Are you considering getting veneers but worried about whether they’ll make your teeth worse over time? You have likely heard that veneer application requires your teeth to be permanently altered. However, this alteration doesn’t necessarily mean tooth decay or bad oral health.
The guide below goes more in-depth on how much natural tooth enamel must be removed to apply veneers, how to care for them after application, and the pros and cons of getting them. This information can help you decide whether or not getting veneers is a good option.
If you want veneers to improve tooth imperfections like broken or crooked teeth, Luminae Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help. As one of Las Vegas, NV’s most sought-after cosmetic dentists, Dr. Phong Tran Cao, D.D.S., is an expert in veneer application and maintenance. Contact Luminae today to learn how Dr. Phong and his team can help with your smile makeover.
Will Veneers Damage Natural Teeth?
Perhaps the biggest misconception about veneers is that they’ll damage your natural teeth and cause lasting dental issues. This fear likely stems from the fact that some enamel must be removed before veneers are applied. The truth is that veneers won’t damage your teeth as long as you make sure they’re cared for properly—which is as simple as caring for your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings.
How Much Tooth Enamel is Removed For Veneers?
Only a thin layer of enamel is scraped from each tooth to prepare for veneer application. This preparation ensures the veneers will fit comfortably in your mouth. If veneers were applied without removing the thin layer of enamel, they would likely interfere with your ability to speak and eat.
How much enamel is removed also depends on the type of veneers you get. Resin and porcelain veneers require slightly more enamel to be removed than Lumineers—a thinner version of traditional porcelain veneers.
Can You Get Cavities Under Veneers?
While veneers themselves can’t develop cavities, there is a small chance of developing cavities in your natural teeth under the veneers. However, this usually only happens to those with poor dental hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental appointments remove the plaque and bacteria responsible for causing cavities.
Eating a high-sugar diet may also place you at a higher risk for developing cavities under your veneers. Good dental hygiene combined with moderate sugar intake should be enough to prevent any problems.
How to Clean Veneers to Prevent Tooth Damage
The best way to clean your veneers is with dentist-recommended toothpaste and an electric toothbrush twice daily or after every meal. It’s also important to floss between meals to prevent food particles from harboring bacteria between your natural teeth and under the veneers.
It’s also best to avoid food or beverages that could stain your teeth. If you choose not to avoid them, it’s best to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth. These teeth-staining foods include:
- Coffee or tea
- Red wine
- Fruit juice
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sauces containing turmeric
- Smoking
- Soda
You may also want to avoid extremely crunchy or sticky foods and wear a mouthguard at night if you habitually grind your teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
When cared for properly, high-quality dental veneers can last up to 20 years before they need to be replaced. Composite veneers may only last ten years or so before replacement, while temporary veneers typically last for a few weeks and serve as a provisional solution until your permanent veneers, either porcelain or composite resin, are ready for placement.
In either case, the longevity of your veneers is dependent on how well you care for your teeth. For instance, if you’re athletic, it’s wise to wear a mouthguard while playing any sport where you could sustain injuries to your face or mouth.
Are Veneers Worth It?
Veneers are a quick, semi-permanent way to hide and reinforce chipped or broken teeth, disguise deep stains, and make your smile more regular and even. The simple procedure can be done in about three dental visits, which last several hours each—much less time than dental surgery typically takes.
Recovery after veneer application is relatively short, and most discomfort subsides within hours after the procedure is completed.
See our article about the cost of Veneers to learn more about the cost to benefit analysis.
Benefits of Veneers
Compared to dental implants, veneer application is a minimally invasive procedure that improves your smile in less than a month. Most people find veneers look natural and improve individuals’ confidence when speaking or smiling.
They’re also relatively easy to care for and last several decades when you practice good dental hygiene.
Factors to Consider When Getting Veneers
Before getting dental veneers, it’s important to consider all the implications of making permanent changes to your natural teeth. Once the procedure is over, you’ll have to wear veneers for the rest of your life. Since your natural enamel is scraped away, the veneers are the only thing protecting against tooth sensitivity from heat, cold, acids, and other damaging substances.
Veneers also can’t be whitened, so you have to be especially careful to prevent stains. They’re also not suitable for people with very badly damaged teeth, people who are prone to gum disease, and people who do not take good care of their oral hygiene.
Get Veneers Today From the Professional Cosmetic Dentists At Luminae
Do you want beautiful, natural-looking veneers applied by some of the most experienced cosmetic dentists available? Look no further than Luminae. Led by cosmetic dentist Dr. Phong, our knowledgeable team has decades of experience applying and repairing dental veneers of all kinds, including porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and temporary veneers. We’ll address your cosmetic flaws or crooked teeth to make sure you gain your dream smile with dental veneers.
Get started by scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Phong today!
