If you have cosmetic problems with your teeth that you are looking to fix, all hope is not lost. Dental veneers are a treatment that is still relatively new, but can transform the look of existing teeth with ease. Since the technique has not been along that long, it is not fully understood like more basic dental procedures. Here are three questions you may have about veneers, which will help you better understand if they are the right choice to fix your teeth.

What Aspects of Your Teeth Will Veneers Fix?

Dental veneers are essentially a very thin shell that are designed to look like natural teeth. The shell is bonded to the front of your teeth with an adhesive that prevents the shell from moving. Some of the aspects dental veneers can improve are a tooth's color, size, shape, width, and length.

In most situations, dental veneers will only be a cosmetic treatment, and are not designed for medicinal purposes. Since the veneer does not actually fix things that are medically wrong with a tooth, the material can be more versatile to correct the appearance of problems such as:

• Worn down, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Alignment problems
• Discolored teeth
• Stained teeth
• Gaps

What Material Are Veneers Made From?

Dental veneers will be made from either composite resin or porcelain, which each material having their own pros and cons.

Porcelain is a favorite because it offers a very natural look, while also being durable and resistant to stains. Composite resin veneers will have a shorter lifespan and look less natural in comparison, with the main benefit being that composite resin veneers will cost less. This is due to the material being easier to make and install. You are looking at a price difference of $200-$300 for a single composite resin veneer, to $1,000-$3,000 for porcelain.

Why Not Use A Dental Implant Instead?

Even though implants and veneers are cosmetic dental procedures, that is where the similarities end. Veneers are used to hide flaws, while implants are used when the tooth's structure needs to be changed. An implant may cost about the same as a porcelain veneer, but you open yourself up to a lot more complications that can happen during and after the procedure. Implants can fail, and have a long installation process that involves fusing a post to your jawbone.

Still have questions about dental veneers? Contact a cosmetic dentistry office like Barnstable Dental Associates.