Who doesn’t want a perfectly white and symmetrical smile like the one you find in toothpaste adverts? Unsurprisingly, most of those radiant smiles need a little help to look good; the answer is usually veneers. You, too, can get the perfect smile with this simple, slightly pricey procedure. But don’t veneers damage your natural teeth?
You may have heard a few whispers about getting veneers, but keep reading to find out if veneers really do cause damage to your natural teeth.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of filling material, most commonly porcelain or composite, bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are used to fix various dental issues, including small chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. The result is a brighter, more symmetrical smile.
What are some types of Veneers?
There are many different types of veneers, but the two main types of veneers you’ll find that most people have are either porcelain or composite veneers. Let’s take a look at these two.
1. Porcelain Veneers
The most popular and durable veneer option is porcelain veneers. Their natural, white coloring also makes them the most aesthetic option on the market, giving you a brighter smile that looks the most natural. Another bonus with getting porcelain veneers is that they don’t require drilling for placement or any temporary fillings, so this makes the procedure relatively quick and easy.
You can expect porcelain veneers to last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, sometimes even up to 20 years, when well looked after. This type of veneer can be the most expensive, but they offer high value for money considering how long they last and how good the result looks.
2. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are the slightly more affordable option, and they are made using composite resin, as well as a mixture of inorganic and organic materials, that include:
- Organic – the initiator, resin, and coupling agent
- Inorganic – the filling
Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers do require some drilling for effective placement, which can sometimes be a challenge for dentists. However, they don’t require a temporary filling, either. So, it’s still a relatively quick procedure.
Your composite veneers are definitely less expensive than porcelain veneers, but they come at the cost of having a shorter lifespan. They’ll usually last between five and seven years when bonded correctly and looked after diligently.
What are the pros and cons of getting veneers?
As with any cosmetic procedure, you should always weigh up the benefits and the drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of getting veneers.
Pros
- Veneers can enhance the appearance of your smile
- Veneers blend in with your natural teeth for natural-looking results
- Veneers don’t require any additional maintenance
- Veneers are durable and resist stains better than natural tooth enamel
Cons
- Veneers require you to lose at least some natural enamel for proper bonding
- Various veneers are irreversible
- Your teeth may become more sensitive
- Veneers may fall off
- Veneers may dislodge
- Most veneers are not covered by most insurances due to it being a cosmetic procedure
Do veneers damage your natural teeth?
This happens to be one question that people ask the most when getting veneers. No, in short, veneers will not cause damage to teeth. Now, you may be thinking about the part where the dentist needs to drill to app veneers, but they only have to remove a small amount of enamel to do this. Therefore, veneers do not damage the tooth structure at all.
However, it’s still possible for your natural tooth structure to decay underneath the veneers. So, ensure you still practice good oral hygiene and keep up to date with your dental check-ups for regular cleaning.
How much of your natural tooth will be drilled away?
It might sound concerning to hear that some of your natural tooth enamel will need to be drilled away in order to make room for your veneers, but it’s not what you think. Dentists will only grind off approximately 0.5mm of enamel from your tooth’s surface.
This isn’t enough to damage your natural teeth. However, it is enough to make it an irreversible procedure. You won’t be able to go back to your natural tooth as enamel is the protective layer of your tooth, and it does not regenerate.
Tips for looking after your veneers
While getting veneers doesn’t directly damage your teeth, a bit of the protective layer is removed and you’ll need to ensure you’re looking after your veneers to make them last and continue to care for the natural tooth. Here are some tips:
- Don’t use your teeth as tools — the temptation to open a bag of crisps with your teeth or bite your nails can be huge, but you’ve got to think of the damage it can cause to your veneers. It’s not worth it
- Don’t bite and chew hard food — limit how often you eat hard candies, nuts, and other hard foods because while your veneers are durable, they’re not indestructible
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth — dark food and drinks like berries, wine, tea, and coffee may stain your veneers, so try to keep these to a minimal
- Brush and floss regularly — it’s vital for your natural teeth to maintain good oral hygiene, and it’s the same for keeping your veneers in good condition, too to prevent cavities and tooth decay
- Keep up to date with dentist appointments — going for regular check-ups ensures your veneers and natural teeth are healthy. Your dentist may even recommend a professional cleaning
- Wear a mouthguard when sleeping — for those who tend to grind their teeth or clench their jaw, in order to protect your teeth and veneers, consider asking your dentist for a custom-fitted mouthguard when you sleep
Final Thoughts
When done correctly, getting veneers can be a confidence-boosting and life-changing procedure that can literally turn your smile upside down. As a cosmetic and irreversible procedure, it’s natural to wonder how veneers will impact your natural teeth. While some veneers do require minor preparation, you’ll be happy to know that no damage will come to your teeth, but it’s important to maintain your oral hygiene to prevent decay.