A common question patients have when installing dental porcelain veneers is whether this smile transformation procedure will ruin their teeth. That is a valid concern since dental porcelain veneers involve removing some natural tooth enamel, a substance on our teeth that acts as a protective barrier against acid and bacteria. When enamel is lacking due to damage or decay, our teeth become more sensitive — which explains why we experience sensitivity when eating hot and/or cold food.
The answer is no, dental veneers will not ruin your natural teeth as long as they are installed properly and you upkeep proper dental hygiene. We also try to keep the amount of enamel removed as low as possible. But certain factors can cause your veneers to break down, which will, in turn, affect your teeth.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells placed over your teeth to change the shape, size and colour of your teeth. You may be thinking, "how many veneers do I need" or "how do I get veneers that look natural"?
Well, dental veneers come in different materials, including porcelain and composite resin. Each type offers unique benefits and considerations. You are a perfect candidate for porcelain veneers if:
However, do take note that veneers only act as aesthetic cover-ups and do not carry any functional use. In other words, they do not straighten your teeth or close the gap in your teeth; they merely give the impression that you have straight, healthy teeth. So with that said, dental veneers like porcelain veneers are a poor option if you suffer from gum disease, have weak teeth or have other underlying dental issues. They are also not suitable if you tend to grind your teeth repeatedly.
Not sure whether to get veneers or dental crowns? This article on dental veneers vs. dental crowns might help.
Yes, it is possible that you can still get cavities even with porcelain veneers. There are a few reasons why.
Cosmetic Enhancement: Veneers offer a brand-new smile, concealing cosmetic imperfections and boosting confidence.
Minimal Invasive: Advances in dental technology have led to the development of no-prep or minimal-prep veneers, which require little to no enamel removal, preserving the integrity of natural teeth.
Versatility: Veneers can address a wide range of aesthetic concerns, from tooth discoloration to misalignment, providing a versatile solution for smile makeovers.
The best way to take care of your teeth and veneers is to ensure excellent oral hygiene. That includes:
Ideally, you should floss or rinse your mouth after every meal to get rid of food debris stuck between your teeth. Make sure to brush for two minutes each time and do not neglect the backs or area along the gum line. A manual toothbrush is fine, but it’d be better if you could get an electric toothbrush as it’s easier to reach harder-to-reach areas with an electric toothbrush.
These include nuts, bones, raw vegetables like carrots (hard food), candy (sticky food) and coffee, tea, wine and tomatoes (staining food). Even chewing on ice is a no-no! In the same vein, you should not use your teeth as a tool to open bottles or anything that involves biting down.
Grinding your teeth can damage porcelain veneers, leaving broken teeth and you susceptible to decay. Generally, those with bruxism shouldn’t get this restoration, but if you must, get a night guard from your dentist.
We encourage everyone to visit their dentist every 6 months for a thorough cleaning session; this is especially important if you have veneers. You should also get your dental veneers done by a cosmetic dentist who has a good track record. Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for pictures, their past veneer cases and if this procedure is even suitable for you to begin with. A good dentist should be someone who cares about your oral health and appearance instead of merely trying to sell you a service.
Have more questions? Read about how dental veneers are made to match our face and teeth.
Find out more about Dental Veneers with Dental Designs today! Or, message us here to book an appointment.