Are you unhappy with the look and color of your teeth? Unfortunately, genetics don’t always give us the bright, white teeth we wish we had.
However, a fantastic option for many people is getting veneers, which securely attach to your teeth and provide a white, perfect look. They are one of the best ways to improve your smile and they work much better than whitening creams or treatments.
But how do you know if veneers are right for you? Keep reading to find seven top things to know before getting veneers.
1. Veneers Last 10-20 Years
One great thing about dental veneers is that they’re long-lasting. As long as you look after your teeth, they should last around 10-20 years, which is a long time. This means that, most likely, you will need to replace your veneers in the future, so be sure this is something you’ll be comfortable paying for later on.
To help your teeth veneers last longer, make sure you brush and floss daily, don’t develop bad habits, like chewing on pens, and limit your consumption of dark beverages, which can sometimes stain.
2. Getting Veneers Is an Investment
Getting veneers is the most effective way to get a white smile, something many of us aren’t born with naturally. However, it is an investment, so be sure you’re comfortable with the cost before getting started.
The cost of veneers tends to be per tooth, so the total cost will depend on how many veneers you need to have done. On average though, you can expect to pay $500 and $1,900 per tooth. Costs may vary based on your location and by dentist, so you may want to get several quotes before deciding on a dentist. Just remember that cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to dental work.
3. They Aren’t for Everyone
Although most people are a good candidate for veneers, they aren’t suitable for every patient. Generally, your mouth and teeth will need to be in a healthy condition before a dentist will consider veneers.
If you suffer from advanced gum disease, have structural damage to your teeth, or if you tend to grind your teeth frequently, they may not be for you. Or, if you have a lot of cavities, this can be a problem. However, you may be able to fix some of your dental issues beforehand and then get the all-clear to go ahead with veneers.
If you’re not sure if veneers are right for you, you should always speak to your dentist about your concerns and follow their suggestions.
4. You Don’t Need Them for Every Tooth
You may be surprised to learn that most people don’t get veneers for every tooth. Since veneers are a cosmetic procedure, you really only need them on the teeth that show when you smile.
Teeth that are in the back of your mouth aren’t’ seen by anyone but your dentist, so as long as they’re healthy, it’s best to leave them alone.
To work out how many veneers you may need, look in the mirror and smile—how many of your teeth can you see? Some of us have wide smiles, showing plenty of teeth, while for others, fewer teeth show. Your dentist will be able to advise on how many veneers they think would be best for your smile.
5. Porcelain or Composite?
Veneers tend to come in one of two materials, porcelain or composite.
Porcelain veneers are more durable, meaning they will last a long time. They tend to give the most natural-looking results, however, they are more expensive and must be replaced if damaged—they can’t be repaired. Porcelain also takes longer to apply to teeth.
Composite veneers are quicker to apply, since they can be placed on your teeth in one visit. They can also be cheaper, but they are more likely to stain.
There are pros and cons to both options, so do your research and reach out to your dentist with any questions.
6. Select Your Doctor Carefully
There are many dentists out there, but not all of them are experts when it comes to veneers. It’s very important to select a dentist who is experienced in veneers and applies them regularly to patients.
Before going ahead, ask your dentist if they can show images of previous clients. This helps you better understand what their work looks like and decide if you like it. You can also ask family and colleagues for recommendations, as sometimes word of mouth is the best way to find a dentist.
Lastly, always read reviews online to learn more. Customer reviews are a great way to get a feel for the dentist, along with their strengths and weaknesses.
7. Be Prepared for Mild Discomfort
Luckily, veneers are extremely easy to tolerate and the process is mostly pain-free. However, it’s still a medical procedure, so you should be prepared for some discomfort—especially if you’re not someone who enjoys the dentist.
During the procedure, you’ll be numb, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. However, some patients notice gum sensitivity, soreness, and pain in the jaw for a few days after the procedure.
If you experience pain after you’ve gotten veneers that seem out of the ordinary, call your dentist right away. They should also give you aftercare instructions, so for best results, follow their guidelines.
Getting veneers is an amazing way to create a beautiful white smile that you’ve always wanted. But are they right for you? Based on the suggestions above, give it some thought and decide if you would be a good candidate for veneers. Then, start researching dentists in your area who specialize in the procedure.
