If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t totally happy with your smile. Perhaps your teeth’s alignment isn’t perfect, or perhaps they are discolored. In such cases, flashing a smile may be a cause of embarrassment instead of enjoyment.

Of course, you can get braces to correct crooked teeth, but you’ll have to wear them for a few years to get the alignment just right. And sometimes, teeth are so discolored that even professional whitening will do only so much to lighten their shade. What’s one to do?

No need to lose hope, however. As a dentist in Greenville, SC might tell you, veneers can be just the answer you’re looking for. Here’s a quick review of this cosmetic dentistry option.

veneers

What is It?

In a nutshell, a veneer is a thin wafer of porcelain that is meant to cover the surface of a tooth—along with any imperfections. As such, veneers are one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve one’s smile. Oftentimes, you will need a set of eight to ten veneers to address your needs.

How is it Attached?

Veneers are attached to the teeth using special dental adhesives. However, they aren’t like fake nails that you can attach willy-nilly. For them to work properly, the front enamel of your teeth will be removed first to make space for the veneers. It can take up to 10 days to manufacture your set of veneers, and in the meantime you’ll be wearing temporary ones.

How Long Will They Last?

As with most things, your veneers will also have a limited service life. Barring trauma to the teeth, veneers will typically last about 10-15 years, which is a good return of investment. Do note that that smoking or exposure to caffeine will stain your veneers as they would your natural teeth.

Can They Fix All Cosmetic Issues?

While veneers can help many patients with less-than-perfect smiles, it also has limitations. For instance, those with worn down teeth enamel or severely decayed teeth may not be good candidates for veneers.

A perfect smile is something that everyone wants, but not everyone can attain. Luckily, veneers offer a viable solution to common cosmetic problems with the teeth that is cost-effective and relatively easy to attach. If you want to learn more about this product, visit a practice that offers cosmetic dentistry in Greenville, SC.

Sources:

Dental Health and Veneers, webmd.com

Are braces, crowns or veneers right for you?, besthealthmag.ca