Dental Veneers: Here's What You Should Know

Dental Veneers

Your smile is a huge part of your personal confidence and professional presentation. So what can you do when you suddenly chip or damage a tooth? It’s important to know your options.

When you have a chipped or stained tooth, it can diminish your self-esteem and put a damper on your personal confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can be a great option for getting that confidence back.

 

Hintz & Oakley Family Dentistry is proud to be a leading provider of general and cosmetic dentistry services in Cookeville, Tennessee and beyond.

 

Here’s what we think you should about getting dental veneers to repair your smile.  

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are layers of material (usually porcelain or resin) that are fitted over damaged, misshapen, chipped or stained teeth. Veneers are used to improve the appearance of an individual’s teeth by providing a clean, symmetrical coating on top. This coating mimics the look of natural teeth and helps protect the surface of the tooth beneath.

Choosing Between Composite and Porcelain Veneers

Not all veneers are created equal. In fact, there are different options at different price points--and different outcomes. The most common types of veneers available are composite resin and porcelain.

 

Here’s how they differ:

 

Composite Veneers: These veneers can be done in a single visit. Made of resin, composite veneers are applied to the tooth and molded to the correct shape in the same sitting.The resin will need to be polished to create a tooth-like appearance and hardened with a special light to ensure the best functionality. Composite veneers are much less expensive than porcelain veneers, but they aren’t as resistant to staining and don’t look as natural. They also don’t last as long--composite resin veneers have a lifespan of about 5-7 years if you practice good dental hygiene.

 

Porcelain Veneers: Despite being more expensive, porcelain veneers are a top choice if you want your veneers to look as natural as possible and last for a long time. These veneers are custom-made for your particular teeth, so fit and appearance are second-to-none. Porcelain is also less porous and more durable, lasting up to 15 years with good dental hygiene and regular dental cleanings.

 

Unlike composite resin veneers, the process of getting porcelain veneers is pretty extensive. After moldings of your teeth are taken, your veneers will need to be sculpted in a lab. You will then need to visit your dentist to have the veneers applied to your teeth. Most individuals find that the long process of getting porcelain veneers is worth it, however. The beauty, durability and natural-looking appearance of porcelain simply can’t be recreated by the alternatives.

Are Dental Veneers Right For You?

If you’re interested in restoring your smile, it’s important to talk to your dentist about the best options for you.

 

For many individuals, veneers aren’t the best choice. For those with significantly misaligned teeth, orthodontics is a more effective long-term solution. For individuals with significant tooth decay or structural problems, crowns or dental implants may be a more suitable and long-lasting option.

 

Have more questions about veneers? Contact Hintz & Oakley today: 931-526-5460.

 

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Hintz & Oakley Family Dentistry

120 West Jackson Street

Cookeville, TN 38501 US

(931) 526-5460