Are your teeth cracked? Misshaped? Stained? Crooked? When you look in the mirror, do you wish you had a dazzling, white Hollywood smile? One of the easiest ways to help make your smile beautiful is by getting veneers.

First developed in the 1930’s for Hollywood stars, allowing them to immediately change the appearance of their teeth, veneers are beautifully crafted, thin porcelain “shells” that are artistically placed over your natural teeth. Unlike braces or other orthodontics, veneers are placed within three short visits, creating instant results for a gorgeous smile.

Due to advancements in technology, veneers are available to everyone who wants beautiful smile. Over the last 30 years, veneers have gained in popularity. With this increase in popularity, many myths have been spread about the procedure.

This article will debunk those myths, giving you the facts to have you make an informed decision to achieve the smile that you have always wanted.

MYTH: They are expensive

FACT: Depending on someone’s income, this may be true. And unfortunately, most insurance policies do not cover cosmetic procedures, such as veneers. Typically, veneers cost roughly $1000-$3000 per tooth; therefore, the cost ranges from how many teeth you wish to have veneered.

Most dentists also offer additional ways to pay for this procedure, like care credit or additionally discounts when they are paid in full. Be sure to ask your dentist about their financing options. You may be surprised that affording veneers may be easier for you than you originally thought.

MYTH: My teeth will be more sensitive

FACT: Your teeth should not be more sensitive once the permanent veneers are placed. Unfortunately, there may be a short period of time where your teeth experience sensitivity. This time is while you are wearing the temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being created. This process usually takes one week. The sensitive feeling will be eliminated once the permanent veneer is placed.

MYTH: The color looks unnatural

FACT: Everyone wants their teeth whiter. In fact, over the last 20 years, people have craved white teeth to the point that the color wheel had to be updated. However, others don’t want their teeth to be so white that they appear unnatural, especially if he or she is only placing veneers on a few teeth and would like their smile to match the color of their original teeth. Therefore, your dentist will be happy to ensure that your veneers are whatever color you want them to be. Remember that it is important that this decision is up to the patient and your dentist is there to help make your smile as natural looking and beautiful as possible.

MYTH: People will know that I have veneers and it is not my natural smile

FACT: Today, technology has had a great impact on veneers. Because of this, veneers fit seamlessly with the rest of your smile, making your smile appear natural and beautiful. I have had patients tell me that no one knew that they had veneers until they told someone.

MYTH: The entire tooth has to be cut down

FACT: Yes, part of the tooth must be cut down in order for the veneer to fit seamlessly into your smile. The amount of the tooth being shaved, however, is often exaggerated. If this step of the process makes you nervous, ask about no-prep veneers, like Lumineers. It is important to note, that Lumineers often feel bulky on the teeth, which is why regular veneers are often preferred.

MYTH: The porcelain is fragile

FACT: Most people associate the word porcelain with things that are fragile and should be kept out of the hands of children. How can something that must be handled with such care survive in a mouth? It turns out that in most cases porcelain veneers are just as strong as your tooth’s enamel, and sometimes even stronger. Think of it in terms of this analogy-we all have windows (made of glass) in our house. This glass withstands all of the elements. However, if something like a baseball from the neighbor flies through the window, the glass will break. The same is true for veneers. Any abnormal abuse and the veneer will be damaged. But remember extra abuse on a regular tooth will also cause many problems like chipping and breaking.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to get veneers is completely up to you. With the help of your dentist, you will be able to make a wise, educated decision about the veneers that are right for your smile. Many times, with the help of digital imaging, a dentist will be able create a digital image of what your smile will look like. Don’t be scared to ask your dentist the tough questions in order to help you make the decision that is right for your smile.