Dental veneers also known as porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that cover the front of people’s teeth to improve their appearance. They are a type of cosmetic dentistry.
Veneers can be used to change a tooth’s shape, size, color or even length.
But porcelain veneers aren’t for everyone. And there’s lots to think about before you proceed.
Read on to learn 8 things you should think about before getting veneers.
1. Dental Veneers and Plastic Surgery
You might be surprised to know that facial plastic surgery can dramatically throw off the way your new veneers look.
Even lip injections can make your veneers no longer look the way you wanted. If you plan on getting any type of facial plastic surgery in the future, talk to your dentist about it.
2. Veneers Are a Custom Solution
Unlike when you go to the hairdresser with a picture of a celebrity, you can’t just copy someone else’s smile when getting veneers.
Cosmetic veneers are unique to the mouth of each patient. Your dentist will listen as you explain what you don’t like about your teeth and will create a plan to fix it.
Your dentist will take into account your facial structure, size of your mouth, the way your teeth fit together and much more.
What works for someone’s face will not necessarily work for yours. That leads us to our next point.
3. You’ll Get to Wear Temporary Veneers at First
When you are in the process of getting veneers, you will likely wear temporary ones while your permanent ones are being made.
The good thing about this is that you can test drive your new smile. You can see how it looks and feels before getting permanent veneers put on.
If you need to make any slight adjustments, now is your chance.
4. You’ll Probably Experience Sensitivity
During the veneers procedure, the dentist will lightly file down your teeth in order to place the bonding cement and veneers on. He or she won’t file a lot, it’ll be less than the thickness of your fingernail.
Yet, this coupled with the procedure can cause you to have some tooth sensitivity. Even if your doctor doesn’t have to file your teeth, many patients experience sensitivity as a reaction to the bonding cement.
Sensitivity can feel like zings on your teeth, especially when you bite, or as a dull pain that comes on in waves. You may need to take Ibuprofen for the first day or so.
You might be sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks. You might want to stay away from ice water, ice cream, and hot coffee for a while.
Tooth sensitivity toothpaste will be your new best friend. Usually, the sensitivity goes away after a couple of days.
If you still have sensitivity after a few days, go back for a follow-up appointment. Sometimes, tiny pieces of cement can get stuck between your teeth and this can be causing pain.
A slight adjustment can make all the difference and give you the relief you need.
5. Color Matching Veneers Is Tricky
In order for dental veneers to look natural and fit in with your teeth, the color has to be just right.
You don’t want a white-white veneer that is going to stick out noticeably. To find the perfect shade, your dentist will consider your skin tone and the current shade of your teeth.
Yet, the color match might not be perfect. Also, once the color is placed on the veneers, there’s no changing it.
If you want to whiten your teeth, do it before you get veneers so that your veneers will match your new shade.
Usually, your dentist will paint your temporary veneers with your selected shade so you can see how it looks.
6. Dental Veneers Are an Investment
Cosmetic veneers aren’t cheap. Depending on the practice you choose, prices can be as high as $4000 per tooth.
The good news is that most practices offer flexible payment plans. But still, it is an expensive investment.
You don’t have to opt for a full set of veneers, however. You may choose just a few teeth or even partial veneers.
Talk to your dentist about your options.
7. Eventually, You’ll Need Your Veneers Replaced
Cosmetic veneers can last 15-20 years. Yet, eventually, you will need to have them replaced. If you fail to practice good oral hygiene, you could need a replacement much sooner than you anticipated.
To replace them, your dentist will gently drill off the old veneer and repeat the process. Don’t worry, the dentist won’t drill into your natural tooth.
So although veneers are a long-lasting treatment, they aren’t permanent. You will need to keep that in mind.
8. Cosmetic Veneers Aren’t for Everyone
There are some people who aren’t good candidates for dental veneers. For example, people who grind or clench their teeth could break their veneers.
Also, there may not be enough surface area on a person’s natural tooth to be able to attach a veneer. People with teeth that are very weak or decayed shouldn’t consider veneers. In these cases, other alternatives may be a better solution.
If you have doubts about whether you’re a good candidate for cosmetic veneers, talk to your dentist.
Final Thoughts on Veneers Procedure
We hope this list of 8 things you should consider will help you decide if a veneers procedure is right for you.
Still have more questions? Contact us today. We’re happy to discuss our services with you.