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Debunking 13 Common Misconceptions About Porcelain Veneers
Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 24-05-2021
Porcelain veneers offer an excellent cosmetic option to improve your smile with natural-looking restorations. They can hide cracks, imperfections and stains whether you have suffered some form of tooth trauma, varying forms of wear or discolouration. You really can’t get a better material than porcelain which has the same shine and colouration as your natural teeth.
However, for some reason, many patients are hesitant to consider porcelain veneers. Here we debunk 13 common misconceptions about porcelain veneers so you can see they are an effective way to restore your perfect smile.
1. The porcelain veneer procedure hurts
This is perhaps the most puzzling as any dental treatment that has a risk of discomfort is always performed with the use of a local anesthetic. This means that you shouldn’t feel any pain during the application process.
The misconception probably comes from the fact that we do have to shave down a small portion of your tooth’s enamel to prepare the surface for the adhesive and to make space for the veneers. The rougher surface helps the cementing material adhere to your tooth and then your veneers to adhere to the cement. So the treatment is very simple and pain-free.
2. Porcelain veneers can only be used for front teeth
This is a yes and no situation. The benefit of veneers is that they offer the perfect cover to hide visible defects with your teeth. However, they can also be placed on lower front teeth or your “premolars”. It really depends on what you want to improve and how visible your teeth are when you laugh or smile.
For many people, those top front six teeth are the most visible, while others might benefit from lower or premolar improvements. We’ll examine your smile and listen to your concerns before we determine which of your teeth could benefit from veneers.
3. Your entire tooth is filed to accommodate the veneer
This ties in with misconception #1. While we do need to roughen up your tooth enamel, we definitely don’t have to do serious filing. Even in the cases where some ‘reshaping’ is required, the process is minimal and simply provides the ideal surface to get the best results. Our goal is to maintain the integrity of your tooth while helping to improve its appearance.
4. Dental veneers are strictly cosmetic
No doubt this misconception comes from the fact that dental veneers are one of the most natural cosmetic dental solutions. However, they can also be used for other applications including helping to rebuild a damaged or cracked molar.
As with any dental treatment, we assess your tooth’s condition and will recommend the best restorative solution. In some cases, this could include porcelain veneers.
5. Veneers look fake because they are so white
No, this is simply not true. The beauty of porcelain veneers is that they are customized to create the ideal look for each tooth. Not only are they crafted to achieve the ideal shape, but also to blend in with your other natural teeth. As a result, we use colour matching to achieve a consistent look to your smile so your veneers blend in perfectly. You get a seamless look and a pristine smile.
6. Dental veneers can replace missing teeth
Unfortunately, this is not true. Dental veneers are only a thin ‘laminate’ that covers imperfections or repairs cracks. They cannot be used to replace missing teeth as they are flat and fragile on their own. If a tooth surface is compromised, they are a good solution but teeth replacement requires a bridge, partial denture or implants.
7. Anyone can get porcelain veneers
This is also not true. Porcelain veneers can work for almost anyone but there are cases where they won’t work for you including:
- If your teeth have decay and cavities
- You have gum disease
- You tend to grind or clench your teeth
For the first two issues, we can provide treatment to resolve the decay and disease before pursuing the veneers. However, if you grind or clench your teeth you can damage the veneers, so it is not recommended.
8. Porcelain veneers break easily
As mentioned above, porcelain veneers are not recommended if you grind or clench your teeth as this increases the risk for damage. However, porcelain is just as sturdy as your natural teeth and is even more resilient. They actually help protect your natural teeth. They can last for 10 or even 20 years with normal care.
9. Porcelain veneers stain easily
Interestingly, it is quite the opposite. Porcelain is highly stain-resistant thanks to its glossy coating. Your natural teeth stain because they have tiny pores that staining materials can penetrate. If anything, you might feel more concerned about your natural teeth staining while your veneers stay pearly white! This can be corrected with whitening treatments.
10. Porcelain veneers are high maintenance
Veneers require the same care as your natural teeth. Brush and floss and schedule your dental checkups and cleanings and they will last for many years.
11. Veneers cause tooth sensitivity
This misconception probably stems from the fact we do have to remove some of your protective tooth enamel. However, there is little risk you will experience sensitivity following your veneer procedure as the veneers protect your tooth.
12. I need a special diet with veneers
While there are some foods you should probably avoid with your veneers, they tend to be the same things we advise you to avoid eating with your natural teeth. Things like hard candy or chomping ice are not recommended, nor is cracking nuts or opening packages with your veneers. You just need to take the same common-sense care of veneers as you do with all your teeth.
13. Porcelain veneers are obvious
As mentioned in misconception #5, porcelain veneers are one of the most natural-looking smile makeovers you can get. We take every possible step to ensure they blend in with your other teeth and appear just like your original smile, but better. Although people who know you well will notice the improvement, they will also be all compliments. Strangers won’t have a clue.
If you would like more information about getting porcelain veneers in Milton, call Milltown Dental at (905) 878-8528 or contact us here.
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