Dental veneers have grown in popularity as an option for improving the appearance of your teeth. When you get dental veneers, a thin layer of porcelain designed to look exactly like tooth enamel is placed over the front of your tooth. Dental veneers can fix the appearance of teeth that are discolored, cracked, have gas, or have other visible flaws. Before getting dental veneers, there are things to keep in mind. Here are a few tips:

Expect Multiple Appointments

Dental veneers are an involved cosmetic dental service that requires precision and care to get right. For this reason, your dentist will likely need you to come in a few times during the process. At one of your first appointments, x-rays, measurements, and photos of your natural teeth will be taken.

You will be shown a chart or photos of different enamel shades in order to choose the shade that will best suit your other teeth. You will also be able to choose from different shapes of teeth, allowing you to choose veneers that will flatter your face shape.

Plan to Take Good Care of Your Veneers

Veneers are designed to last a very long time, but only if you take good care of them. The polished coating on veneers can fade if you use overly harsh toothpaste or whitening products, so be sure to only use gentle products approved by your dentist. In addition, you will want to buy an electric toothbrush and devote time to brushing and flossing each day to ensure both your veneers and your natural teeth stay in good shape. 

Budget Ahead of Time

Even if you only plan to get veneers on one or two teeth, you should expect a significant cost for your new veneers. In fact, dental veneers average around $1500 per tooth, which can quickly add up if you need veneers on many of your teeth. Luckily, veneers tend to last at least a decade and can provide a huge boost to your self-esteem, making them worth the cost for many people.

Just be sure to begin budgeting and saving as soon as you begin considering dental veneers. In addition, you can ask your cosmetic dentistry office if they offer any financing plans.

Before committing to dental veneers, be sure to follow the tips in this article as well as schedule a consultation appointment. At your consultation, your cosmetic dentist will evaluate if veneers are a good treatment option for your specific needs.