As we head back to school and say goodbye to summer, it’s a great time to tune up your smile! For some patients, veneers are a perfect option.
What are veneers, and what are veneers made of?
Veneers are a thin, porcelain shell that covers the front surface of a tooth (or teeth) to improve its appearance.
Do veneers discolor or stain like natural teeth?
No, they do not stain like teeth do. Of course, regular at-home care like brushing and flossing is still important, but you can drink your coffee without worrying about staining.
How do I know if veneers are right for me?
Patients with significant stains on their teeth (or spaces between) may consider veneers to improve their smile. We see some patients who had orthodontic work earlier, but the spaces returned. Veneers provide a permanent solution with the added benefit of stain resistance.
During the consultation process, our team will discuss your goals and expectations, assess your current smile, and create a treatment plan.
If veneers are not right for you, or another treatment would be better, we will advise accordingly. At times, we may suggest Invisalign and cosmetic whitening to reach a patient’s smile goals. On the other hand, if a patient’s teeth are small or misshapen, whitening and Invisalign may not be sufficient for the result they are hoping to achieve.
What conditions would make someone not a good candidate for veneers?
Pre-existing fillings, decay, or damage to the teeth could indicate the need for full crowns in the future. Other signs we look for are periodontal disease, unhealthy gums, or a compromised foundation. If present, we would not recommend veneers.
What is the process of getting veneers?
We start with a digital scan of your teeth to send to the lab. This will create a simulation of what your new smile could look like, and we will create a model so you can see the smile in 3D. Patient feedback helps us make any needed adjustments.
Next, we reduce or “prep” the front of the tooth. This etching process creates a surface for the bonding agent and is a permanent procedure. After this point, you’re committed to finishing the process.
Once the tooth is prepped, we apply a composite resin bonding agent and the veneer.
How do I care for my veneers?
Normal brushing and flossing still apply even when you have veneers. Regular at-home care and dental cleaning appointments are usually enough to keep them looking great, and if applied correctly, you shouldn’t get decay under the veneer.
What can damage veneers?
Any trauma that would have broken a natural tooth will likely damage your veneer. If one does break, the lab can usually match the new veneer to the surrounding teeth. Decay around the veneer can also cause it to fail, which is further reason to continue your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
Does insurance cover veneers?
Insurance typically does not contribute to the cost of veneers, as it is deemed a cosmetic procedure. However, the Bellano Savings Plan does include a discount on elective procedures such as veneers and can be a great option. To learn more, visit Bellanodental.com/save.
Dr. Wade Clayton and Dr. Dana Henry from Bellano Dental practice at two of their multiple area locations in Germantown, East Memphis, and Bartlett. Visit bellanodental.com to request an appointment.
