9 Things You Should Know About Porcelain Veneers

Can Veneers Ruin the Teeth?

While having the option to get a new set of pearly whites brings its advantages, porcelain veneers is a procedure that has become commonly overused especially in younger ages where it can lead to long-term dental problems. Dental Veneers is a procedure that requires modifying your own teeth to create space and an appropriate surface for the application of porcelain veneers. Existing enamel is removed and usually, 3 to 30 percent of tooth structure can be removed. In some cases, it is just unjustified. Therefore, it is important to do your research and ensure you see an experienced dentist make sure your oral health is in good hands. An experienced dentist will preserve as much enamel as possible and only remove no more than what is necessary.

Does getting Veneers Hurt?

Overall inserting Porcelain Veneers tends to be a pain-free experience. Placing veneers requires a lot of preparation which requires drilling and shaving off some enamel which can be uncomfortable. Although before commencing any of that you are given an anaesthetic, so the treatment area is numb therefore either minimal discomfort or non-existent. The appointment can be lengthy so the duration can make some patient’s mouths tired so it is important to communicate with your dentist to ensure that you have worked hand signals when you may need a break. Some discomfort such as tooth sensitivity can occur after the procedure but with innovative technology, veneers have become thinner and stronger, therefore, allowing the dentist to remove minimal enamel as possible meaning tooth sensitivity and discomfort are typically short-lived.

Do Veneers Stain?

One of the biggest advantages to getting porcelain veneers is that they are impervious, that is they will not stain! Porcelain veneers can last more than 10 years meaning patients can enjoy a long-lasting pearly white smile! If you have dental issues that cause discolouration, yellowing, or staining, then porcelain veneers are a great alternative for achieving pearly white teeth.

Can Veneers Last Forever?

It’s the old adage, nothing lasts forever. Veneers can last several years, but they are not forever. At some point, a day will come when they eventually need replacing. How long or often they will be replaced is all dependent on how well patients care for their veneers and their oral health. Research suggests that veneers can typically last up to 10 years or so, but once there are signs of wear and tear patients will have to have the veneers replaced.

Do Veneers Straighten the Teeth?

Veneers are not the go-to, to straighten or move teeth. This is where patients need to discuss either traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. However, veneers can create the appearance of more aligned teeth by filling in gaps, cracks, chips and creating more of a neater improved appearance. Veneers can correct the aesthetic issues caused by crooked teeth such as staining and discolouration but to straighten your teeth and shift them into different positions requires

How is Recovery like After Veneers?

Getting Porcelain veneers is not as invasive as it may seem. After a free consultation is done at The Smile Designer, the process of getting veneers usually requires 2-3 visits and the procedure itself can vary anywhere between 2-3 hours depending on the case. Most patients who undergo local anaesthesia can return to normal activities usually the next day after the procedure. Some minor side effects that you can experience is tooth sensitivity, headaches, jaw pain, or tooth pain. In some cases, not often, difficultly with eating has been reported. Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when foods and drinks are either too hot or too cold, but this sensitivity usually subsides within a week. We recommend that it’s best to avoid and chewy and hard foods to avoid any damage to veneers.

Do Veneers Change over Time?

Like any other materials, through wear, tear, and ageing of materials, veneers will change and break down over time. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and gum health even when you have porcelain veneers, veneers themselves may not decay but surrounding tissue and teeth can. The main issue is that over several years can begin to recede near or decay near gum like therefore making them more prone to de-bonding or breaking. As veneers usually last between 10-20 years at some point patients will need to have them replaced or fixed. The process of replacing them or fixing them is a lot quicker than the original insert as most of the preparation has been completed in the initial treatment.

Can Veneers fall off, chip or crack?

It is uncommon for veneers to simply just fall off. The glue used to secure the veneers to your teeth is a long-lasting and extraordinarily strong bond. Although it is not to say that it cannot happen, porcelain although an exceptionally durable material can still be susceptible to chipping and cracking. it is important to be mindful to avoid chewing on hard foods such as chewing on ice as this can cause damage to the veneers and cause them to become loose. So, it is important to be mindful of how you eat your food such as apples would be beneficial to cut them up into bite-size pieces rather than directly biting into something.

Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

To be a good candidate for porcelain veneers, the dentist will ensure few things before giving the go-ahead for the procedure. Firstly, you must have good oral health and gum health. Those patients who show signs of tooth decay or gum disease, or any infection should not get Porcelain Veneers. A good candidate will be somebody who has good oral health and gum health, relatively straight teeth, and do not grind or clench their teeth at night as this can wear down the porcelain material. Grinding or clenching does not rule you out, if you suffer.