People with healthy smiles like to show them off, but for people with chipped, discolored or crooked teeth, smiling can be a painful experience, emotionally and physically. Thankfully, there are lots of options to help fix dental problems, and one of the most popular for older patients is veneers. Here’s what they are and what they can do for you.

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over teeth, providing a natural, attractive look. They can be used to fix chipped, stained, misaligned, worn down, uneven or abnormally spaced teeth. The two most common materials used in dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain. Both types of veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a laboratory and are bonded to the patient’s teeth in a dentist’s office. Dental veneers are bonded to the teeth with resin cement.

Benefits

For teeth that are severely discolored, chipped or misshapen, veneers create a durable and pleasing smile. Plus, veneers are difficult to stain, making them popular for people seeking a perfect smile.

Care

Dental veneers should be cleaned like your own teeth. Flossing once a day and brushing two to three times a day with fluoride toothpaste will help to remove food debris and dental plaque bacteria. Talk to your dentist about the oral care products you should consider to help maintain the longevity of your dental restorations.