An attractive smile may be important to you for social and business reasons. If you hide your smile because of the way your teeth look, your social and business interactions could be affected. Cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of your teeth so you have more self-confidence and quit worrying about how you look. Dental veneers are a possible option for improving the shape and appearance of your teeth. Here's how they work.

Determine Your Suitability

The first step is to see a cosmetic dentist to determine if veneers are a good match for your problem. If you have cavities, your dentist will probably want to fill those first since you wouldn't want to cover up dental decay with veneers.

Also, if you grind your teeth, your dentist may not recommend veneers unless you use a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth. If your teeth are misaligned or have other significant structural problems, your dentist might recommend a different way to improve your smile.

Choose The Type

You can choose the type of veneers you get. You might want porcelain permanent veneers or you might want veneers that are removable. An advantage of removable veneers is that your natural teeth don't need to be shaved down to wear them. There are also thin veneers that don't require tooth reduction first. These veneers are also the most natural-looking.

Your dentist will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type so you make the best choice for your smile and your budget.

Pick The Color

You may want veneers that blend in with your natural teeth, but you might want whiter veneers and then whiten your teeth to match them. Your dentist may have the ability to let you see different shades of whiteness on a digital image of yourself. Then you'll have an idea of the right shade for your complexion so your teeth look attractive but natural.

Start The Process

Getting veneers involves multiple visits to your dental office. One of the first steps is to remove the surface layer of the teeth that are getting veneers. This is necessary so the veneer shells fit in your mouth properly. After that, the dentist puts on temporary veneers. You'll wear those for a couple of weeks while your permanent veneers are made.

The final step is to return to your dentist to have the permanent veneers adhered to your teeth and the edges shaped for comfort.

Protect Your Veneers

Once you have your permanent veneers, your smile will be transformed. Veneers cover chips, uneven teeth, and stained teeth to make your teeth whiter and appear straight and even. Your veneers should last for many years, and you'll be able to eat normally.

However, you should protect the veneers as much as possible by maintaining good oral hygiene, getting dental cleanings, and avoiding habits like eating hard ice chips that could crack your teeth.