There are a large number of misconceptions about veneers and what they can do for your teeth. Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of tooth-coloured material designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can also provide additional benefits that are not strictly cosmetic. However, there are a variety of misconceptions about veneers that you should be aware of before you decide if this treatment is right for you.
Veneer Treatments are Painful
A common misconception with this treatment is that the application of porcelain shells is painful. While there might be some slight tenderness on and around the main treatment area, your dentist will provide you with local anesthesia that numbs the gum surrounding the tooth. Unlike general anesthesia, the local form of anesthesia won’t put you to sleep during the treatment. You might not even need anesthesia. Most patients find the amount of discomfort they experience is minimal even when anesthesia isn’t used.
Once the anesthesia has been administered, your tooth will be cleaned and a small portion of the tooth enamel will be removed in order to make room for the porcelain. A full impression of your tooth will then be taken in order to create the final veneer. In the meantime, a temporary piece of porcelain will be placed on your tooth until the second treatment session.
During the second session, the adhesive is placed on the tooth before the final veneer is attached. When the porcelain has been attached to your tooth, a dental curing light will be used to permanently set the adhesive.
The final aspect of the treatment process involves the polishing of the edges of the porcelain, which allows the piece to blend in with the surrounding tooth. Given how straightforward this treatment is, you should experience hardly any discomfort during and after the treatment. If ever you start to experience a substantial amount of pain, tell your dentist immediately. If inflammation starts to occur in the treatment area, it’s likely that you will be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to keep the swelling down.
Veneers are Unrealistic
Another misconception about veneers is that the white colour of the porcelain is too bright and unnatural. As long as an experienced dentist handles the treatment, you’ll get a shade of white that properly matches the rest of your teeth. Veneers can be made in a wide range of different shades.
When you request veneers, an impression of your tooth is made before the porcelain is crafted into the final veneer that’s placed on the tooth. Your dentist will also measure and match your veneer to the right shade of your teeth.
They Can Replace a Tooth
Many people believe that a veneer can be used as a complete replacement for a tooth that needed to be removed. While this orthodontic solution can restore your damaged or stained tooth to a whiter and more natural appearance, it’s unable to replace the tooth altogether. The veneer needs to be attached to one of your teeth. The types of treatments you might require for a missing tooth include implants and dentures. Your dentist will be able to help you ascertain which treatment is best for your needs.
Your Tooth Needs to be Filed Down
When people hear or read that the tooth will need to be reshaped in order for the veneer to attach properly to it, many of them imagine their entire tooth will be filed down, which can be a frightening proposition that puts them off treatment.
While some reshaping does need to occur with the placement of a veneer, the amount of reshaping is minimal and designed to make sure that any oddities in the shape of your teeth are polished and smoothed out. If you have any questions about what reshaping will do to your teeth, make sure that you ask your dentist during your initial consultation so that you can have peace of mind about the treatment.
Veneers Only Provide Aesthetic Benefits
Although veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry, this dental solution offers a variety of additional benefits aside from the aesthetic. A veneer can be used to add strength to your teeth, definition to your cheeks, or to rebuild molars that have become chipped or damaged over time. While there are additional benefits to obtain with a veneer, the aesthetic ones will allow you to have a more beautiful and natural smile.
For more information about veneers, call Dawson Dental at 1-855-255-8084 or visit our contact page here.