If there are a few details about your smile that you would like to change, you might be contemplating the idea of getting veneers. This cosmetic treatment has the potential to make you feel amazing when you look in the mirror! Before you commit to anything, though, you should know some basic facts about the road ahead. Here are some important points to keep in mind about veneers:
Veneers Can Transform Your Smile
Veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments. They can disguise many different issues, including chips, cracks, small gaps between the teeth, discoloration, and more. Because they can address all such problems simultaneously, they are also rightly considered one of the most efficient ways to enhance the appearance of teeth.
Veneers Can Last a Long Time
Most veneers are made of porcelain, which is durable enough to stand up to all the forces of normal eating and chewing. On average, a set of veneers can last for 10 years or longer before replacement becomes necessary. In fact, some people are able to keep their veneers for 20 years or longer! (Of course, a thorough oral hygiene routine and other good habits are necessary if you want your veneers to last as long as possible.)
Veneers Are Completely Customizable
Veneers are custom-designed for each patient, so you should feel free to tell your dentist exactly how you want your smile to look. Do you want your teeth to be bright white, or would you prefer a more natural, subdued look? Do you want your teeth to appear longer? Would you prefer a more feminine or masculine shape? It would be a good idea to bring pictures to help your dentist understand your goals for treatment.
Veneers Are an Excellent Value
You might hear some people claim that veneers are “expensive.” It is true that the treatment can cost thousands of dollars. A full set of veneers might even run tens of thousands of dollars. However, they are not overpriced. Their longevity and other benefits make them an excellent value. In fact, they have the potential to last several times longer than dental bonding, which is a lower-cost alternative to veneers.
Your Teeth Might Need to be Modified
In some cases, it is necessary for a dentist to remove a bit of enamel from a patient’s teeth while preparing their teeth for veneers. This process will not damage your oral health, but it might cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity. It can also make the veneers process irreversible.
If you are reluctant to undergo tooth modifications, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for Lumineers. Lumineers are a special type of veneers that are made to be very thin, so they require little to no enamel removal.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist who is proud to serve the Lakeville, MA, community. She offers both traditional veneers and Lumineers. If you are curious about your options for enhancing the appearance of your smile, contact Southeastern Dental Care at 508-947-5717.