Common Misconceptions About Veneers and Why They Are Not True

Have you been wanting to enhance the appearance of your smile? If so, porcelain veneers are a great solution to improve your smile with minimal alteration to your teeth. Unlike other restoration options like crowns (which require a significant portion of the tooth to be removed), a veneer requires only a very thin layer of enamel to be removed. Patients in the Ontario, California area visit Dr. Mukesh Patel at Ontario Dental Center for natural-looking veneers. If you are unsure about veneers, we would like to share some common misconceptions we can dispel so you feel more comfortable about the procedure.

It Is Painful to Receive Veneers

If you are informed about the process of receiving your veneers, then you know a small amount of enamel will need to be removed from the receiving tooth first. If you believe that this process will be painful, then you should be happy to learn here that it is not. Any dentist worth seeing prioritizes ensuring every patient is comfortable with all treatments and procedures. This includes enamel removal for veneers. An anesthetic will be applied, and your mouth will be properly numbed before enamel removal and veneer placement begins. You should not feel any pain throughout this entire process.

Before & After image of Porcelain Veneers

Your Veneers Are Going to Look Fake

Have you ever heard somebody refer to veneered teeth as “chicklet teeth”? There was a time when people may have referred to veneered teeth this way because veneers were believed to be too big, thick, and way too white, with an unnatural appearance. You may also have heard that veneered teeth make gums look recessed due to improper placement.

If your veneers are not properly placed, you could get less than optimal results. However, if you visit a dentist with the experience and training necessary to place your veneers, your teeth will look beautiful, normal, and natural. Veneers also allow for great customization, meaning they can match your natural teeth’ shape, size, and color. Because a thin layer of enamel will be removed beforehand, your veneer should also sit perfectly flush with the surrounding natural teeth.

Veneers Will Weaken Your Teeth

You may have heard that retaining your natural teeth is the ideal way to maintain a healthy smile. The great thing about veneers is that you get to do just that. A small amount of enamel will need to be removed in preparation for your new veneer, but the majority of the tooth will remain untouched. And because veneers are made from a strong and durable porcelain material, you will be adding a layer of protection to your teeth!

Veneers Are Not Long Lasting

Will your new veneers last forever – no. But they are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear you are constantly putting on your teeth and can, with proper care, last up to 15-20 years before needing replacement. As long as you visit your dentist twice a year for your recommended exam and cleaning, your dentist can determine if your veneers are still in good shape, if there are any issues, and if they need replacement.

You can reach Dr. Patel and the team at Ontario Dental Center for more information about veneers by calling (909) 414-3535.