When it comes to your teeth, dental veneers can correct a number of cosmetic imperfections. Veneers can smooth out the appearance of ridged, textured teeth. They can correct teeth that are too long or misshapen. They can also cover up stained teeth, saving you money on teeth whitening treatments. A cosmetic dentist can apply dental veneers. Here are four things patients should keep in mind when deciding if veneers are right for them:

1. Veneers are permanent.

Veneers can give you perfect, even teeth, but before you decide to get veneers, you need to make sure you're confident in your decision. Veneers are a permanent addition to your mouth; you can't simply decide that you don't want to wear veneers in the future. In order to prepare your teeth for dental veneers, a cosmetic dentist will carve grooves into the surface of your enamel. These grooves will help the veneers adhere solidly to your teeth. Enamel does not grow back, so you will need to keep wearing veneers to protect your newly shaved teeth.

2. Veneers cannot resolve structural damage to teeth.

Veneers are a solution to many cosmetic dental problems. However, they are not a treatment for structural issues in your teeth. If you have cavities, abscessed teeth, or severely cracked teeth, veneers alone cannot treat these problems. You will need cavity fillings, a root canal, and dental bonding to solve these issues. After your regular dentist has restored your oral health, you can make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist to seek veneers.

3. Veneers can be repaired.

Dental veneers are made from thin, flat pieces of porcelain that are molded to mimic the appearance of teeth. The porcelain used for dentistry is highly durable and resistant to force, but it isn't impervious. You can chip or crack your veneers accidentally. If your veneers suffer minor damage, fear not; a cosmetic dentist can repair them. Small cracks and chips can be bonded and smoothed out using the appropriate tools. Repairing damaged veneers is more cost-effective than replacing them.

4. Veneers come in various shades.

Dental veneers come in various levels of whiteness to match the natural variation found in human teeth. Some people choose to get a single veneer to cover up a problematic tooth. In this case, they need a veneer that matches the color of their other teeth. People who get full sets of veneers can choose brighter colored porcelain that will never grow yellow or dull.

For further information on dental veneers, reach out to a company like Pinon Hills Dental.