5 Important Details About Dental Veneers You Should Know

If you're bothered by the appearance of your front teeth, talk to your dentist about veneers. These cover your teeth so discoloration, chips, and other minor problems are hidden from sight. You can get one veneer or several. Here are five details you should know. 

1. They Last For Several Years If Cared For Properly

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain. They're tough, so they last a long time. However, they're not indestructible. Just like natural teeth, you can crack the porcelain shell if you use your front teeth to open bottles or bite into hard foods. You may need to adjust your diet and habits to protect the shells so they last as long as possible.

2. Porcelain Resists Discoloration

Porcelain is a good choice for veneers since it has such a natural look. Plus, porcelain resists discoloration and stains so your new teeth look bright and white all the time. Natural tooth enamel is porous, and that allows liquids like wine and coffee to seep into the pores and cause staining. Porcelain is non-porous, so staining isn't an issue.

3. Teeth Whitening May Be Done At The Same Time

A porcelain veneer looks natural, and your dentist can match the color to your natural teeth so it blends in. The color of the porcelain is permanent since porcelain doesn't lighten with teeth whitening. You'll need to decide if you want the porcelain to be the same shade as your natural teeth or if you want to whiten your teeth and get a whiter porcelain shell.

4. You Can Still Get Cavities With Poor Oral Care

You'll still need to brush and floss to keep your mouth healthy. Veneers don't protect against cavities or gum disease. The shell only covers the front of your teeth, so you need to keep the backs of your teeth healthy. This includes having scheduled dental visits for teeth cleaning and oral examinations.

5. Veneers Are A Permanent Choice

Even though the shells could potentially crack or fall off, the process of getting the shells makes veneers a permanent dental procedure. If you lose a shell, you'll need to replace it with a new one. That's because the dentist needs to remove a bit of enamel from your teeth so the shells fit in your mouth properly.

With part of the enamel missing, your teeth might be sensitive and at higher risk of decay, so once you get the shells put on, you'll want to maintain them for life. However, if you take good care of your teeth, that shouldn't be a problem, and it ensures you'll always have a beautiful smile.

Contact a local dentist to learn more about veneers.