What Are Dental Veneers?

What Are Dental Veneers?

Gaps and spaces, chipped and cracked teeth, minor misalignments, and more are common issues that lead patients to consult with their dentist about dental veneers.

What are dental veneers?

They are thin overlays that literally cover the cosmetic imperfections of your natural teeth. They are customized in terms of shape and color to provide each patient with a new exterior surface that will redefine their smile.

To qualify for dental veneers, the patient’s teeth must be in good condition with little decay. However, to truly know if you’re the best candidate for dental veneers, you need to consult with an expert. Here’s a brief guide to dental veneers and how to find an experienced dentist in your area.

Types of Veneers

1. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers last longer than any other type and have the most natural look. From color, size, and shape, these veneers are designed and customized specifically for you. Although more expensive than other types, porcelain veneers offer plenty of benefits, such as being stain-resistant, they do not hurt the gum tissue, and they last for 8 to 15 years.

2. Composite Veneers

Made from composite resin rather than porcelain, this type of veneer is often the less expensive alternative to porcelain veneers. Although slightly less durable, with a lifetime of 5 to 7 years, many patients opt for composite veneers because of the smooth texture and the ability to get easily repaired if broken or damaged.  

3. Instant (Temporary) Veneers

Coming in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, instant veneers are a fast and affordable option for patients who want to improve their smile quickly. Often, this type of veneer is removable or snaps on for easy use.

With several types of veneers available, our experienced staff at Arrowhead Dental will help you find the best option for your unique case.

Problems Dental Veneers Fix

Veneer treatment is a life-changing dental procedure that positively affects the patient’s quality of life and confidence. Although used cosmetically to help correct unappealing smile features, veneers are also used for dental health.

Common dental problems that veneers help fix are:

  • Realigning uneven teeth
  • Closing gaps between the teeth
  • Correcting and strengthening weakened teeth
  • Fixing broken teeth

There are several other problems that veneers will help with, such as correcting speech, severe staining, and other minor misalignments. The help provided depends on the patient’s personal situation and dental health.

How to Get Dental Veneers

The first step to getting dental veneers is scheduling a consultation with your dentist to see if you’re an ideal candidate for veneers. If it’s determined you need veneers, then preparatory procedures are scheduled. These dental procedures like gum treatments, root canals, or cavity fillings are to restore your teeth to a healthy state.

A thin layer of enamel is then shaved off the surface of your teeth and impressions are made. You receive temporary veneers while permanent ones are created. Once the veneers arrive, your dentist adjusts them to your mouth and bonds them into place.

At Arrowhead Dental, we provide porcelain, composite, and prefabricated dental veneers for qualified patients. If you’re looking for a way to perfect your smile, call 401-364-6300 today to schedule a consultation or contact us to request an appointment.