What Are Veneers and How Do They Work?

From memorable photographs to first-time meetings, your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you. One study found that over 80% of people think their teeth look BAD in photographs. It also found that nearly 30% of people don’t show their teeth when smiling in photos on social media because they don’t like the way their teeth look. That’s a lot of people that are unhappy with the look of their teeth!

Braces can help with issues such as overbites and underbites, some of the problems that make people unhappy with their smile, but often patients at Jacas Family Dental just want bigger, brighter teeth. For those patients, veneers are typically a great option, but what are veneers? And how do they work?

What Are Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers are bonded to your teeth in order to improve the overall look of your smile. Porcelain veneers can be used to conceal a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

·Discoloration

·Crooked or misaligned teeth

·Chips or cracks

·Wear and other concerns associated with aging

The treatment can be completed in as little as two visits, and the veneers are individually crafted and customized to fit your smile. Basically, they look completely natural when the treatment is finished. If you are unhappy with the look of your smile in photos, veneers will solve that problem!

How do Veneers Work?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry describes veneers as a similar process to re-siding your house. Overtime the siding on your home can become weathered, damaged, and just start to look dingy and old. Replacing the siding immediately improves the overall aesthetics and curb appeal of your home without having to tear down the home and rebuild it. Veneers are like re-siding your teeth. Your teeth are still strong, but the veneers make your smile look brand new again, improving your smiles curb appeal.

Veneers are a great cosmetic solution for many problems that patients have with their teeth, including gaps, chips, spaces, length, and color of teeth. If you think your teeth are too short, veneers can lengthen them. If you’re unhappy with spacing or gaps, veneers can cover them. However, it’s important to remember

· Veneers are a cosmetic treatment

· They are virtually painless

· Traditional veneers are not reversible

· Veneers are not indestructible

Since veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry, most dental insurances only cover treatments that are medically necessary. For example, you have a cavity that needs to be filled or had an accident that resulted in a damaged tooth. Most insurances will not cover elective treatments that are solely for cosmetic purposes. That being said, there are many cosmetic treatments that can be deemed medically necessary.

If you have more questions about veneers or another cosmetic dentistry treatment, contact the team at Jacas Family Dental. We’ll help determine if veneers are the right option for you, and we’re happy to go over other treatment options that may help you achieve your perfect smile.