Making the decision to get veneers can be difficult. As with any medical or dental procedure, you may have a lot of questions about how veneers can help you, what the process is, how long they last, and how they can improve your everyday life. In the following article, you’ll find answers to these important questions to help you decide if veneers are right for you.
First of all, what are veneers? 
Veneers are thin coverings made of porcelain that are adhered to the front of your teeth to correct common cosmetic issues like chipped teeth, misalignment, or discoloration. After the bonding process is completed, the veneers will become a permanent part of your teeth.
How do veneers work?
Before your procedure, you and your dentist will discuss the issues you would like to fix, and the end goal you are trying to achieve. Your dentist will then shave down a small amount of the surface of each tooth that will receive a veneer, approximately the size of the veneer itself, to make room for it. Then, the dentist will take an imprint of your teeth, and send that off to the lab where your veneers will be custom-made to fit your teeth.
Once the dentist receives your veneers back from the lab, the bonding process begins. The dentist will check the fit and color of each veneer, and will make any adjustments necessary to match your teeth perfectly. Next, your teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched, which roughens the teeth to give a stronger bond between your teeth and the veneers. A special cement will then be applied to your teeth, and the veneers will be placed on top of your natural teeth. Your dentist will use a special light that activates the hardening of the cement. Once the cement is fully hardened, the dentist will evaluate the fit and your bite, making any further adjustments necessary. And then the process is complete!
What are veneers used to correct? How can they improve my smile?
Since a veneer is a false front to your natural tooth, a veneer can fix any cosmetic problem you have with your smile. They can fix chipped or broken teeth, as well as issues with color, size, length, or shape of your teeth. This will result in a bright, full smile and can add better functionality to your existing teeth. Using veneers to brighten or align your teeth can give you confidence in your smile for years to come. 
How long do veneers last?
Getting veneers is an irreversible process, meaning you won’t be able to return to just your natural teeth due to the process of shaving and etching that takes place to bond the veneers to your teeth. However, you will need to get them replaced as the veneers age. Your veneers will need to be replaced every 7-15 years. Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits and regular dental hygiene cleanings with your dental team will help them last as long as possible.
What are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to veneers?
There are a variety of advantages in choosing veneers to cosmetically alter your smile. First off, porcelain (the material veneers are made of) provides a close likeness to the appearance of your natural tooth, allowing veneers to blend in with the rest of your smile. Also, porcelain works well with gum tissue by not irritating or inflaming it. Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant, and are often a conservative approach to altering the appearance of your teeth. You can also rest assured that your smile will look exactly how you want it to afterward, as your dentist will consult with you on exactly what you are looking for, and is able to make any adjustments or alterations necessary throughout the procedure.
Some disadvantages include the fact that you have to replace veneers after a certain amount of time, and that they can be costly since they are custom-made to match your smile. Veneers can also get damaged like a regular tooth, and the method of repair mostly includes replacing the veneer completely. That being said, veneers are the go-to way to fix most cosmetic issues or damage to the front of your teeth, and will provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
Deciding to get any dental procedure done can be very difficult and stressful. At Twin Dental, our staff is knowledgeable and capable of leading you step-by-step through your decision to get veneers, and the actual process that lies ahead. Contact us at 513.895.9470 or [email protected] to get more information about what we can do for you. You can also visit our website at www.twindental.com to get more information. You don’t have to keep living with a smile you don’t love! Contact us today to make a change you won’t regret.
