In the musical Bye, Bye Birdie, Albert Peterson sings: “Gray skies are gonna clear up! Put on a happy face.” But what if he had been singing about gray teeth instead of gray skies? How are you supposed to put on a happy face when your smile is marred by dark and discolored teeth?
One of the permanent solutions to your gloomy-looking smile is a set of Veneers. Whether your sad face is caused by gaps, crooked teeth, discoloration, other damage, or some combination, veneers act as a natural-looking mask for your teeth. Think of it like a false front for a building. The functionality of the inside of the building (or your mouth, in this case) is completely the same, but thanks to a fancy front, it looks drastically better.
So how can you obtain a set of fine veneers to turn that frown upside down? Here’s what you need to know.
The Process
After you have met with your dentist for a diagnosis, you will need to return two more times. During the first of these two visits, your dentist will shave off a tiny bit of enamel from your tooth. This makes room for the veneers. Once the enamel is removed, the dentist will make a model of your mouth so that the veneers will fit your teeth perfectly.
The second appointment will follow in a week or two. This is when the veneers are applied to your teeth. This is done with a special dental bonding cement. Your dentist will carefully set, trim, and adjust the look and fit of the veneers so as to affect only your look and not more important things like your bite.
Choose Carefully
While veneers are right for many people, you need to remember that this is a permanent decision. It cannot be reversed, and when your current veneers wear out in about 5 to 10 years, you will need a new set. In addition, veneers can be expensive. Usually costing hundreds or even a thousand dollars for one tooth, veneers are also generally not covered by insurance, as it is a cosmetic procedure.