Are you chasing that perfect smile? As well as a proper oral hygiene and care routine including daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups, there are also certain procedures that can help improve the appearance of your teeth and your smile. There’s teeth whitening for a brighter smile or dental alignment treatments for straighter teeth.

Another popular option is dental veneers. Read on to find out more about this treatment and whether it’s right for you.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are typically porcelain or resin-composite shells that are permanently attached to the front of your teeth. These effectively recreate the look of natural teeth but are stronger than their natural counterparts. Veneers can last for anywhere between 10 and 20 years before they may need replacing.

Why do people get veneers?

Veneers can be used to correct a number of dental problems. In general, they are used to improve the appearance of your teeth and your smile, but can also be used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened through decay or injury, for example. Cosmetic purposes can include:

• Covering dull, discolored, or stained teeth for a whiter, brighter smile
• Covering a broken or chipped tooth
• Covering smaller or unusually shaped teeth for a smile that looks straighter

You can just have one veneer fitted if you have a single problematic tooth, or you can have a number of them to correct more widespread problems, such as discoloration. Sometimes, prior treatments may be required such as braces or Invisalign to straighten the teeth in preparation for having veneers fitted.

What to expect from the treatment

If veneers are recommended for you or if you request them, your dentist will first have to x-ray your teeth and gums to ensure that there are no deeper problems that could prevent you from having veneers. This could include problems such as tooth decay or gum disease.

To create the veneers, your dentist will need to take a mold of your teeth. They may need to trim or shave down the teeth before doing so. Once this mold has been used to create your veneers, you will arrange another appointment to have them fitted. At this appointment, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and then the veneers will be attached to your teeth using a dental cement. This procedure may or may not require a local anesthetic.

If you think your smile could benefit from veneers, then contact Advance Family Dental to book an appointment with a dentist in Bermuda Run, NC.