In recent years, dental veneers have been an increasingly popular treatment for people wanting to improve their smile. From the growing interest in the procedure, numerous myths have eventuated which is why today we are debunking 5 misconceptions often associated with the application of veneers.
What is a Veneer?
A veneer is a thin, tooth-coloured shell that is made out of porcelain, or various types of composite materials, that are custom made to be placed on existing teeth. They are designed to cover the entire surface of a tooth while still looking natural to enhance your current smile. Depending on your needs, they can be completely customised to your current tooth’s colour and shape so after application, the teeth will just look like new and improved versions.
Why Do People Choose to Get Veneers?
The most common reason people tend to choose to get veneers is to improve the overall look of their teeth. Sometimes previous trauma to a tooth such as a root canal, previous medical treatments or excessive fluoride exposure can cause tooth discolouration which is unable to be lightened through teeth whitening. They don’t have to be applied in full sets either, a single veneer can be used if only a particular tooth has been affected by discolouration or is chipped or broken.
Myth 1: Veneers Don’t Look Natural
When people think about veneers, they often picture the large, white smiles that are usually found in Hollywood. These smiles often tend to look fake because the veneers are too square and too white when in reality this doesn’t have to be the case when choosing veneers. Upon discussion with a dentist, the colour of the veneers can be decided upon and ensure the final decision complements the complexion nicely. To also ensure a natural look for each patient, dentists are able to analyse the facial structure and smile lines which helps them determine the number of veneers needed and the shape for the most natural looking smiles. Despite the dentist providing their professional opinion on which veneers would be best suited for each patient’s smile; the decision is ultimately up to the patient – so long as the request won’t cause harm in the future.
Myth 2: Having Veneers Makes Your Teeth Weak
Another common misconception surrounding veneers is that they will damage the natural tooth underneath them. Patients often assume that the tooth needs to be completely ground down in preparation for the veneer to be applied. In actual fact, only a minimal amount of the tooth’s surface needs to be removed, approximately only about 0.5mm of enamel. Although this may sound frightening, this is only a very fine area of tooth that needs to be trimmed for the veneer to be bonded to the tooth, making it a minimally invasive procedure. In fact, instead of making your teeth weaker, veneers are made out of extremely strong and durable material which can actually make your teeth more resistant to wear and breakage, especially if they are taken care of correctly.
Myth 3: Veneers Get Stained Easily
Many patients assume that a veneer is the same as a normal tooth, which means that they are susceptible to staining. In actual fact, teeth are porous which means when eating or drinking particular foods such as red wine, soft drink or coffee, the pores on the teeth soak up the staining aspect of these substances which can change the colour of the teeth. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, aren’t actually porous at all and are made out of a completely smooth material that helps protect against staining that would usually occur on the teeth, leaving you with a nice, bright smile.
Myth 4: Veneers Are Painful to Have
Many people believe that undergoing the application procedure of veneers is a painful experience when actually is it not. Normally this procedure is completed using local anaesthetic so nothing can be felt throughout, but here at Mermaid Smiles, we are also able to offer Nitrous Oxide (“Happy Gas”) or Twilight sedation to ensure our patients can choose the most comfortable option for them. After the procedure, the mouth area may be slightly sore, as it usually is after any general dental procedure, but will not stay for long at all. The only time veneers may cause unusual discomfort, such as jaw pain, would be if they are not fitted correctly in the mouth, however, this risk can be eliminated when you visit our team here at Mermaid Smiles. Our team of dentists are extremely experienced when it comes to veneer application and maintenance, so rest assured that you’re in the hands of some of the best in the business. At Mermaid Smiles, our dentists are able to sit down with you in a consultation and discuss your goals for your teeth and from here they are able to design the perfect smile that will not only look natural but feel natural as well.
Myth 5: Veneers Aren’t Able to Correct Current Dental Issues
Despite popular belief, veneers are actually able to help improve dental issues such as damaged enamel or minor cosmetic problems such as gaps or crooked teeth. Although the enamel on our teeth is strong, it’s not indestructible and may become worn down over time due to the consumption of highly acidic food and drinks or because of brushing the teeth too harshly. Certain medical conditions like acid reflux can also be detrimental to tooth enamel because of the effects stomach acid has on tooth enamel. However, veneers can help improve damaged enamel as they provide a protective layer to the front of the tooth where the enamel is most often lacking. Veneers can also be a faster, easier solution to cosmetic dental issues in comparison to other treatment options. Veneers can help correct crooked teeth or gaps, as when the veneer is attached to the tooth, it can be positioned to give your teeth a more aligned look as well as placed over teeth to cover any empty spaces that may be between them.
Transform Your Smile with Mermaid Smiles
The decision to get veneers is extremely exciting, whether you only need a single veneer or would like to completely transform your smile. If you’re interested in finding out more about how the procedure could improve your teeth specifically, book a consult today to discuss your options with one of our experienced dentists.
In some cases, people would like to give their smile a makeover with veneers but are concerned about the price associated with the procedure. At Mermaid Smiles, you don’t have to worry, we are able to offer you the perfect treatment option for your timeframe and budget. By sitting down and discussing your smile goals with one of our treatment coordinators, we can suggest a treatment plan to help reach your goals at an affordable price.
For more information about dental veneers see our website or phone our clinic today to book your consult!
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