Are veneers bad for your teeth? When it comes to getting veneers, one of the most common concerns people have is whether or not they are bad for the health of their teeth. The answer is no, but let’s look closely at why.
What Are Veneers?
Firstly, what are veneers? Veneers are thin shells placed on the teeth’ front surface to improve their appearance. They are made of either porcelain or composite resin and are custom designed to match your natural teeth.
Veneers can fix various dental problems, including chipped or broken teeth, tooth decay, misshapen teeth and cosmetic flaws. They can even make your teeth appear straighter and give you a brighter smile.
There are two types of veneers: traditional porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Traditional porcelain veneers involve removing a thin layer of enamel to create space for the veneer to fit over the tooth. This is an irreversible process, meaning the tooth will always require some covering.
The veneer is then bonded to the tooth using a special bonding material. Composite veneers do not require as much preparation and can be done in one appointment. The composite resin is bonded to the tooth without removing a layer, making it a better option for people worried about tooth structure damage.
Understanding the Veneer Process
Step 1: Teeth Preparation
Before any veneers can be placed, the dentist will roughen up the teeth by removing a small amount of the enamel. This is necessary to ensure the veneers flush against your tooth structure. Additionally, your teeth will not be weakened by this process.
Step 2: Taking Impressions
Once your teeth have been prepped, impressions of your teeth will be taken. These will be used to create a custom mould for your veneers. The beliefs will show your natural teeth’ size, shape, and position. Your cosmetic dentist will use these moulds to create veneers that fit perfectly over your teeth.
Step 3: Custom Veneer Fitting
Your custom veneers will be made from either porcelain or composite materials. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and long-lasting results. Composite veneers are more affordable and can be completed in just one visit. Regardless of your option, your veneers will be designed to fit perfectly over your natural teeth. During the fitting process, your cosmetic dentist will ensure that your veneers’ colour, texture, and size match the rest of your teeth for a natural-looking smile.
Step 4: Bonding Process
Once your custom veneers have been created, the bonding process can begin. The bonding material is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth structure. The veneers are applied to your teeth using a special dental adhesive. This adhesive is then hardened using a special curing light, creating a strong bond between the veneer and your natural teeth.
The Truth About Veneers and Tooth Health
Veneers are a safe, minimally invasive cosmetic dental option. One of the main advantages of veneers is that they do not require extensive dental work for your natural teeth. Unlike dental crowns or other cosmetic treatments, veneers only need a thin layer of enamel removed from the tooth’s surface. This means the process is minimally invasive, and patients often experience little discomfort during the procedure.
They can improve the appearance of teeth without compromising their structural integrity
Some people worry that veneers will weaken their teeth or cause damage over time. However, veneers are designed to be bonded onto the surface of your natural teeth, which can improve the structural integrity of weakened or chipped teeth.
Veneers offer protection to the underlying tooth from further damage or staining
One of the biggest benefits of veneers is that they can protect the underlying tooth from further damage or staining caused by poor dental hygiene or other factors. This is particularly true for traditional porcelain veneers with smooth and durable surfaces resistant to staining and decay.
Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prolong the life of veneers
Like natural teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping veneers in good condition. This includes regular brushing and flossing and avoiding foods and drinks that can stain or damage veneers. If you take good care of your veneers, they can last many years without needing replacement.
Myths about Veneers and Tooth Health
Myth #1: Veneers Cause Tooth Decay or Gum Disease
Many people believe that veneers can cause tooth decay or gum disease. However, this is not true. Veneers are quite beneficial for dental health. They serve as a protective layer over natural teeth, shielding them from external forces that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Placing veneers over decayed teeth can help preserve the natural tooth structure and prevent further deterioration.
Myth #2: Veneers Weaken Your Teeth
Myth #2: Veneers Weaken Your TeethAnother common myth about veneers is that they weaken your natural teeth. Again, this is not true.
Porcelain veneers are incredibly strong and durable, and the process of roughening the teeth doesn’t weaken the tooth structure.
On the contrary, it offers a solid base for the veneers to be placed. The veneer is bonded to the remaining tooth structure and can strengthen it, preventing further damage or breakage.
Myth #3: Veneers are just a short-term solution
Many people believe that veneers are a temporary fix and will ultimately need to be replaced. While it’s true that veneers will eventually need to be replaced, they are designed to be a long-term solution to cosmetic dental issues. Veneers can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Dental veneers may provide a safe and effective solution if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your natural teeth. Contrary to some rumours, veneers do not harm teeth or cause tooth decay or gum disease. They can even offer protection against further damage. It’s important to consult with a cosmetic dentist before proceeding with veneers, as they are not a permanent solution and may require maintenance and replacement over time. While traditional porcelain veneers require a thin layer of tooth enamel to be removed, composite veneers offer a less invasive option. Some may worry about weakened teeth, but it’s important to note that veneers do not weaken the tooth structure. Our experienced dental team at Boutique Dental Care provides an excellent service to guarantee a flawless smile. Contact us today on (02) 9054 5281 to book your first appointment!
References
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the survival of non-feldspathic porcelain veneers over 5 and 10 years
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23476903/
Porcelain for veneers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9893514/
Veneers
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers