Dental Veneers Improve Your Smile
Process Can Reshape and Correct Poorly Shaped or Stained Teeth
May 21, 2009
Dental veneers, which apply thin layers of custom-made porcelain composites to the teeth, are one of the most opted-for treatments when over-the-counter whitening products can't solve dullness or the severity of tooth damage or stains goes beyond the practicality of using bonding agents to correct them. Veneers have been in widespread use for about 20 years, and new brands of veneers, like Lumineers and Ceric porcelain veneers, can add levels of realness that have the same color as your surrounding teeth.
With veneers, both imperfections and whiteness issues can be fairly easily corrected, and it's becoming one of the most popular ways to improve smile capacity.
Even with no significant tooth damage, veneers are being done on larger numbers of dental patients as "cosmetic enhancement" or what the dental industry calls "smile improvement." Chances are that when you see someone with that classic "Hollywood" smile, you're seeing applied veneers, which offer consistent, bright color, as well as surface smoothness.
Porcelain veneers are also a practical way to undo coloration damage done by medications, like tetracycline, or prior dental procedures, like root canal, which can often change the color of a tooth, making it dull or grayish. Veneers, applied to the teeth with a resin cement, can help improve a poor bite and problems with chewing food as well, and they've been proven to be durable restorations in cases of broken, chipped or misaligned teeth in the long term. A 2006 study in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry cites high satisfaction and reliability in a group of 25 patients at both five and ten year intervals.
Cost and Practicality
If considering veneers, it's important to note that the cost is not inexpensive and it varies from patient to patient, depending upon the number of veneers needed to produce the anticipated result. Veneers are applied individually to teeth, with costs ranging from $500 to $1,200 per tooth. The process often requires several visits to complete if getting multiple veneers, but the payoff is that veneers can last for 10 years or longer.
The total cost can also be impacted by where you live — small town versus metropolitan area. Price quotes and professional referrals can be obtained by contacting the American Dental Association (ADA). Make sure the dentist performing the process has a good amount of experience.
As with most other cosmetic-type improvement processes, veneers need to be cared for. You'll need to avoid certain types of foods and beverages, like red wine and coffee, to prevent discoloration and staining of the bonding agent with porcelain veneers. Brush and floss as normal and maintain regular dental visits.
For related information see the article Tooth Whitening Trends
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