Practically everyone wants an attractive smile. However, some people are not genetically predispositioned to have straight, white teeth. Nevertheless, modern cosmetic dental applications can enhance the appearance of your teeth.

If you would like to correct the shape size or color of your teeth, dental veneers may be an effective option. Here are a few questions and answers about veneers:

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin panels of porcelain or resin that can be bonded to the front of your teeth to transform their appearance. 

What imperfections are addressed by veneers?

Veneers are versatile; they can be used to correct several different types of dental imperfections, such as the following:

• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Discolored teeth (even if the discoloration is permanent)
• Teeth with large spaces or gaps between them
• Teeth that look too small
• Teeth that are uneven

How much do veneers cost?

Traditional veneers that are made of porcelain cost about $925 to $2,500 for each tooth. However, resin veneers are less expensive. They cost between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.

How long do they last?

Porcelain veneers usually last between 10 and 15 years. Resin veneers typically last five to seven years.

Do veneers damage your teeth?

Before veneers can be applied to the front of your teeth, the teeth have to be reshaped. This step is necessary so that the veneers fit evenly with your other teeth. Still, since your underlying teeth are permanently altered during the reshaping, it is important to discuss any concerns with your dentist prior to the application of veneers.

How many visits are required for veneer placement?

Veneers can normally be applied within two visits but it depends on the selected material and the procedure used. For instance, if porcelain veneers will be constructed in a laboratory, two visits may be necessary. During the first visit, a mold of the patient's mouth may be created to act as a guide for the fabrication of the veneers. During the second visit, the teeth are debrided, and the veneers are placed. If the dental office that will place the porcelain veneers has CAD/CAM technology, the procedure may be completed during a single appointment. The veneers can be created by a computerized milling machine using digital imagery.

Direct composite resin veneers can also be completed in one visit.

If you are considering veneers, schedule an appointment with a local dentist, like Aaron G Birch, DDS PC, to determine whether or not you are good candidate for the application.