The Truth About Veneers: Are They Really the Secret to a Hollywood Smile?

Find out if dental veneers are right for you!

You might wonder how so many celebrities always seem to have perfectly white teeth. For many, the answer is dental veneers, custom dental restorations that are designed to cover imperfections and instantly enhance the look of a person’s smile.

While veneers are not solely available to the biggest names in Hollywood, they aren’t the best solution for everyone either. Like all forms of cosmetic dentistry, they come with notable pros and cons. As such, before you start dreaming of showing off your pearly whites around the streets of Dallas, it’s worth learning about all the details of this cosmetic dental treatment.

What are dental veneers?

In simplest terms, veneers are permanent restorations that dentists use to correct tooth imperfections. More specifically, they are thin, porcelain shells placed over your teeth to improve their shape, color, and alignment.

A dentist creates a patient’s dental veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel from each tooth that’s set to receive one. Once prepped, they apply a bonding material to attach the thin shells to the teeth. A special blue light completes the bonding process. Unlike crowns, which replace every tooth surface, veneers only cover the front surface. As a result, they provide numerous cosmetic benefits without the need to replace a tooth in its entirety.

What Veneers Can Do

Although they cannot resolve all dental conditions, there are several things dental veneers can do for you:

• Instantly Whiten Teeth: Some tooth discoloration cannot be removed no matter how often you use whitening products. Dental veneers, however, can effectively hide these stains and provide a bright, long-lasting, and beautiful solution.
• Fix Minor Gaps: Some people find a gap between their teeth to be charming. Others, however, find it to be nothing more than a frustrating feature. Veneers fix these minor gaps and create a more even, balanced smile without the need for orthodontic services. 
• Creates a Symmetrical, Flawless Smile: Some teeth are naturally smaller or irregularly shaped compared to their neighbors, and that can create a smile that isn’t symmetrical. The best cosmetic dentist in Dallas, TX, can create a custom, symmetrical smile using veneers to enhance each tooth’s shape and size.

What Veneers Can’t Do

Although dental veneers can make your teeth look whiter and more even, these restorations cannot help with certain underlying dental issues, such as: 

• Cavities: Teeth that are experiencing any kind of decay might not bond with their veneers. And even if they do, the decay could progress under the restoration. 
• Gum Disease: Mild gum disease may be treated with antibiotics or antibacterial toothpaste, but if yours is more severe, periodontal therapy will be required to correct it before getting veneers.
• Crowded Teeth: Severely crowded teeth cannot be restored using dental veneers; you’ll need to have orthodontic treatment first, or there simply won’t be enough tooth surface available for the veneers to bond to. 
• Missing Teeth: Of course, dental veneers cannot restore a tooth that is no longer there. Instead, your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan that involves dental implants or partial dentures.

Are veneers permanent?

Getting dental veneers is an irreversible procedure, as they require enamel removal before the dentist can attach the restoration. Enamel does not regenerate or grow back, meaning veneers are a lifelong commitment. 

Even though the procedure is irreversible, you’ll eventually need to replace your veneers. When properly cared for, veneers can last for approximately 15 years, but the cement used to place them will slowly weaken. When it gets to a point where your veneers can no longer hold on to your teeth, you must schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to restore them. 

Who is a good candidate?

Veneers are an excellent solution for many dental patients. After a comprehensive evaluation, your dentist will determine whether they are a good choice for you. Nevertheless, there are some signs you can check for ahead of time that may help you qualify for the procedure:

• Good Oral Health: Before any cosmetic dental procedure, you must have healthy teeth and gums. You may need a few treatments to restore your mouth to good oral standing, but once you receive that care, you’ll be ready for veneers.
• Adequate Tooth Enamel: Veneers stick to your enamel, but your dentist must remove a small layer to create space for the restoration. If you don’t have enough enamel, there won’t be anything for the veneer to bond to.
• Minor Cosmetic Issues: Dental veneers are great for addressing minor cosmetic concerns, like chips, cracks, and misshapen teeth. You’ll have natural-looking teeth that enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Severely Stained Teeth: Between over-the-counter products and professional treatments, you have many options for teeth whitening. These products are effective at treating mildly discolored teeth, but dark stains likely won’t respond. Veneers give you the option to cover these stains and improve your smile.

Improve your smile with dental veneers!

Veneers can create a stunning smile, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s always wise to speak with a professional who handles cosmetic dentistry near Dallas to see if they’re right for you. Contact Dallas Cosmetic Dental to book an appointment!