If you’re anything like the average American, a nice smile is important to you. Having straight, white teeth is one of the best ways to improve your smile. Luckily, you have a variety of options (just ask your dentist) to get the teeth of your dreams. One of the options available is dental veneers. This is a great way to fix chipped, stained, and cracked teeth. There is plenty to learn when it comes to dental veneers and if you’re planning on getting them, it’s best to do as much research as possible.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Before getting dental veneers, it’s good to know exactly what they are. They’re very thin, custom-made shells made of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front of your teeth. These improve the appearance of your teeth by being bonded to the front of your teeth and changing their color, size, and shape. The process is relatively simple, you’ll talk to your dentist and see if the veneers are a good solution for your particular concerns. Then there will be an impression made of your teeth that helps build your veneers. Then the finished veneers will be cemented into place. 

There are two main types of veneers. The first is porcelain, which combats stains really well and has a natural-looking appearance. There are also resin veneers that can be color-matched to your teeth and can also be applied in one visit. Dental veneers are right for you if you want to change the color or shape of your teeth with more than just braces but the issues aren’t significant enough to need a crown. It is a quick, painless, and effective choice for a greater smile.

The Lifespan of Dental Veneers

Contemporary dental porcelain is usually as strong as normal enamel. That way you don’t need to worry about the veneers breaking from biting into hard food. With that said, you might still wonder: how long do dental veneers last? Well, the average lifespan of dental veneers is about 10 years. However, if you really take care of them, they can last up to 20 years!

Maintenance for veneers isn’t too difficult and if you take care of them well after they’ve been placed, you’ll be surprised by how well they hold up. To take care of them, you’ll have to practice great oral hygiene. Veneers can get stained, like natural teeth, so be wary of that if you tend to drink a lot of coffee or tea. While veneers consist of very strong material, you’ll want to avoid chewing extremely hard food. This is not any different from your natural teeth, it’s best to avoid anything that could cause any chipping.

Outside of biting hard surfaces, there are other things you can do to ensure that you get the most longevity out of your veneers. You want to avoid grinding by getting a bite guard, this will ensure you don’t damage your veneers. Also, as mentioned before, be sure to have good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing regularly. If you play any sports, you’ll want to wear a mouthguard to protect your new teeth from any potential injuries.

Cost of Veneers

Since there are two types of veneers and you can decide how many teeth you want to cover, the cost of veneers ranges. It also might be more expensive if you have a person performing the procedure with a high level of expertise. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 to $1,300 per tooth. Again, this will vary depending on if you choose a porcelain or resin veneer, how much preparation you need before the procedure and where you’re located. Certain places, like Los Angeles, will cost more than a Midwest city.