Dental veneers are a quick way to improve your smile. They are ideal for people with chipped, stained, or slightly misaligned teeth. They also work for patients who have gaps between their teeth.

Some people opt for crowns, braces, or teeth-whitening treatments. But if you are looking for a longer-lasting solution, you might consider dental veneers.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored material placed over natural teeth to enhance their aesthetics. Veneers restore your teeth's natural look while making your teeth resilient and strong, just like natural enamels do.

What Are Veneers Made From?

Veneers come in two types: porcelain and composite. Both materials are thin so that they do not compromise the strength of the original tooth.

Porcelain veneers consist of porcelain material, while composite veneers comprise composite resin. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers but are not as durable. They are more vulnerable to staining and discoloring than porcelain veneers.

What Does a Veneer Procedure Involve?

The procedure usually involves grinding down a thin layer of your tooth's enamel to prepare it for placement. The amount of enamel to be removed will depend on the amount of repairing your tooth needs. That means your dentist may need to remove more layers of your enamel in some cases.

The procedure can be painful, so you may need local anesthesia. During your first appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and explain, in detail, the steps they will undertake during the procedure. The steps vary from person to person, depending on a person's dental needs and the level of repair needed.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers last long. Their lifespan depends on the type of veneers you have and how well you keep them.

Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 12 years, whereas composite veneers last four to eight years. Also, if your veneers loosen, break, or wear out, your dentist will need to replace them.

Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?

To qualify for veneers, you need to have good dental hygiene practices. That will help keep tooth root and gum problems at bay. Besides, you want your teeth to be healthy so veneers can produce the best outcomes.

You may be a good candidate for veneers if:

• You have crowded or crooked teeth.
• Your teeth are discolored.
• Your teeth are not equally sized.
• You have teeth fractures or chips.
• You have spaces and gaps in your teeth.
• Your teeth are weak.

Not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. People who do not qualify for dental veneers include those with:

• Poor dental hygiene.
• Acute overcrowding or malocclusion.
• Chronic clenching and grinding of teeth.

If you are thinking about getting veneers, talk to your dentist about getting a dental exam to assess your dental health. If you are not eligible for veneers, your dentist will suggest the most suitable treatment for your teeth.

For more on veneers, visit Boss Dental Care at our office in Corpus Christi, Texas. You can also call (361) 245-5400 to book an appointment today.