subject: Are Dental Veneers Right For You? A Few Things To Consider Before You Get Them [print this page] Dental veneers are a great way to fix up your teeth. They can whiten your smile, remove stains, cover chips and cracks, and even sometimes help align your teeth. It sounds wonderful, but dental veneers are not for everyone. If you're interested in getting them, you may be able to, but there are some things you should consider beforehand.
Good Tooth Health Is Essential
Before you get dental veneers, you need to make sure your teeth are in good shape. What this means is that you don't have any major gum disease or decay issues to deal with. They are not designed to fix problems like this. Dentists consider them a form of "cosmetic dentistry," which means the main aim is to improve the look of your smile. They won't help with more serious problems.
In fact, if you're suffering from gum disease or tooth decay, you're not eligible to get them. Your dentist won't be able to actually put them on if you suffer from advanced problems. You can still get them, but you'll have to get your teeth into a more healthy state first. You will also not be able to use this treatment if you don't have enough tooth enamel.
Dental Veneers Are Permanent
Another major thing to keep in mind is that dental veneers are permanent. This is not a temporary solution. Once you have them put on, they're there for good. There is a chance that one may break off accidentally, but other than that, they won't be coming off.
In order to put them on, your dentist has to shave the enamel off of your teeth. This is a necessary step to getting them put on. After this, there is no way to get the enamel back. It's important to keep in mind that this is a permanent solution to the problems you have with your teeth.
Consider The Cost
Dental veneers cost quite a bit of money and they're not covered by insurance usually. What this means is that you've got to be serious about improving your smile for good if you want to get them. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1200 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer you use. Porcelain generally costs more because it lasts longer.
You should also think about the fact that, even though they are very durable, dental veneers can break off. It doesn't happen often, but if it does, you'll have to pay to have it replaced. Make sure you're really committed to it before you get it done.
If they're right for you, dental veneers are a great way to get your natural smile back. It's an effective and easy way to fix chips, stains and other problems that we develop with our teeth over the years. If you're thinking about getting it done, get a consultation with a dentist and discuss with them the pros and cons. They'll be able to tell you for sure if you're a candidate, as well as recommend what type is best for you.
