How Effective Are Dental Veneers?

How Effective Are Dental Veneers? from Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry in Columbia, SCDental veneers can be used to cover gapped, misaligned, or stained teeth. These permanent tooth coverings are made out of a variety of materials, the most common being porcelain, allowing for a cosmetic solution that does not require special care beyond basic dental hygiene and can last up to 15 years. Find out how this treatment can address many different dental issues.

What issues can veneers effectively treat?

For many dental patients, veneers are effective in a variety of applications to enhance and complete a smile.

Whitening a smile

While these shells are applied over the teeth rather than changing the color of the actual teeth, they can be used to cover deep stains. Teeth can become stained from a variety of causes, such as food, fillings, certain dental procedures, and even too much fluoride. If the stains are too severe or difficult to remove, the dentist may suggest veneers to cover up the discoloration and whiten the patient's smile. The treatment also has the benefit of being stain-resistant and natural-looking, and the color can be customized to match the patient's teeth and smile.

Smoothing a smile

Teeth can be uneven because of natural growth, trauma to the mouth, or other causes. An alternative to straightening procedures is to apply veneers that even out the misaligned teeth. Whether this treatment is feasible depends on the patient and the particular alignment issues. It can be done on one tooth or multiple.

Additionally, the treatment can work on teeth that are broken or worn and do not require extensive shaping to fit. Patients can expect veneers to be durable and last for many years without special maintenance before replacement is necessary.

Who can get veneers?

While this procedure works well for many patients, it is not always recommended for everyone. Patients with a habit of grinding teeth or chewing nails may not be a good fit because those habits can cause the veneers to wear faster or fall off. Patients with irregular tooth color may have a difficult time finding a shell that matches well. An extremely uneven tooth alignment may also require more extensive correction to resolve.

The shells must be formed to fit each patient's unique mouth, so installation requires more than one trip to the dentist. The first visit is usually a consultation during which the dentist can discuss options and make measurements for the fitting by taking X-rays or molds of the patient's mouth. When the measurements are complete, the dentist has a lab make the veneers or else constructs them in-office, and installation is completed at the next appointment. Some dentists may give the patient temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Columbia, SC

Conclusion

Veneers can improve a smile's appearance and cover up inconsistencies or defects in teeth. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, they are an effective option for many patients. Consult with a dentist to determine whether this treatment is a good option for your cosmetic tooth concerns.

Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

Recent Posts

3 Reasons To Get Veneers

For patients with aesthetic and structural tooth imperfections, dental veneers are a common solution for improving the function and look of one’s smile. This restorative option involves attaching custom-designed shells, made from either composite materials or porcelain, over the front, visible portion of a tooth. For patients considering this solution to enhance the appearance of…

When Should Veneers Be Replaced?

Dental veneers can transform a smile. The American Dental Association defines these as "thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth." These restorations are typically made of porcelain or resin and can last for many years. There are some situations in which veneers need to be replaced; most…

Can Veneers Be Removed?

Dental veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin material. The shells cover the front surface of a patient's front teeth and can be used to change the size, shape, or color of teeth. These restorations have been used for years to transform smiles, but some may wonder about their permanency. There are several reasons…

Recent Posts

Signs You May Need A Dental Filling

Signs You May Need A Dental Filling

A dental filling is important in achieving good dental health and a painless smile. This dental restoration can seal the tooth and protect it from further decay. Knowing when to get fillings can help you achieve your smile goals earlier. Here are the signs your tooth may need a dental filling right away.Pain often develops…

Reasons To Get Veneers

3 Reasons To Get Veneers

For patients with aesthetic and structural tooth imperfections, dental veneers are a common solution for improving the function and look of one’s smile. This restorative option involves attaching custom-designed shells, made from either composite materials or porcelain, over the front, visible portion of a tooth. For patients considering this solution to enhance the appearance of…