The Veneer Scoop

These days it seems everyone in Hollywood is rocking an A-list smile thanks to a little help from veneers.  Celebs such as Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Kate Beckinsale are smiling bigger than ever before.  I got the scoop about these precious teeth from Celebrity Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Sherri Worth, who is credited for Kelly Carlson from Nip Tuck's gorge chompers.

 
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
Candidates for veneers vary.  If you do not like the shape, color or size of your teeth, you can change that with veneers.  Cracked, broken, misaligned teeth can be straightened, strengthened, and made beautiful with porcelain veneers.  If you love the size, shape, color, but your teeth are crooked--orthodontics is a better alternative.  However, you should take a close look at your teeth to determine if you like the look because if you don’t, simply straightening them might not solve your problem.
 
What are the benefits of having veneers?
The benefits of having veneers is that (when done properly) they create a gorgeous smile that is durable and do not change color or stain like natural teeth do.  Few of us are born with fabulous teeth--veneers have enabled those of us who are not satisfied with our teeth to obtain a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a long time.
 
Exactly what are they and how are they done?
Porcelain veneers are a thin porcelain sheet that is bonded to your tooth to correct cracked, broken, crooked, stained, or unattractive teeth.  The teeth are prepared by removing 1/2-1 mm of teeth structure on the surface, taking impressions, and lab fabricating porcelain veneers that are bonded on permanently.  The final result is a beautiful smile.  You must have a healthy dentition to have porcelain veneers fabricated.

About how much does a set of veneers cost? 

Veneers range from about $1800-3000 per tooth.
 
Do they last forever? 
Veneers are very durable and pretty indestructible, but can break like normal teeth.  They do not last forever.  You need to replace them every 10-20 years--depending on how well you take care of them.