veneers can address the following:

• Broken or chipped teeth

• Tooth gaps

• Stains that do not resolve with teeth whitening

• Misshapen or warped teeth

• Teeth that are smaller or shorter than the rest

Please note that veneers are only an alternative if you do not have teeth cavities or gum disease. 

Are There Various Kinds of Veneers?

Veneers typically use porcelain. But various types are available, including composite, ceramic, no-prep, and removable veneers. The veneers differ in terms of the material used to make them and their longevity. However, regardless of the type, your teeth will have a natural-looking outcome. 

Choosing the Right Veneer

Veneers come in many shapes, sizes, and options of white. When choosing the color, you want to pick out the shade of white that matches the color of your other teeth to make them look natural. Also, a discussion with your dentist about your budget, eating habits, and oral hygiene can help determine the best veneer for you.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Insurance plans do not cover veneers because they are viewed as cosmetic treatments. On average, you may spend between 500 and 2,500 dollars per tooth. The costs vary based on the materials used.

Is It Painful to Apply Veneers?

Veneers are a pain-free process. You may feel slight discomfort when receiving the local anesthesia, but you should not feel pain during the procedure.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With good care and necessary precautions, veneers can last 10 to 30 years, based on the type. While you are free to eat anything, exercising healthy oral hygiene practices and routine visits to your dentist can help make your veneers last long.

Do Veneers Damage Teeth?

Generally, veneers do not damage teeth. But they cannot fix tooth cavities or cover up decaying teeth. Discuss other treatment options with your dentist.

What Can You Get Instead of Veneers?

Your dentist can recommend dental crowns, tooth bonding, Invisalign/braces, or teeth whitening instead of veneers. Which option is suitable for you? Book an appointment with your dentist to discuss veneers or other treatments that can restore your teeth and smile.

For more on getting veneers, visit Clean Smile Dental at our office in Lancaster, California. Call (661) 942-1181 to book an appointment today.