Are you feeling self-conscious about imperfections in your smile that detract from your appearance? If so, you’re not alone; sources estimate that about 600,000 Americans get dental veneers each year to hide one or more aesthetic flaws and boost their confidence in their smiles.
But it’s important to be well-informed about this popular cosmetic service before committing to it. Continue reading to learn more about 3 facts about veneers that you should know to help decide if they’re right for you!
Fact #1: They Are Not Usually Reversible
Many patients don’t realize that getting veneers involves making slight but irreversible changes to the underlying teeth. Although these ceramic shells are usually only about 0.2 mm to0.5 mm thick, they might still look bulky or contribute to a bite misalignment if your dentist doesn’t take the proper precautions.
That means your provider must remove a small amount of enamel for your restorations to fit correctly and blend into your smile without sticking out like a sore thumb. This protective outer layer of your teeth doesn’t grow back, making this an irreversible change to their structure. You’ll need to have veneers or some other protection in place to help prevent damage, decay, and discoloration moving forward. Thankfully, these covers can last 15+ years with proper care, making them an excellent long-term solution.
Fact #2: They Are Not Invincible
Veneers are typically made from color-matched ceramic that’s coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chips, cracks, and stains. They even help shield the underlying teeth from these concerns, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely impervious to harm.
For example, you might injure the shells if you eat too many hard or crunchy foods, like nuts, seeds, or hard candies. They can also become discolored over time, although they don’t stain as fast as your natural enamel. That means you could develop mismatched tones if you frequently consume darkly pigmented foods or drinks, such as coffee, tea, tomatoes, or berries.
Fact #3: You Don’t Need Them On Every Tooth
It’s easy to assume that you’ll need a veneer for each of your teeth, but many patients can achieve their goals without an entire arch full of restorations. For example, you might only need a couple of them to address a single chipped or misaligned tooth.
On average, patients get 8 to 10 veneers on their upper front teeth to improve their appearance because they are the most visible. Enhancing them can create the illusion of a perfectly flawless smile because the others aren’t always on display.
If you’re still uncertain whether you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at One Dental New Jersey benefit from two experienced dentists who are passionate about helping them build beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Rabbi share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a full menu of services, including veneers, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. They take the time to learn about your unique smile goals and concerns, then use state-of-the-art technology to implement customized treatment plans to help address them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (908) 409-0881.