Tooth veneers, also called dental veneers, are a cosmetic dentistry treatment used to improve the color, shape, and general appearance of a patient's front teeth. If you're considering getting veneers, you may have several questions to answer before you're ready to visit your dentist's office. Questions about cost, durability, and function can stump many people. Fortunately, these quick facts can help you build a foundation of knowledge about dental veneers:

1. If you have sensitive teeth, dental veneers may be a more comfortable alternative to teeth whitening treatments.

Stained teeth are nothing to be embarrassed about. Many people notice a yellowing of their teeth as they age. While this yellowing process is natural, it's often unwanted. If you feel self-conscious about your stained teeth but hesitate to seek teeth whitening treatments due to your tooth sensitivity, getting dental veneers may be a good alternative. Dental veneers are applied to the front of a patient's teeth to hide the natural shape and color of the underlying teeth. They are attached to the teeth using dental adhesive, and the process does not require the use of sensitizing ingredients, such as the peroxide used in traditional whitening treatments.

2. Dental veneers can fix areas of surface damage to your teeth.

Teeth can crack and chip as a result of a number of accidents. You can easily chip a tooth by falling and bumping your mouth. Drinking hot and cold liquids in quick succession can also cause your teeth to crack. Once surface damage occurs, effective treatment is needed to protect the tooth's underlined dentin and cover up the resulting cosmetic defect. Dental veneers can be used to hide cracks and chips in your front teeth.

3. There are many options that can make dental veneers affordable.

Since dental veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment, they are not always covered by dental insurance plans. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you must pay the full cost out of pocket immediately. Many dentists strive to make dental veneers affordable for their patients by offering payment plans. This will allow you to pay for your veneers in installments. Even if a payment plan is not available at your dentist's office, financing options can still help you afford the procedure.

Dental veneers are a safe and effective way to address many common concerns that can cause self-consciousness and oral discomfort. Veneers can last a long time when you take good care of them.

For more information about tooth veneers, contact a local dental office.