How to Tell If Dental Veneers Are Right for You

Dental veneers are shells of tooth-colored material about 0.5 mm thick that are bonded onto your real teeth. They are usually applied for cosmetic reasons but also may be used to protect a damaged tooth. Dental veneers may be composed of a composite resin or porcelain and the choice of material will be an important decision.

Instructions

• 1

  Cover permanently discolored teeth with veneers. Tooth-whitening treatments are unlikely to affect teeth that have been stained by tetracycline, fluoride or other drugs. Discoloration also may result from a root canal or large resin fillings.

• 2

  Conceal other problems with a tooth's appearance. Veneers can cover teeth that are broken, chipped or worn down. Teeth that are misaligned, misshaped or uneven can be effectively disguised and veneers also may be extended over gaps between the teeth.

• 3

  Choose porcelain veneers. This material reflects light in a manner similar to natural teeth and resists stains better than composite resin. Gum tissue also tolerates porcelain better.

• 4

  Select composite resin veneers. These veneers will be thinner and therefore require less of the tooth surface to be removed.

• 5

  Consider the disadvantages of veneers. A layer of material will need to be removed from your teeth so they may become more sensitive to heat and cold. This process is therefore not reversible and veneers usually cannot be repaired if they become chipped or cracked. You should not get veneers if you have active periodontal disease or insufficient existing enamel on your teeth.