Dental veneers are typically applied to a person's incisor teeth. These are the teeth you use to bite your food, and they're also the teeth that are on display when you smile. Veneers can give you a smile as perfect as any movie star's. A dentist can help you through the process of choosing and installing dental veneers. Here are four things you should know about dental veneers:

1. Your dental veneers will be made just for you

Dental veneers are not one-size-fits-all. Like dental crowns, dental veneers must be custom-made for each patient. In order to be effective, dental veneers must fit over the front of your teeth without interfering with your ability to bite and floss. Dental veneers are thin, so they won't add any noticeable bulk to your teeth. Once your dental veneers are attached to your teeth, your dentist will likely spend some time polishing them and shaping them.

2. Your dental veneers will become part of your smile

Dental veneers are usually used as a cosmetic treatment. People use veneers to improve the appearance of their teeth, especially when their teeth are severely stained. Dental veneers should be considered a permanent treatment. Your dentist will use a strong adhesive to bond your veneers to your teeth. Before doing so, they will also cut grooves into your teeth using a dental drill. This process encourages a better bond between your veneers and tooth enamel. However, this process will weaken your teeth such that you will need to continue wearing veneers for the rest of your life.

3. You won't need to have your teeth whitened

One benefit of dental veneers is that they eradicate the need for teeth whitening treatments. Veneers are made from porcelain, which is resistant to stains. You can enjoy wine, coffee, and other beverages without staining your new dental veneers. Over time, veneers can save you money on professional teeth whitening or home whitening kits.

4. You don't necessarily need to get your dental veneers replaced

Patients can expect their new dental veneers to last for at least ten years. However, many people find that their veneers last even longer than that. As long as you take good care of your teeth, there's no reason that your veneers can't last for twenty or more years. As long as your dental veneers are in good condition and aren't giving you any trouble, you don't need to replace them.