If you wish to improve your smile, then dental veneers may be one of the best options. With dental veneers, the dream of owning a megawatt smile that you see on fashion magazine covers is no longer elusive – but very much attainable.
Often referred to as “the best kept secret of celebrity smiles”, dental veneers are increasingly used to correct a number of cosmetic dental problems such as chipped or broken teeth, minor misalignments and discolorations.
Dental veneers are popular simply because they provide transformative results. While considered a little costly, dental veneers are no longer the exclusive domain of Hollywood celebs but are today part of a widely available menu of cosmetic dental services. See dental veneers by Pure Dentistry for example.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the cosmetic dental treatment.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers consist of ultra-thin shells made from ceramic material that are bonded to the front of your teeth to conceal your dental flaws and imperfections.
These laminate shells are recommended for the cosmetic treatment of stained, cracked, chipped, uneven or widely spaced teeth. They provide a means to enhance the beauty of your smile without the need for painful and expensive dental surgery.
If properly installed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, the dental veneers will appear like your own natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the rest of your existing pearlies.
What does the procedure for dental veneers involve?
A dental veneering treatment requires on average two to three visits.
At the first appointment, the dentist may prepare the patient’s teeth by removing enamel on the front and sides of the patient’s teeth. This makes it easier for the teeth to accept the veneers while promoting better overall bonding. Some people may not need any preparation of the teeth at all.
Next, an impression of the prepared or unprepared teeth would be taken. The impression provides specific data critical for fabricating the veneers to the precise measurements of your individual teeth structure. The critical data would be sent to the dental lab where the prosthetic teeth are created.
On the second visit, the dentist would place the newly constructed veneers over the patient’s teeth – after checking for colour, size, shape and position. When all the final adjustments have been made, the veneers are then cemented to the teeth using a special bonding agent.
How much do dental veneers cost?
They can cost anywhere between $750-$2000 per tooth. The cost largely depends on the quality of material as well as the location and profile of dental practice providing the treatment.
Cheaper veneers are made from blocks of porcelain using a machine. Costlier veneers are handcrafted in such a way that they appear very similar to your natural teeth. Like for most things in life, every penny count.
Am I a good candidate for dental veneers?
It is important to note that dental veneers do not restore the function or strength of the treated teeth. You would need to take care of any underlying dental conditions prior to the application of dental veneers.
You will therefore make a good candidate if you have strong, healthy teeth that just need cosmetic changes. For example, veneers are ideal for chipped teeth, a gap in your smile, slightly crooked teeth, or stained teeth.
On the other hand, according to Pure Dentistry, dental veneers may not be suitable if you have tooth decay, gum disease or severely crooked teeth.
