When considering getting veneers, a common inquiry we receive from our patients is, “Will these treatments harm my teeth?”. A professional and experienced cosmetic dentist will always take steps to ensure that your natural teeth remain as healthy as possible. With the right execution, veneers can bring back lost self-confidence for those who need it most — making them an invaluable life-changing treatment option in cosmetic dentistry.
How do veneers impact your tooth enamel?
Veneers usually require the removal of a very small portion of your existing enamel before placement in order to make room for them. This process can cause some damage and wear down some of your natural tooth enamel, which can lead to an overall decrease in the strength and health of your teeth over time. Additionally, because they are placed directly on top of your natural teeth, there is no room for movement, which means extremely hard foods can cause cracking or chipping of both the veneer as well as your natural enamel.
However, when properly cared for and attended to regularly by a dentist, veneers should not have much effect on your natural enamel at all. Regular dental visits will help ensure any problems with the veneer or the underlying enamel are caught quickly so that proper treatment can be administered. Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing once daily can also help keep both your veneers and underlying enamel healthy for years to come.
How much of my natural tooth is drilled away?
Your dentist will only need to remove half a millimetre from your teeth surface for them to fit properly. This may sound like a lot; however, it is really quite minimal when you consider its significance towards achieving perfect smile results.
Once you have decided to invest in veneers, there is no turning back. This choice requires that your natural teeth be slightly reduced for room and placement of the porcelain restoration. Therefore, once you commit to a set of veneers, they will become a permanent part of your smile – meaning that upkeep and maintenance must remain consistent with retaining their benefits.
Are veneers long-lasting?
Generally speaking, veneers are considered to be quite durable and can last for up to 10-15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. They are made from strong materials like porcelain which is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. Unlike natural teeth, they will not stain or become yellow over time.
That being said, it’s important to remember that veneers do not have a lifetime guarantee and will need replacing eventually. To ensure your veneers remain in good condition for as long as possible, you should practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
The pros and cons of dental veneers
Deciding to get veneers is not a decision to take lightly. Every individual’s pros and cons list may be unique, so it’s essential to consider the key points before making your final choice. Ultimately, these are typically the most important factors that can help you determine if this treatment is appropriate for you:
The Pros of Veneers
- A boost in confidence with a dazzling smile that radiates perfection.
- Crafted perfectly to fit the contours of your teeth, these custom-fitted devices provide unparalleled comfort and stability.
- The difference between a veneer and a natural tooth is practically undetectable.
- Veneers are bonded to your tooth as is, which means that most cases do not require any additional drilling or shaping.
- With routine brushing and flossing, veneers will require no additional maintenance.
- Achieve the smile of your dreams and never worry about fading; choose a shade that perfectly complements you.
The Cons of Veneers
- Unlike crowns or fillings, veneers are more likely to chip and crack over time.
- Veneers are not ideal for individuals with the habit of nail-biting, teeth-grinding, or chewing ice cubes and other hard objects.
- If you have a dental history of weakened enamel, gum disease, or any other dental ailment, it is best to avoid these products.
What kind of dental issues do veneers solve?
Veneers are an effective solution to improve teeth that have been damaged by any of the following conditions:
Discoloured teeth
For those who have suffered from stained teeth due to root canal treatments, staining agents such as fluoride or other causes, including large resin fillings, leave the tooth discoloured.
Worn down teeth
Teeth that have been damaged from grinding, erosion, cavities and other unhealthy mouth behaviours must be restored.
Chipped teeth
Veneers provide the ideal solution to repair teeth that are cracked, split, chipped, fractured, or broken.
Misaligned teeth
If your teeth are crooked, gapped, oddly-shaped or have indentations or protrusions – veneers can help with dental realignment.
Gaps
Those super embarrassing gaps between your teeth that make you feel so self-conscious? Veneers can help reduce the appearance of those, giving you a beautiful and confident smile.
Are you ready for a smile makeover?
Are you ready to give your smile a makeover with veneers? If so, the first step is to book an appointment at Beyond Infinity Dental. Our licensed and certified dental professionals will evaluate your teeth, and together we can see if veneers are best for your dream smile. With their many benefits, there’s no reason not to take advantage of this cosmetic treatment. Get in touch by calling us on (02) 8806 3799 today.
References
Dental veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
What to know before getting dental veneers
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
