If you’re considering veneers to help you achieve a perfect smile, you may ask yourself, will veneers damage my teeth?
There are many myths and misconceptions about veneers, which can make it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Some believe veneers can weaken the tooth structure, cause enamel loss, or even lead to tooth decay.
But the truth is, veneers are a safe and effective way to enhance your smile, as long as they are placed by a qualified cosmetic dentist, and you properly care for your oral health.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are typically made of porcelain or composite resin and can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues. The most common reasons people get veneers are to cover chipped, stained, or uneven teeth.
What do veneers do?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to improve their smile with veneers. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- To improve the appearance of stained or discoloured teeth that cannot be treated with teeth whitening.
- To correct chipped, cracked, or broken teeth that diminish the appearance of the smile.
- To close gaps between teeth that make the smile appear uneven.
- To correct misshapen, crooked, or irregularly sized teeth that affect the overall symmetry and proportion of the smile.
- To restore worn down or eroded teeth that have lost their natural shape and size.
- To improve the overall aesthetic of the smile, creating a more attractive and confident appearance.
Common myths and misconceptions about dental veneers:
Myth #1 – Veneers look fake: This is a common misconception. When veneers are done by a skilled and experienced dentist, they can look very natural and blend in with your existing teeth.
Myth #2 – Veneers are only for cosmetic purposes: Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, but they can also be used to fix chipped, cracked or misaligned teeth, and can even help protect teeth that have been weakened by decay.
Myth #3 – Veneers are painful: The process of getting veneers is generally not painful. The dentist will numb the area before starting the procedure, and most patients report feeling only mild discomfort.
Myth #4 – Veneers require a lot of maintenance: Veneers do require some maintenance, but it’s not excessive. You’ll need to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Myth #5 – Veneers are only for celebrities and the wealthy: While veneers used to be quite expensive, advances in technology have made them more affordable and accessible to the general public.
Myth #6 – Veneers damage your teeth: The process of getting veneers does involve removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth, but this is done to make room for the veneer and is not harmful to your teeth.
What do I need to know before getting veneers?
Before you decide to get veneers, there are a few important things you should know. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Veneers are a permanent cosmetic dental procedure that requires removing a small amount of tooth enamel. This means that once you get veneers, you’ll always need some form of restoration on your teeth.
- The process of getting veneers involved several visits to the dentist, including consultations, preparation of the teeth, and the placement of the veneers. You should be prepared for the time commitment and follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
- While veneers are a safe and effective way to improve your smile, they are not suitable for everyone. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine whether or not other treatment options may be more appropriate.
- Proper care and maintenance of your veneers are essential to ensure their longevity and prevent damage or decay. This includes regular brushing and flossing, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and attending regular dental check-ups.
- Veneers can be expensive. The cost varies depending on the material used and the extent of the treatment. Be sure to discuss the cost of veneers with your dentist before committing to the procedure.
The decision to get veneers is a personal one. The best way to determine whether veneers are right for you is to speak with a qualified cosmetic dentist in Ballarat, who can evaluate your unique situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to achieve the smile of your dreams.
Why do some people have issues with veneers?
While veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment, not everyone is a good candidate for them. Some poor outcomes from veneers are due to veneers being applied to inadequate teeth. Here are some reasons why someone might be ineligible for veneers:
- Poor oral health: Before getting veneers, it’s important to have good oral health. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues, you’ll need to address those problems before getting veneers.
- Insufficient tooth enamel: Veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed from the tooth surface to make room for the veneer. If you have very little enamel to begin with, veneers may not be a good option.
- Teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth, you may not be a good candidate for veneers. Grinding can damage veneers and cause them to crack or chip.
- Misaligned teeth: If your teeth are severely misaligned or crooked, veneers may not be a good option. In this case, orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign may be necessary.
- Teeth with large fillings: Veneers require a certain amount of tooth structure to be present in order to adhere properly. If you have large fillings or extensive dental work on a tooth, a veneer may not be able to adhere properly.
It’s important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine if veneers are right for you.
At Smile Creative we evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment options to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
– Dr Karishma Wijeyesinghe
What to expect when getting veneers
If you’re considering getting veneers, it’s natural to wonder what the process entails and what you can expect during the procedure. There are a few stages of the treatment process you should be aware of.
1. The Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to determine whether veneers are the right option for you. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth, take x-rays and discuss the details of the procedure.
2. Planning and Smile Test Drive
If you have decided to go ahead with the next steps, we would take records of your teeth and design your new smile. We would then place a temporary mock up of your new smile over your teeth to test your new smile. This enables you to see and approve of the final aesthetics of your smile. It also allows us to verify our design and communicate effectively with our technicians to produce more precise outcomes in a predictable way.
3. Tooth Preparation
Once you have decided to move forward with veneers, the next step is to prepare your teeth. This involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the surface of each tooth that will receive a veneer. This is done to make room for the veneers and ensure the results look as natural as possible.
4. Impressions
After the teeth have been prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom-made veneers that fit your teeth perfectly.
5. Temporary veneers
While your permanent veneers are being made, your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them and give you an idea of what your final smile will look like.
6. Final Fitting
Once your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and place the final veneers onto your teeth using a special dental adhesive. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable and natural fit.
7. Follow-up
After the procedure is complete, your dentist will provide instructions for the care and maintenance of your veneers. You should schedule regular check-ups to ensure your veneers remain in good condition and monitor your oral health.
By following these steps and working closely with a qualified cosmetic dentist, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile with veneers.
Can you get cavities under veneers?
You can still get cavities if you do not adequately care for your veneers. Although veneers themselves cannot decay, the natural tooth structure underneath can still be affected by decay. This is why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing and attending regular dental check-ups and maintenance cleans to ensure your teeth remain in good condition.
If you experience discomfort or notice changes in your veneers, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately to have them treated as needed.
How to clean veneers and protect your teeth
Proper care and maintenance of your veneers are essential to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips for cleaning your veneers and maintaining good oral health:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily to remove any plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or whitening products that can damage the surface of your veneers. Instead, use a non-abrasive toothpaste that is specifically designed for use with veneers.
- Veneers are strong and durable but can still be damaged by the foods you eat. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or pens. Cutting foods like apples and carrots into smaller pieces can also enhance the longevity of your veneers.
- If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth and veneers from damage.
- Schedule regular dental check-up and maintenance appointments every six months to ensure your veneers and teeth are in good condition.
By following these tips and working closely with your dentist, you can maintain good oral health and protect your veneers for years to come.
Are veneers right for you?
At Smile Creative, we provide personalised consultations to evaluate your unique situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Contact us today to learn if veneers are the right choice for you and how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.