Veneers are one of the cosmetic dental treatments that are becoming popular today. They provide an instant transformation which leads some patients to question if they are safe. In this post, we will discuss some frequently asked questions, such as do dental veneers ruin your teeth and the pros and cons of having them.
Being one of the most trusted dentists in Hermitage, we are happy about the curiosity of our patients. Their questions reflect their interest in improving their smiles and overall health. The desire of patients to improve their smiles comes with a higher chance that they will leave Dental Bliss Hermitage laughing, smiling, and feeling well.
What are veneers?
A dental veneer or tooth veneer is a thin tooth-colored composite material that covers the damaged or discolored tooth. It is placed on the surface of the natural tooth to hide its impurities and improve its look. It is also regarded as instant orthodontics since it can alter the shape and size of your front teeth.
A dental veneer is often a permanent alternative to teeth whitening and dental crowns in protecting and enhancing the look of a tooth.
There are two types of veneers, namely direct and indirect dental veneers. Indirect veneers are designed in a dental laboratory, while direct veneers or composite veneers are directly placed on top of the natural teeth by dentists. Dentists recommend dental veneers for the following concerns:
- Tooth discoloration due to the following:
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth stains
- Large fillings
- Worn-down front teeth
- Chipped or damaged teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
Several materials for veneers are available for patients to choose from. Their lifespan also depends on their durability and your oral care routine. These include:
- Direct composite veneers: 2 to 7 years
- Ceramic polymer or porcelain veneers: 3 to 8 years
- Lithium silicate (Emax) veneers: 5 to 20 years
- Zirconia veneers: 5 to 30 years
How do they work?
The veneers procedure requires three visits consisting of the initial consultation. The other two are for taking your impressions and placing the actual veneers from the dental lab on your teeth. During your initial consultation, your cosmetic dentist will check if veneers are the best solution to improve your smile.
If you choose to have direct veneers, you may get them on the same day of your appointment. The material used for direct dental veneers is similar to the composite material used for your permanent or temporary fillings.
On your second visit for your indirect veneers, your dentist will reduce your tooth enamel to fit the dental veneers. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to create your dental veneers depending on the material you choose. So, in the meantime, your dentist will place temporary veneers until your actual dental veneers are available.
On your third visit to the dental practice, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and adjust their color by adjusting the cement color. Once your veneers are applied to your teeth, your dentist will clean up the excess dental cement and use a light beam to bond your veneers to your natural teeth.
Q. Do veneers ruin your teeth?
A: Veneers can improve the look and feel of your teeth. However, if the tooth is prepared aggressively, the tooth pulp may get irritated and lead to infection. When the bacteria reach the tooth roots, it eventually leads to a periapical infection.
Treating an infected tooth with veneers can be challenging. Your dentist needs to remove the tooth pulp that contains the infected blood vessels and prevent the infection from spreading. If the dental veneers are properly placed, the removal of the pulp will not affect its look.
Pros of having veneers
As with any dental treatment option under restorative and cosmetic dentistry, there will always be some pros and cons to consider. The benefits of dental veneers are as follows:
- Covers teeth impurities in one treatment
- Alters the size and shape of your teeth
- Improves your smile depending on your desired look
- Low maintenance
- Affordable option than dental crowns
Cons of having veneers
Some patients are not good candidates for veneers because of tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria can either spread behind the dental veneers or where the dental veneer meets the gum line, which can worsen the condition of these patients. Other disadvantages of veneers to some patients are as follows:
- May increase tooth sensitivity
- Not suitable for patients suffering from teeth grinding
- Chips and cracks with the wrong bite
- Permanent and irreversible
Check out the instant transformation of using veneers at Dental Bliss Hermitage
Though most dental insurance companies do not cover cosmetic dental services like veneers, some private companies may consider them if they are considered medically necessary. Get a safe cosmetic treatment with the hands of dental experts and discover the best type of dental veneers in Hermitage, TN today. Schedule an appointment now.
