We talk about veneers on this blog quite a bit – and that’s largely because we’ve seen them do such incredible things for our patients.
But if you’re at all anxious about trying cosmetic dentistry, and just considering veneers for the first time, we definitely understand some hesitation. After all, these ceramic shells are going to cover your natural teeth, and provide an entirely new smile. What if that smile isn’t exactly what you expect?
Our job as your Lumineers providers is to ensure that isn’t ever the case. And while having an in-depth conversation with your dentist before beginning the veneers process is key, doing some research on your own never hurts.
To help educate you, we’ve compiled the most common misconceptions about porcelain veneers – with our own two cents about whether they’re based in reality, or just popular rumors. Either way, checking out these tidbits will tell you more about what veneers are really like, and whether they’re right for your grin. If you’re ready to speak with a dentist about your own smile, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Don’t Believe These Veneers Rumors
Veneers look like fake teeth
Dentistry has evolved at a breakneck pace – especially in the cosmetic realm. Treatments that were once noticeable as dental work now blend seamlessly with your natural smile. And veneers definitely fall into that camp.
Today’s veneers – especially Lumineers – can be fabricated to perfectly match your specifications. Your dentist also applies subtle shading and shaping to make them look completely at home in your smile. The veneers will blend with surrounding teeth and seem like a natural part of your appearance, not something that a dental lab created.
Veneers come in a dazzling range of shades, so there will be one that is the right fit. And Lumineers also mimic the properties of natural enamel to add an additional layer of authenticity. Some light passes through the ceramic surface, mimicking the appearance of your enamel.
Today’s veneers are not a piano key smile – unless you work with a less-than-talented dentist. Your veneers should (and can) look nuanced and natural.
Getting veneers damages your teeth
This plays off an inherent misunderstanding of how veneers work. Yes, some tooth structure needs to be removed in order for veneers to be put in place. This is necessary with any dental work – if you just put it over your entire tooth, it would look bulky and feel awkward. There wouldn’t be any kind of natural look to your smile.
Instead, your natural teeth are carefully shaped just enough for veneers to fit into place. This amount of shaping changes from patient to patient, and your dentist will always be as conservative as possible. You will retain most of your tooth structure and only enamel will be removed. Once the veneer is in place, you won’t miss that tiny portion of your tooth.
Because of Lumineers’ unique material and structure, they can be incredibly thin, so there is very little tooth prep required. This is also ideal for patients with a fear of needles or dental anxiety.
Getting veneers is painful
Having your teeth prepped for veneers is similar to having a cavity removed. A portion of the tooth is removed so that there is room for the ceramic veneer to be placed without bulking up your smile.
As with any dental work, your dentist will provide local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. You should not experience pain during the appointment. If you ever feel a twinge during the procedure, let your dentist know.
After your anesthesia wears off and your appointment has been completed, you may feel somewhat sore in the area. This can be easily managed with over the counter painkillers and you will feel completely normal within 1-2 days.
Veneers don’t last
Of course, there is the sad fact that most dental work is temporary. Whether you’re receiving a veneer, a crown, or a filling, that restoration will experience wear and tear and ultimately need to be replaced.
But that doesn’t mean that your veneers can’t last for years. The porcelain used to make them is strong and durable. Veneers can last anywhere from 5 years up to a couple decades depending on the care you provide.
To help your veneers last as long as possible, be sure to do the following:
- Wear a night guard if you have problems with grinding your teeth
- Don’t chew on ice or non-food objects
- Never use your teeth as tools
Is there a veneers rumor we didn’t address? Make sure to get in touch so that you can get answers to any questions. We want our Lumineers patients to be nothing but excited about the prospect of their new smiles – because we know they’re going to love them. If you’d like to try a free digital smile makeover to envision your new grin, get in touch to schedule a quick consultation.