If you’ve been considering upgrading your gorgeous grin with the help of veneers, you likely already know that this treatment is a significant investment in your smile. These cosmetic upgrades can fix a variety of dental flaws, but there are a few important things you should know about it before you commit. Here’s a closer look at a few lesser-known facts to help you decide if veneers are right for you!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells (usually made of porcelain) that fit over your healthy teeth to change their size, shape, spacing, and color. They can typically transform your smile in just a few short weeks, and the results can last for decades with proper care!
They’re Permanent
To ensure your veneers fit your teeth properly and are not too bulky in your smile, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from each one receiving treatment, making this procedure permanent and irreversible. That means that you’ll always need either a veneer or a dental crown on your treated teeth going forward.
You Don’t Need Veneers on Every Tooth
Veneers can be an expensive treatment, especially since it is considered elective and usually not covered by dental insurance. However, the good news is that you don’t need to put veneers on every single tooth, usually just the front-facing ones! This means that depending on how many are visible in your smile, you may only need eight to ten to create the streamlined, gorgeous grin you’ve been dreaming of.
They’re Long Lasting
Veneers can be a costly treatment, but one that’s well worth the investment, especially when you consider how long they last. In fact, with proper care and use, your newly restored smile could last for 20+ years! To ensure that your results stay in great shape, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush, use a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for your routine preventive cleanings and exams. Furthermore, be sure to avoid any bad oral habits like smoking or using your teeth as tools and limit your consumption of darkly colored foods and beverages.
You May Have a Lisp at First
Because your tongue is used to making the same movements to create sounds, adding veneers can sometimes cause some temporary speech problems. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients to have a slight lisp at first. The good news is that in most cases this will go away within a few days or weeks as the mouth gets used to the new spacing. In the meantime, you can speed up the process by practicing speaking aloud. If your speech still doesn’t return to normal after that, speak to your dentist about having your veneers filed down in certain spots if necessary.
They Can Become Damaged
Although your new veneers are strong, they’re not indestructible. This means you should avoid using them for anything too hard or crunchy like ice cubes, hard candies, and for “off brand” uses like tearing open packaging or biting fingernails. If you have bruxism (teeth grinding) or play sports, speak to your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard made to protect them. Furthermore, be sure to avoid bad oral habits like tobacco use and excessive drinking, as these can damage the veneer and the bonding materials holding them to your teeth. Keep in mind that while they are stain resistant, they are not completely stain-proof. If your veneers do become discolored, whitening products designed for real teeth won’t work on them, so you’ll need to speak to your dentist about getting them re-shaded or replaced.
Remember, getting veneers is a significant investment in your smile and your confidence, too, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re considering upgrading your grin with these durable, lifelike cosmetic restorations, speak to your dentist about their pros and cons at your dental consultation.
About Dr. Newman
Dr. Ira Newman earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Binghamton and his dental degree from Emory University School of Dentistry. A former clinical instructor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry, he is also currently an attending dentist at Northwell Hospital/Manhasset, where he serves as the Chief of Laser Dentistry and Co-Director of the TMJ/Facial Pain clinic. To schedule a consultation for veneers at Gramercy Dental Studio, visit our website or call us today at 212-924-6890.