What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are covers that are often fitted to the front of the front teeth. They can however, be applied to any tooth and are sometimes used to fill damaged teeth. Regardless of where they’re fitted, they’re always custom-made for each tooth to ensure a perfect fit.
Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that have been damaged, are malformed or have become discoloured. In the case of discoloured teeth, they’re a great alternative for teeth that cannot be treated by a whitening procedure. They can also correct misaligned teeth as well as teeth with large gaps between them.
Types of dental veneers
There are two types of dental veneers: composite resin and porcelain. Composite resin veneers are the less expensive option but they aren’t as durable. Porcelain veneers last up to 25 years but are more expensive than their resin counterparts.
Myth 1 – My teeth will need to be filed down a lot
One of the most common myths about dental veneers is that they can only be applied after a substantial portion of the tooth has been filed away. It is true that part of the enamel does need to be removed but it is only a very thin layer – less than 1 mm thick in fact.
Myth 2 – Dental veneers will weaken my teeth
Given how many people believe the first myth, it’s unsurprising that many people also believe veneers weaken the teeth. Given barely any tooth is removed however, dental veneers do not weaken the teeth. In fact, they provide a small amount of protection to the tooth.
Myth 3 – My teeth won’t look natural with dental veneers
Another common misconception about dental veneers is that they’re ‘too white’. However, the truth is that veneers are custom-made to match the colour of the natural tooth. The shape and thickness of each veneer is also designed to match a person’s other natural teeth. In short, dental veneers are designed to complement existing teeth.
Myth 4 – Dental veneers are fragile
This myth probably arose because of an association with porcelain crockery and dolls etc. Porcelain veneers are however, just as strong as tooth enamel. While composite resin veneers are not quite as durable as their porcelain cousins, they too are very strong. With proper care, dental veneers can last for many years.
Myth 5 – I’ll experience lots of side effects if I get dental veneers
For a few days after dental veneers are applied, teeth can be a little more sensitive than usual. This fades quickly however, and in the long run, some people find their teeth are less sensitive than they were previously. Also, if you’re worried about pain, a local anaesthetic is used when veneers are applied.
Myth 6 – Dental veneers are only for celebrities
Many people think only Hollywood stars get veneers, or that they’re frivolous or too expensive for the average person. While they’re generally considered a cosmetic dental procedure, there’s no reason why everybody couldn’t improve their smiles with veneers if they wanted to and they’re more affordable than you might think. They’re also an effective solution for restoring teeth that aren’t damaged enough for extensive treatment like a crown.
So, now you know the truth about dental veneers could your smile benefit from this treatment?