If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth or worry about how crooked they are, we recommend that you consider getting dental veneers. These thin covers attach to the front surface of existing teeth and have become increasingly popular over the years. Having dental veneers placed on your teeth can give you the confidence you need to show off your smile.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Simply put: the word “veneer” comes from the French word “Fournier,” which means “to furnish.” In the same way that you furnish your home to make it look nicer, veneers furnish your teeth by improving their appearance. Veneers can go on a single tooth or several teeth, with a full set available for all the visible front teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, dental veneers last about five to 10 years and don’t require additional care, other than proper brushing, flossing, and cleaning.

When Do We Recommend Getting Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers can restore your smile and help you feel better about your appearance. You might want to get veneers if you experience any of the following:

• Yellowish or dull tooth color: Whether it’s due to lifestyle choices, such as drinking coffee or smoking, or medical treatments, teeth can sometimes become discolored. If your teeth are too sensitive for teeth-whitening products, veneers can give you crisp, white teeth.
• Irregular tooth shape: Some teeth can be too short or small, and veneers can fix the shape of the abnormal teeth.
• Chipped teeth: Just like how veneers can cover irregular teeth, they can also fix any chipped teeth you might have.
• Misaligned teeth: You can wear braces to fix your alignment, but veneers can also do the trick. However, we don’t recommend this option for younger patients, since it removes healthy enamel and can’t be reversed.

What Type of Dental Veneers Are Available?

When you’re considering dental veneers, you can choose between composite or porcelain ones. The most natural-looking and durable veneers are made out of porcelain, while the composite ones are more economical. Porcelain veneers are typically made in a lab and are more resistant to stains. Composite veneers are made from resin, and we shape and bond them to a tooth.

How Do We Install Dental Veneers?

Installing porcelain veneers requires several steps, the first of which is having a consultation. During your appointment, we’ll schedule an X-ray or take impressions of your teeth. From there, we prepare the tooth by removing a thin layer of the enamel so that the temporary veneer sits snugly. You return to our office at the next appointment, approximately one to three weeks later, so we can remove the temporary veneer and bond the permanent one. Composite veneers involve one appointment where we remove a small amount of the tooth’s structure and bond the filling material to your tooth.

To learn more about our porcelain veneer installation or other types of cosmetic dentistry procedures, reach out to The Dental Care Center. We offer seven convenient locations in the eastern North Carolina area, so you can schedule an appointment at whichever location works best for you.