Dental veneers are thin, custom-made, porcelain or resin shells designed to bond to the front of teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are stained or discolored, worn down, chipped, misaligned, or have gaps.
The advantages of veneers include:
- A natural tooth appearance
- Porcelain veneers can make dark teeth appear whiter and are stain resistant
- While they do require some removal of the patient’s tooth enamel, this shaping is not as extensive as other procedures like crowns
Veneers provide a good option for many, but are not for everyone. The enamel shaping done in preparation for bonding the teeth is not reversible. They may not be a good option for those with tooth decay or active gum disease. Your dentist will communicate whether veneers are a good fit for you.
Having veneers applied typically requires about 3 visits to your dentist. After an impression is made of your teeth, it is sent to a dental lab to make your veneers. This could take up to 2 weeks. After they’ve been returned, the dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth with permanent cement.
Your veneers should last from 5-10 years and don’t require any special care.
