Whether misaligned, stained, or chipped, your teeth can be restored with the help of a dentist. Porcelain veneers are a unique option available to nearly anyone who has unappealing or damaged teeth. Even though this method of smile restoration is becoming more and more common, most people do not fully understand the process of placing veneers or the benefits they offer. This guide and your dentist will help you understand a few important facts about restoring your smile with veneers.

Not an Immediate Fix

One thing you may be surprised to learn is that veneers are not an immediate fix, meaning your results will not be immediate because there is a process involved with placing porcelain veneers.

To get started in the process, your dentist will need to complete a full evaluation, determining if your issues can be repaired with veneers. Also, the underlying health of your teeth and gums also matters. If your teeth and gums are not healthy enough to support veneers, other dental treatments may be necessary, such as cavity fillings, root canals, and even root scaling procedures for gum disease.

If your dentist feels veneers will be right for you, impressions of your teeth will be taken and sent to a lab. This lab will create the veneers out of porcelain, which will then be custom-fitted to your mouth and teeth.

Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will schedule an appointment to begin placement. A thin layer of enamel will need to be removed from your teeth before the veneers are secured onto the teeth using a dental-grade cement. A special light is then used to activate the bonding agent, securing the veneers into place.

Although they will restore your smile, veneers require healthy teeth and gums and multiple dental visits to ensure they are placed in the best manner possible.

They Last, but Not Forever

There are many options in smile restoration, and some of these options offer longer results than others. Porcelain veneers are an option that last a long period of time, but they are not meant to last forever.

On average, most experts believe porcelain veneers will last between 10 and 15 years, as long as they are cared for properly. In addition, the method in which they were installed can also affect the lifespan of your veneers.

Fortunately, there are ways to increase the lifespan of your porcelain veneers, ensuring they look and feel natural for an even longer period of time.

Firstly, make sure to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. Just because you have restored your smile with veneers does not mean you can skip brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Remember that food and plaque can build up on your veneers and gum tissue, increasing the risk of veneer failure, cavities, and gum disease.

Also, make sure you never use your teeth as tools. Porcelain veneers are durable, but they are not meant to withstand heavy force. Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles. If you play contact sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard.

Color Matters

When you imagine yourself with porcelain veneers, you are probably imagining yourself with a white and bright smile. Veneers are white and bright, but the actual color should be anything but perfect, since you want your smile to look natural.

Most dentists will customize the color of the veneers according to your skin tone. In most cases, veneers look most natural when they are matched to the white color of your eyes.

Proper understanding will help you determine if veneers are the right option for restoring your smile. For more information about veneers, contact a dental office in your area..