What exactly are dental veneers?

Veneers are porcelain or resin shells that fit perfectly to the front of your teeth. They are custom-colored to blend in with your natural teeth. Veneers cover stains, chips, decay, and crooked teeth.

For many people, dental veneers are a great way to get the smile they’ve always wanted. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you go through with the process.

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting veneers.

Veneer Candidacy

You may be a good candidate for veneers if you have discoloration, chips or cracks, misalignment, or gaps between your teeth. You will need to have good dental and overall health and able to commit to regular and proper dental hygiene. You’ll also need enough healthy enamel for us to be able to install veneers on your teeth.

Anyone with inflamed gums, tooth decay, or bruxism needs to get those problems fixed before veneers can be installed. We offer various dental treatments to clear up those issues and start you on the path toward veneer installation.

There’s No Turning Back

Most of the time, veneers cannot be reversed, since a small portion of tooth enamel is taken away so the veneer can be inserted.

More Than One Type of Veneer

If you get composite resin veneers, the process is a bit faster. They also are more affordable, require less enamel removal, and can be easily fixed if damage occurs.

However, many people prefer porcelain veneers because they offer more natural-looking results. Additionally, porcelain veneers are strong and do not easily show stains.

Just a Few… Or the Whole Set

It’s possible to put a veneer over just one or two teeth to achieve the look you want. We can also do a full set of veneers. It’s important to consult with us about your needs and your budget. We’ll form a plan that’s right for you.

Bonding Process

Before the process begins, we will take a mold and make temporary veneers. You can test it to see if you like it before the actual veneers are installed.

When you make a commitment, we will take extra molds of your teeth as well as photographs and X-rays. Then you’ll visit us for a prep session, during which we will remove some enamel from the teeth that will receive veneers. The enamel we remove is less than the thickness of your fingernails.

The veneer installation process takes several hours. You will be numbed locally with anesthesia. We will bond the porcelain or composite resin veneers to your teeth with bonding cement. Then we cure the cement with a special UV light.

Sensitivity Issues

After your veneers are on, you may experience bonding sensitivity. This is a temporary reaction to the bonding process. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to help you weather any pain. However, if discomfort persists, you can see us again and we will make minor adjustments to correct the problem.

Your gums may also feel tender for a few weeks as they adjust to the new veneers. It normally takes people about a month before the veneers feel natural.

Veneer Cost

Veneers are a significant investment. Each veneer can start at $1,000. Additionally, insurance companies typically do not cover veneers, because they are considered cosmetic treatments. However, we offer payment plans for our customers, and we’ll help you form a custom plan in your consultation.

Veneer Care

You will need to care for your veneers a little more carefully than you do for natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing habits are very important, as well as twice-per-year dental check-ups. Veneers last between 15 to 20 years, and excellent dental care will help them last as long as possible.

The Dentist You Choose Matters

Since veneers are a permanent dental solution, you need to work with a skilled, experienced Florida dentist. Ask to see our client examples of other smiles we’ve corrected. You’ll know that you can trust us when you see our before-and-after photos.

We understand that every mouth is unique, and we will form a custom veneer plan just for you. We’ll study the way you talk, your natural expressions, your smile shape, and your functionality needs when we create your veneer plan. Your unique natural color will also affect the color of your veneers. We’ll make your smile look brighter, maintain its individual character, and keep it from looking fake.

Veneers are an important investment in improving your self-image as they can give a significant boost to your confidence. We can help you decide if veneers are right for you. Call today to schedule a consultation.