What Are Dental Veneers?

What Are Dental Veneers?

Team Dental Veneers

There are many different cosmetic dental procedures on the market, each offering something. different to transform your smile. Dental veneers are a popular choice of many thanks to their ability to correct any imperfections a tooth or teeth may have. They are a long-lasting, non-invasive solution for those looking to achieve incredible results - and a huge boost in confidence. 

Let’s take a closer look at dental veneers - and how they may benefit you!

What Are Dental Veneers? 

Dental veneers are a shell that is bonded onto the front of the tooth. As their name suggests, they are a veneer - a covering to hide any imperfections. Each veneer displays nothing but a perfectly contoured and colored tooth that looks very natural. 

Dental veneers can revive the cosmetic appearance of all types of teeth, including: 

  • Teeth that have become discolored due to stains, root canal treatment, fillings, color changes resulting from medications, and so forth.  
  • Those that are chipped or broken or cracked. 
  • Large gaps between two teeth.
  • Teeth that are worn down. 
  • Misshapen, crooked, or uneven teeth. 
  • Solely changing the size of a tooth.

Not only do veneers give your teeth an improved appearance, but it also gives them a bit of added strength, too. 

Types of Veneers

While all veneers generally do the same thing, there are different types to choose from. The most common are porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and instant veneers. 

Porcelain veneers are considered the gold standard of this cosmetic dentistry procedure. They are custom-created just for your teeth - and the porcelain looks (and acts) most closely to your natural enamel. This porcelain is not subject to staining and will last the longest.

Composite veneers are a more affordable veneer option and are often made right in the dental office. They can be used to alter a tooth's appearance, size, color, or shape, but aren’t able to do so as extensively as the porcelain option. Unfortunately, the composite veneer is not free from the possibility of staining over time. 

Instant veneers are a quick solution. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes but are not customized for you specifically. Nor do they offer the same quality, durability, or appearance you will find with other options - primarily porcelain veneers. 

Getting Veneers: What You Need to Know

We know that veneers cover the front of the tooth, but how do they work? What is the procedure like? Your dentist will evaluate your needs and determine whether veneers are a good option for you. All the prep work will be done so that the most perfect veneer can be created. Keep in mind that your dentist will shave off a very small amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface. That way, when the veneer is added, it will blend in smoothly and evenly with the rest of your teeth. 

To hold the veneer in place, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. The etching gives added grip to help hold the tooth in place with special cement. Your dentist will make sure that the new veneer fits comfortably without misaligning your bite. 

And just like that, you can say goodbye to your old smile and welcome the new. 

Ready to Transform Your Smile? 

At Dentistry of Mendham, we thrive on transforming smiles and building confidence in our patients. One way we do that is through dental veneers. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment to get started, contact us at 973-543-5700 . Or, request an appointment online.