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What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are tooth-coloured. They are made to fit your teeth and are adhered to cover discoloured, worn down, chipped, misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth.
What’s the difference between veneers and crowns?
Crowns cover your teeth like a cap. A veneer is a thin shell that is applied to the front of your tooth with less damage to the natural tooth.
Will I get cavities with veneers on my teeth?
The prevalence of tooth decay with veneers is similar to natural teeth as long as they receive appropriate care.
Is the procedure reversible?
Because a very thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed to accommodate the thickness of the veneer, the process isn’t considered reversible.
What are the advantages of dental veneers?
In terms of dental restorations, veneers preserve the most tooth structure (when compared to crowns, for example) because they require very little tooth structure to be removed. Dental veneers can help improve the appearance of your teeth, and gum tissues respond well to them. The colour can be matched to the surrounding teeth, and these types of restorations are stain-resistant.
Are there disadvantages to dental veneers?
Once your tooth has been prepared for the veneer, the procedure cannot be reversed. When a veneer cracks, it is difficult to repair without replacing the entire veneer. Veneers are not a good option for people who have poor gum health. Pen-chewing and nail-biting habits, for example, can cause the veneer to crack. Furthermore, people who grind or clench their teeth risk chipping or cracking their veneers. Finally, veneers are still susceptible to decay, so it is critical that you maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist on a regular basis.
How long do dental veneers last?
Correctly produced and properly placed, porcelain veneers can last over 10-15 years. They do not require any special care other than regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist.
How do I get my new veneers to match my other teeth?
During your consultation, your dentist will address this matter. They will devise a strategy that takes colour matching into account. Most people whiten their natural teeth before beginning treatment so that their veneers can be a lighter shade.
Do porcelain veneers stain with tea, coffee and red wine?
Porcelain veneers must never be stained. However, if your teeth are prone to staining, you should try to avoid or limit your consumption of these beverages, as you want your natural tooth colour to be as close to your veneers as possible.
Will my veneered teeth be sensitive to hot and cold?
Due to the removal of a thin layer of enamel, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages in the days following the placement of your veneers. This sensation should pass in a few days at most. It's best to avoid overly hot or cold foods for the first few days to allow the veneers to settle.
How strong are veneers? Are there restrictions on what I can eat?
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable. However, because porcelain is glass, the veneers may crack if extremely strong forces are applied to them. It is not advised to chew ice, hard nuts, candy apples, popcorn, or other hard foods. Natural teeth are frequently harmed by these same foods, and while porcelain veneers are extremely durable, they are not indestructible.
I grind my teeth at night. Will this damage my porcelain veneers?
Yes, this will eventually cause damage to your veneers, just as it will grind down natural teeth. Your dentist can fit you with a nightguard that will protect your teeth while you sleep.