Dental veneers are an ideal way in many cases to help people deal with cosmetic concerns about their teeth. Before you go to a dental veneer services provider, though, you'll probably want to learn a bit about the materials, the process, and how long they can be expected to last.

What Are Veneers Made From?

There are two common materials in the products utilized by most cosmetic dental veneers services. Porcelain is a popular choice because it provides a natural white color and holds up very well to staining over many years. Polymers similar to the materials used in modern fillings can also be used. The choice usually boils down to what will bond best with the tooth because the goal is to maintain the veneers as long as possible.

How Does the Process Work?

The first step is to get impressions of what your teeth currently look like. As is the case with most other dental appliances, these impressions are sent to a laboratory where they can be used to create the replacement veneers. The lab will send them back to your dentist within a few weeks, so you can expect the process to require at least two visits. Folks who have extreme issues, such as major chips, may be provided temporary veneers to hold them over.

Your dentist will line the permanent veneers up with your teeth to make sure they'll be a good fit. Once the dentist is happy with the alignment, they'll clean the tooth and make minor alterations to ensure a snug fit. The veneer is then cemented to the tooth. A light beam is used to cure the cement, and after that patients are free to go. Your doctor may ask you to schedule a follow-up visit just to make sure everything is secure and still properly aligned.

How Many Years Do They Last?

The general estimate for how long a set of veneers will last is between 10 and 15 years of use. Many will actually last multiple decades, but it is highly dependent upon how well you take care of them. Individuals who consume lots of hard foods, for example, are likely to have shorter service lives from their veneers.

Good oral hygiene is also important because decay and gum disease can still occur in and around the tooth. Fortunately, the veneers can be removed and replaced at a later time if they get stained, loosened, or damaged.