Dental veneers are dental fixtures that are placed over the natural teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are a highly effective way of improving the appearance of one’s teeth without requiring more intensive removal and replacement. Despite their usefulness, veneers are not permanent and should be replaced every ten years or so. Because there is a brief period between replacements where the patient’s natural teeth are exposed, many patients wonder, “What do teeth look like under veneers?” If you are curious about what your natural teeth look like under veneers, take a look at this guide, which discusses this common question.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are artificial shells that are bonded to the outside of a patient’s teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are made to look as close to natural teeth as possible. Dental veneers can be made of several different materials, such as composite resin or porcelain.
What Do Teeth Look Like Under Veneers?
The answer to this question is somewhat variable, as much of what constitutes how your teeth will appear beneath your dental veneers has to do with the condition of your teeth prior to receiving the treatment.
If you have significant tooth damage or decay, your dentist may decide to perform additional procedures prior to installing your dental veneers. They will inform you of any additional work that needs to be done prior to installation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Most patients who are interested in receiving dental veneers will qualify to receive treatment. However, there are some factors your dentist will take into account prior to authorizing treatment.
Significant underlying dental issues such as gum disease or tooth decay can impact your overall ability to receive veneers. Individuals with such dental issues may benefit more from other types of dental treatments.
Another important factor to keep in mind is that there are limitations to what dental veneers can do for your teeth. While veneers are effective at giving patients a stronger and flashier smile, they are only a cosmetic solution and cannot fix deeper underlying dental issues. It is important to keep this in mind while you determine whether this is the right procedure for you.
Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers
There are some pros and cons to receiving dental veneers. The commonly reported pros include:
- Veneers are effective at disguising a number of cosmetic issues.
- Veneers can be very long-lasting.
- Veneers are easy to clean and appear very similar to one’s natural teeth.
- Veneers are custom-built to match the appearance of one’s teeth.
On the other hand, some of the commonly reported cons of dental veneers include:
- Veneers can be very expensive to install.
- Veneers can crack or chip if you have to bite down on something too hard
- Your veneers may need to be replaced.
Most patients find that veneers are well worth the mild risks that accompany the process.
Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?
There are several other procedures that can achieve the aesthetic effects that you might be looking for from dental veneers. You must determine your motivation for cosmetic dental care to determine if veneers are the best solution for you.
For example, a patient who wants dental veneers for the refreshed appearance they would provide may be better suited to a simple teeth whitening procedure. A patient who wants veneers to cover up dental misalignment would benefit more from orthodontic treatment.
Educating yourself about the variety of available procedures can help you determine which procedure is best for you. Your dentist will be able to provide additional support in this regard.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Calabasas
TruGlo Calabasas Dentistry is one of the premier dental organizations in Southern California. If you have questions for a dentist regarding porcelain veneers, do not hesitate to contact our office and get the ball rolling on receiving this dental treatment.
