Dental Veneers

Some people have been getting their teeth filed down to stumps to have dental veneers fitted. This disturbing trend emerged recently as misguided individuals proudly showed off their “shark teeth” on the social media platform TikTok.

They’d fallen for a marketing ploy hyped as a faster, cheaper way to get veneers to improve their smile.

The correct veneer procedure usually requires only minimal modification of a single surface of a tooth. Removing a significant amount of tooth structure can weaken the tooth and leave it far more vulnerable to future problems.

The shark teeth trend has appalled genuine dental professionals, including the team at CDA Dental Center. So, bearing in mind that what you may have heard about dental veneers isn’t necessarily true, we’ve put together this guide to give you the facts about veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are tooth-colored. They’re custom-made to fit on the front of teeth to conceal dental imperfections such as chipping and stains. Veneers enhance tooth color, shape, size, and length.

There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers – also called dental laminates – are favored by dentists and patients because they look more natural and resist stains better.

Porcelain veneers can now be made much thinner, which allows most of the structure of the tooth to be preserved. They’re also more durable – lasting 15 to 20 years, compared with the three to five-year lifespan of their composite counterparts.

Does Veneer Treatment Damage Your Teeth?

Your teeth will be in safe hands if you get veneers from a reputable dentist, so you needn’t worry about your teeth being reduced to stubs.

Far from ruining your teeth, the proper veneer treatment will help to protect them from further damage. In strengthening the foundation of your smile, veneers make your teeth stronger.

They provide an extra layer of defense on top of the enamel surface – the outer, protective layer of a tooth. This gives your teeth a further barrier against bacteria and plaque that can cause tooth decay.

As long as you continue to brush and floss regularly, the teeth beneath your veneers have a better chance of staying healthy. This is why people with veneers get fewer cavities.

Concerns about veneers in the past revolved around the loss of enamel during the procedure. Thanks to advances in dental veneer technology, only a tiny amount of enamel – a fraction of a millimeter – now needs to be removed to get veneers.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Veneers provide a conservative solution to changing a tooth's shape and color. The procedure typically doesn’t require substantial reshaping of a tooth that dental crowns entail, and veneers provide a more robust and aesthetic alternative to tooth bonding.

Unlike natural teeth, veneers are stain-resistant, and they can give you a long-lasting smile makeover fast by masking dental flaws such as:

  • Stained or yellowed teeth.
  • Chipped teeth.
  • Worn teeth.
  • Irregularly shaped teeth.
  • Slightly misaligned teeth.
  • Small gaps between teeth.
  • Minor teeth crowding.

Individuals with an uneven gum line can also benefit from veneers, which will create a neater appearance more in proportion with the teeth.

Porcelain veneers – made from medical-grade ceramic material – give you a natural-looking smile because they’re made from advanced materials that closely resemble the appearance of tooth enamel.

The way veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth can also make dark teeth appear lighter.

Veneers need no special routine of oral hygiene, although non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is recommended to avoid damaging them.

Veneers Vs. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can address the problem of superficial stains but it’s not a permanent solution.

Whitened teeth can quickly become stained again, while veneers are stain-resistant and can conceal even the most severe cases of discoloration.

Not only do veneers give the appearance of whiter teeth but they also correct cosmetic problems such as cracked or chipped teeth.

A combination of veneers and whitening works well in many cases, with veneers for the more visible front teeth and whitening of surrounding teeth to create a uniform look.

The Dental Veneer Procedure

In most cases, so little enamel is removed in the dental veneer procedure that no anesthetic is needed.

While some cosmetic dental treatments can take months, the veneer process is typically completed in just two visits after an initial consultation.

First appointment:

  • A small amount of enamel is trimmed from the front of the tooth so it doesn’t look thicker after treatment.
  • Your dentist determines the best shade of veneer to match surrounding teeth.
  • An impression is taken and sent to a dental lab to make your customized veneer.

Second appointment:

  • The veneers are attached to your teeth with a bonding agent and dental cement.
  • A special blue light is used to optimize adherence.

You shouldn’t need any additional treatment after getting veneers but your dentist may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment to check that your veneers are remaining in position and to see how your gums are responding.

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

Advances in technology have made porcelain dental veneers become a popular mainstream cosmetic dentistry solution – more effective than ever and less expensive.

Quality veneers are a lifetime investment, costing around $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth. Veneers aren’t usually covered by insurance, but payment plans may be available from your dentist to spread the cost to suit your budget.

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

Dental veneers are a good choice if you’re looking to get a Hollywood smile fast. Veneers are often the cosmetic treatment of choice for celebrities looking to achieve dramatic results quickly.

Veneers are generally an ideal cosmetic option if your teeth are basically healthy but showing signs of natural wear and tear.

Veneers can give your self-esteem a huge boost by enhancing your appearance, and you could also combine veneers with other cosmetic dental procedures for a total smile makeover.

Veneers may not be your best option if have a teeth-grinding problem (bruxism), which can damage veneers, although a nightguard can help to protect your veneers and your teeth.

CDA Dental can help you decide whether veneers are right for you. Contact us now.