If you’ve ever yearned for a perfect-looking smile – the kind we see celebrities flashing across our TV and computer screens – the answer may be more attainable than you could have ever imagined. Many famous people with the smiles we all envy have undergone a dental service that is offered by countless dentists all around the US: porcelain veneers. This amazing dental technology is not only readily available at most dentists’ office; it’s also remarkably easy, quick and painless.
A veneer consists of an extremely thin layer of porcelain that is applied directly over the patient’s natural tooth surface. The procedure involves the dentist preparing the surface of the tooth, then applying the veneer using a long-lasting adhesive. In most cases, the entire process can be completed in a single trip to the dentist’s office. And the results are amazing! Veneers are incredibly effective in covering minor flaws in teeth, including stains, spots, chips, gaps, uneven lengths, minor misalignments and tiny cracks, to name a few.
While it’s true that veneers can be damaged, the material is surprisingly strong and durable. In fact, if you take some precautions and care for your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly and practicing a daily oral hygiene routine at home, your dental veneers could last as long as 15 or even 20 years. If the veneer on a tooth does become worn or damaged, it can easily be replaced.
Veneers are a great way to protect your natural teeth since they are not easily damaged, stained or scratched.
Before you reach for the phone to call your dentist, we do have some important reminders about veneers. This service is usually (although not always) considered to be a cosmetic dental procedure, which means that your dental insurance may not cover it. If you have any significant dental issues – such as gum disease or cavities, for example – those problems will need to be resolved before you can have veneers applied. Veneers are intended for adult teeth and are not recommended for children or teenagers whose teeth are still developing. While veneers may be effective in covering minor misalignment defects, they are not a replacement for orthodontic appliances, so teeth that are quite crooked will need to be straightened with braces or aligner trays.
Talk to your dentist for more information and to find out if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Thanks to modern dental technology, your movie star smile could be only a phone call away!
