Common misconceptions about dental veneers
Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction, and misinformation about dental procedures can often affect your decision-making process, or even prevent you from seeking treatment at all.
Misconception #1 – Dental veneers are fragile
This is misguided, as porcelain veneers are just as strong as your tooth’s natural enamel. While they will be susceptible to damage, wear or trauma (just like your natural teeth), with proper care and regular hygiene maintenance they will last for many years without a problem.
Misconception #2 – People will be able to see that I have veneers
Most people will never know if you have veneers or not as veneers are virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth. They are designed to reflect light in such a way as to look completely natural, and can be colour-matched to blend in with your existing teeth.
Misconception #3 – The tooth needs to be filed down excessively before a veneer can be applied
Only a very thin layer of enamel needs to be removed from your tooth in preparation for a veneer – around half a millimetre, which allows for the veneer to fit snugly on the tooth without adding any bulk. The goal of modern dentistry is to keep as much of the natural enamel as possible.
Misconception #4 – Veneers are only for aesthetic purposes
While the primary purpose of veneers is to improve the appearance of teeth, veneers are also a very functional and effective solution to repairing and reinforcing cracked, chipped or misshapen teeth.
Misconception #5 – Getting veneers is a long, drawn-out and expensive process
It’s not – usually the process of getting veneers will only involve a few visits to the dentist. There may be a wait of a few weeks while your veneers are constructed to fit your teeth, but it’s a relatively quick process once that is done. Veneers are also not nearly as expensive as other cosmetic dental procedures and are more affordable than you might think.
Misconception #6 – Dental veneers will weaken my teeth
Given that such a small amount of your tooth is removed to prepare for veneers, this is untrue. If fact, veneers will provide some protection for your tooth.
Misconception #7 – Dental veneers are only for celebrities
Many people think that getting cosmetic dentistry is frivolous or too expensive for the average person, but there’s really no reason why anybody shouldn’t be able to improve their smile with veneers.
Misconception #8 – Dental veneers are difficult to care for
It would probably surprise many people to know that dental veneers don’t require any different care than your regular teeth do, requiring only daily brushing and flossing. Veneers are stain-resistant, and thus won’t discolour as easily as other teeth. Use caution when biting on extremely hard foods like toffee to prevent chips in your veneers.
