Veneers are extremely thin “shells” that are attached to the visible front sides of your teeth. Usually made of porcelain, they are often as slim as a piece of paper or a contact lens, meaning that they do not feel uncomfortable or out of place in your mouth. While they do not last forever, they are a semi-permanent solution. This means that you can enjoy them for a long time without worrying about replacements or refitting. The average lifespan of veneers is about 10 years. What’s more, they only require the same level of maintenance as your natural teeth. This means daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash rinsing as well as regular dentist visits. There is no inconvenient cleaning process.
What Do Dental Veneers Do?
If there are things about your smile or your teeth that make you unhappy, or that negatively affect your self-esteem or self-confidence, you may be a great candidate for veneers. They might also be the right choice for you if you wish to avoid costly and painful orthodontic work. Veneers address a variety of issues like:
- Cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Tooth discoloration
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- And more
Are Dental Veneers Right for You?
There is no shortage of famous actors, musicians and entertainers showing off their sparkling dental veneers on the red carpet. It makes complete sense that people of this stature would opt for veneers; they provide a smile with a beautiful and revitalized appearance. However, this reputation can often lead people to the conclusion that getting veneers is too expensive or out of their league. The reality is that this couldn’t be further from the truth! Advancements in dental technology and expertise have made them an attainable option for millions of patients across the country.
In addition to their affordability, there are many other reasons that porcelain veneers have become so popular for so many Americans. For one thing, they can help mask or cover up the aspects of their teeth or smile about which they feel self-conscious or embarrassed. On top of that, they are a much less expensive option like dental implants, dental crowns or orthodontic work. This is because repairing or replacing a tooth can be an extremely involved process with a high price tag, long appointment times and often a high level of discomfort. Veneers, on the other hand, are custom designed for each patient and do not take long to apply.