Why Choose Dental Veneers?

Our smiles are incredibly important to who we are. They show our happiness and leave a lasting impression. However, if there is something about your smile that you don’t like, it can keep you from shining. Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure that dentists use to alter your smile in whatever way you need. 

close-up of woman's straight white smile dental veneers dentist in Monroe North Carolina

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells, typically made of porcelain, that a dentist will place on the front of your teeth. They can restore or enhance the appearance of your teeth in a few appointments. In addition, dental veneers can change the shape and color of your teeth. 

Unlike teeth whitening, receiving dental veneers is a permanent process. Your dentist will file down part of your tooth in order to place the tooth properly. When they remove the enamel, it exposes the delicate inner portion of your teeth to bacteria. Enamel doesn’t regrow; therefore, you will always need a type of dental appliance to protect your teeth. 

How Can Dental Veneers Help?

They are a type of procedure that can fix a variety of cosmetic issues.

Whitening

Whitening procedures are incredibly popular, and there are numerous types of at-home and professional treatments. However, some dental issues are too complex for chemical whitening treatments. For example, medications, dental trauma, or genetics can cause deep discoloration that chemical treatments cannot break down. 

Rather than chemically alter the stain, a dental veneer will cover the stain. Additionally, your dentist can create a veneer that is the desired shade. 

Chipped/Cracked Teeth

If you have chipped or cracked teeth, your dentist may recommend dental veneers as a repair. Aesthetically, dental veneers will restore your smile. However, veneers can also help protect your teeth. 

When the enamel experiences damage, it can expose the inner portion of your tooth to harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, this can cause tooth decay. As tooth decay advances, it can cause infection or tooth loss. Dental veneers can help cover the breaks in the enamel, keeping out harmful bacteria. 

Benefits of Dental Veneers

On top of giving you the smile of your dreams, dental veneers have many other benefits. 

Less Likely to Stain

Because dental veneers are made of porcelain, they are less likely to stain. In addition, the material is not as porous as natural teeth, so the staining chemicals cannot get within the veneer. This makes them harder to stain. 

While the veneer won’t stain, your natural teeth still can. This means that you should try to avoid staining foods or beverages to keep your smile even. 

Long-Lasting

Unlike dental bonding, dental veneers last longer. Your veneers can last 7-10 years with proper care and attention. Because your dentist must remove the enamel, the procedure is permanent. However, the dental veneers themselves need replacing. Yet, you can enjoy a long shelf life of dental veneers. 

Durable

Materials used for dental veneers are generally durable. You don’t have to worry about them cracking or breaking easily. While they are durable, you still should avoid chewing on ice and other non-food items. It is possible to chip or crack a veneer with enough pressure.