"What exactly are veneers?" Of all the questions about veneers, this sounds like the simplest one to answer. Veneers provide aesthetic improvement and also help repair teeth that have been damaged over the years. But there are many different types of veneers and not all are created equal. Nor is there a "one size fits all" philosophy to this type of dental cosmetic surgery. The approach will change depending on the patient, his or her dental history, the damage the teeth have absorbed and whether or not the patient is seeking to improve the appearance of the teeth, the health of them or both. Here are some common veneers questions that you may want answered before undergoing the procedure:

Why do people look into getting veneers? Answering the first of these veneers questions will give a dentist a good idea of how to tackle your treatments. Some people want the procedure because the teeth in their smile have been discolored by years of coffee drinking or cigarette smoking. Others are seeking to strengthen teeth that have been weakened by root canals, excessive fluoride or routine wear and tear. Some patients want to realign their teeth or close a gap. And some merely want to give an extra fashionable "Hollywood" look to their smile!

What does the process entail? Veneers questions always include this one—basically, people want to know if it will be a painful and/or lengthy procedure. The first step is always a visit with the dentist, who will ask the patient what he or she wants to accomplish by installing veneers. The dentist will determine if the hopes and expectations are realistic and relay that to the patient. There may also be X-rays and impressions of the teeth and mouth taken, as well.

Once the plan has been designed between dentist and patient, the dentist will remove a very small amount of enamel—no more than half a millimeter—from the surface of the tooth or teeth that will be treated. Local anesthesia will be used to numb the area surrounding those tooth or teeth. After that, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth or teeth that will receive veneers and send it out to a laboratory, where the veneer will be made.

Now that most of the questions about veneers have been answered, what next? The dentist will place the veneer on the tooth to make sure it is a perfect fit, in terms of both color and fit. After this, the veneer is bonded to the original tooth and the dentist examines the patient’s bite to confirm there is no overbite and that the bonding process has taken place as expected.

The most frequently asked question about of veneers is actually twofold. How long will the veneer remain in place and will it solve the issues a patient had with the existing tooth? Veneers can last for 10 years or more and can make the patient feel much better about his or her mouth and smile. They look natural, are stain resistant and allow for a change to the color or shape of a tooth without embarking upon a major reconstruction.

It’s understandable that you’ll have plenty of veneers questions, but dentists are used to fielding questions about veneers and are eager to help lead you improve the appearance and performance of your teeth. If you’re considering veneers, contact your dentist today!