If you are considering getting veneers, Dr. Doughtery’s latest article on Expert Beacon will help you determine if veneers are right for you. He also explains the do’s and dont’s of getting veneers in order to help you attain your desired smile.

This article can also be found here.

Ever thought about how your smile might look different with veneers? Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain applied to the front of teeth; they can radically transform imperfect smiles for the better. If your teeth are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, gapped, uneven or irregularly shaped, veneers might be a great choice. However, they are also a big commitment – costing thousands of dollars and sometimes lasting two decades or more! So do your homework, and ask your dentist some important questions before making a final decision.

Do

  • Consider other possibilities besides veneer

  • Bring a picture of what you want your teeth to look like

  • Ask what kind of guarantees your dentist offers

  • Look for an experienced dentist

  • Talk with your dentist about which material is right for you

Don’t

  • Go to a dentist who doesn’t understand gums

  • Get fewer than four veneers

  • Spend too much on veneers

  • Be afraid to get a second opinion

Veneers aren’t the only option for beautifying your smile. If you’ve previously had root canal therapy, crowns will provide fragile teeth with more structural support. Crowns and veneers are made with the same materials, but unlike veneers, crowns encapsulate the entire tooth. If you have attractive teeth that are simply misaligned, braces are probably a better choice.

Do

  • Do bring a picture of what you want your teeth to look like

    Many veneers last 20 years or longer, so be sure your dentist thoroughly understands the look you hope to achieve. Bring in pictures of teeth you admire, so he or she can get a sense of your aesthetic goals.

  • Do ask what kind of guarantees your dentist offers

    Ask what kind of satisfaction guarantees the office provides when it comes to veneers. If you experience problems down the road, what options will you have? At the very least, your dentist should ask you to return for a follow-up appointment shortly after your veneers are attached, to make sure they are fitting properly.

  • Do look for an experienced dentist

    Find out how long your dentist has been applying veneers, and how many new veneers he or she has applied in the last year. Ideally, you’ll entrust your teeth to someone who has both long-term and recent experience.

  • Do talk with your dentist about which material is right for you

    Both porcelain and resin-based composite veneers are permanent. The former tend to be less prone to staining and often look more natural. The latter are thinner, so less of the tooth has to be removed prior to the application process.

Don’t

  • Do not go to a dentist who doesn’t understand gums

    Getting veneers involves work on your gums as well as your teeth; the most attractive smiles have symmetrical, even gum lines. Make sure your dentist has a thorough professional understanding of gingival tissue. Otherwise, you could be left with sparkling teeth and an uneven gum line.

  • Do not get fewer than four veneers

    It is recommended that patients get four, eight or 10 veneers at a time. Because of the way the human mouth is structured, it’s difficult to make certain numbers of veneers blend in, in terms of both size and color. (Sets of two or six veneers are particularly tricky.) Four, eight or ten veneers add up to the most attractive, natural-looking smile possible.

  • Do not spend too much on veneers

    Veneers typically cost between $1,000 and $1,800. Make sure to ask your dentist if the cost of veneers includes gum work. If your gingival tissue requires a specialist’s attention, it could cost more.

  • Do not be afraid to get a second opinion

    Veneers are expensive, and will likely be with you every day for years, even decades. If you have any questions or uncertainties that your current dentist is unable to address, consider meeting with another practitioner for a consultation. Never, ever be afraid to get a second opinion.

Photo of a woman's beautiful white smile.

Summary

Veneers can help you discover your most attractive smile, but they also represent a big investment of both time and money. Before making that commitment, do some research and talk with your dentist. Then if you do decide to invest in veneers, you can do so knowing with certainty it’s the best option for you.