Porcelain dental veneers have been used for decades to treat various oral problems such as tooth and jaw misalignment, tooth discolouration, and other cosmetic issues. But, did you know that they also serve multiple other purposes? There are actually numerous different misconceptions and myths regarding porcelain veneers that have been in circulation for many years now. In order to make sure you’re getting the best possible dental solutions in Toronto, it’s important to learn everything you possibly can about veneers and how they might be useful to you.
iStock.com/ElNariz
10 Common Myths about Dental Veneers
For your convenience, here are 10 common myths about dental veneers. Learning the truth about them might make it easier for you to decide whether getting veneers is the right solution for your dental condition.
Veneers Look Unnatural
While this stereotype might have held some merit in the 1930s when veneers were first introduced to give Hollywood stars their unnaturally perfect pearls, a lot has changed since then. That’s not to say that porcelain veneers won’t improve the look of your smile; it just means that they look a lot more realistic now. Technological advancements in dental engineering have made it possible for clinicians and dental technicians to craft porcelain veneers that match the natural look of your teeth.
Dental Veneers Are Only Used in Cosmetic Dentistry
Although it’s true that the primary purpose of dental veneers is to improve the appearance of your teeth, that’s not their only use. In fact, they can correct potentially harmful misalignments of the teeth.
Veneers Are Only Suitable for the Front Teeth
Given the fact that most people believe that porcelain veneers only serve aesthetic functions, it makes sense that the next line of reasoning is that they can only be used for the front teeth that show when you’re smiling. Actually, the truth is that porcelain veneers can also be effectively affixed to your back teeth if they are crooked or discoloured.
Painful Application
Considering all of the advancements the field of dentistry has made in the many decades since porcelain veneers were originally introduced, it’s a wonder that this rumour even still exists! Most dentists use local anesthetics during their dental procedures to either diminish or completely eradicate the chances of pain or discomfort their patients might experience. In most cases, the worst side effect you might experience throughout the entire process of getting dental veneers is slight tooth sensitivity while your temporary veneers are in place. Once the temporary veneers are replaced with the permanent ones, the tooth sensitivity should completely subside within the first few weeks.
Dental Veneers Are Fragile
People seem to falsely believe that dental porcelain veneers are fragile and easily breakable, but this doesn’t make sense considering part of their purpose is to help realign your teeth and keep them in place. The fact is that dental porcelain veneers are no more susceptible to breakage, cracking, or bending than any other dental appliances. As long as you maintain proper dental hygiene and take good care of them, there’s no reason why you they shouldn’t easily last you at least 10-15 years before they need to be replaced.
Dental Veneers Require a Restricted Diet
The whole point of dental porcelain veneers is to protect and in some cases, replace your real teeth. This means they should easily be able to mimic the characteristics of your natural teeth. Unlike wired braces, porcelain veneers aren’t flimsily made. They’re structurally sound enough to handle almost all kinds of crunchy and hard foods, but that doesn’t mean you should just throw caution to the wind and indulge in unhealthy foods on a regular basis. Just like your real teeth, porcelain dental veneers still require special care and can only handle so much sugar and junk food. You should also keep in mind that since veneers are meant to resemble real teeth as much as possible, they can also become stained by certain beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola.
Veneers Cause Tooth Sensitivity
To reiterate the previous point regarding tooth sensitivity, it’s extremely temporary and is only experienced by some patients during the brief transitional period from the temporary veneers to the permanent ones.
The Dentist Will Have to Completely Shave Down Your Teeth
This myth stems from the fact that dentists do actually have to slightly reshape the design of your individual teeth prior to applying the veneers. That’s what gives the finished product its natural look. Veneers are basically like corrective covers for your teeth so it makes sense that your teeth would need to be slightly trimmed so that the veneers can be seamlessly fitted on top of them. Somehow, though, this entire procedure has been totally blown out of proportion over time to the extent that many people think their teeth will be reduced to nothing but meager stubs. Remember, veneers are durable on their own, but they still need a strong base to hold on to.
Veneers are Unaffordable for Most People
Since veneers have historically been linked to Hollywood celebrities, a lot of people might think that the cost is far beyond their reach. Even though it is considered a cosmetic treatment and insurance rarely covers it, the cost can usually be managed. Gone are the days when perfectly constructed smiles were only for the Hollywood elites.
Dental Veneers Have a Very Short Lifespan
Granted, dental veneers aren’t built to last forever, but as long as you take proper care of them and are very vigilant about practising good oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, veneers should last you about 10-15 years. No one will ever know you have them unless you choose to share that information with people.
Get Dental Veneers in Toronto
If you’re unhappy with the look of your teeth and your smile in general, then we encourage you visit Princeview Dental Group. Located in the heart of the Kingsway, Toronto, for more than 20 years, we have experience in preparing teeth for porcelain dental veneers and installing them for our patients. To learn more about our dental clinic and how porcelain dental veneers can benefit you, please contact us at (416) 231-4562.