By Dr. Jon ( Junyi ) Ho Dental veneers can be a great way to improve your appearance and restore your smile, but is getting them risky?
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the possible risks and complications associated with dental veneers. We’ll also discuss what you can do in case of veneer failure and how to avoid it from happening. Read on to learn more!
Contents Navigation
- 1 What Are Dental Veneers?
- 2 Are Dental Veneers Safe?
- 3 Are There Risks With Getting Veneers?
- 4 Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?
- 5 How Do You Clean Your Teeth Under Veneers?
- 6 How Can A Veneer Fail?
- 7 What Should You Do If Your Veneers Fall Off?
- 8 What Happens If You Swallow A Porcelain Veneer?
- 9 Is There An Alternative To Veneers?
- 10 Why Are Veneers So Popular?
- 11 Final Thoughts
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials that are designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be matched to mimic the look of your natural teeth.
Veneers are an option for people who have dental issues such as:
- Stained or discoloured teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Gaps in between teeth
They can also be used to protect weak teeth and prevent future tooth damage.
The two most common types of dental veneers are:
- Porcelain veneers: These are made from thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over your existing teeth. Porcelain veneers are very strong and durable and resist staining better than other types of veneers. However, the dentist will need to remove a layer of enamel from the teeth to give them space.
- Composite veneers: Composite veneers are made from a tooth-coloured composite resin material. They are less expensive and require only minimal shaping of your teeth. However, they are not as strong as porcelain veneers and are susceptible to staining.
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can enhance the appearance of your teeth. With proper care, they usually last for 10 to 15 years – or even longer – before they need to be replaced. However, despite its popularity, many people are curious about whether or not it carries risks.
The dental veneer procedure typically takes two dental visits. During the first visit, your dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth and then prepare them for the veneers. You’ll be using temporary veneers in the meantime, but once they are ready (which usually takes about 1-2 weeks), you will return to the dentist to have them fitted and bonded to your teeth.
Are Dental Veneers Safe?
Dental veneers are generally considered safe, with a high survival rate. However, as with any dental procedure, there are some risks and complications that you should be aware of.
Are There Risks With Getting Veneers?
There are some risks associated with the procedure. These include:
- Tooth sensitivity: Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures after getting dental veneers. This symptom usually goes away after a few weeks.
- Bite changes: When veneers are poorly fitted or cemented, they may get in the way of your normal bite. This can be very uncomfortable and cause problems with chewing food.
- Allergic reaction: Some people may be allergic to the materials used in dental veneers or to the anaesthetics used for the procedure. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, swelling, and redness.
- Gum tissue irritation: The edges of dental veneers can sometimes irritate your gums, which may lead to gum disease. This is one of the biggest risks of dental veneers. If this happens, contact your dentist to adjust the fit of your veneers.
- Veneer breakage: Dental veneers are strong but can break or chip like natural teeth. If this happens, you will need to have it replaced by your dentist.
If you are considering getting dental veneers, it is important to talk to your dentist about the potential risks and complications involved. In most cases, dental veneers are a safe and effective way to enhance your smile. Nevertheless, every dental procedure is associated with risks.
Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?
Although dental veneers are typically considered safe, there is a possibility that they could damage your teeth.
Veneers are permanently attached to your natural tooth structure; to apply them, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel. This can permanently alter your natural tooth structure and make your teeth more susceptible to damage if too much is removed.
In addition, if dental veneers are not applied correctly, they can come loose and fall off, exposing your natural teeth.
How Do You Clean Your Teeth Under Veneers?
While veneers are durable and long-lasting, they require special care to keep them looking their best. One important thing to remember is that, because they are bonded to your teeth, you must know how to clean them properly.
You should clean your dental veneers just as you would your natural teeth. Here are some tips:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle circular motions when brushing your teeth twice a day. Be sure to brush lightly around the edges of your dental veneers.
- Floss daily using waxed dental floss. Gently insert the floss between your dental veneers and teeth and follow the curve of each tooth.
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or whitening products, as these can damage your dental veneers.
- Be aware of harmful habits such as teeth-grinding, which can cause your veneers to break.
- Avoid hard foods that can chip your veneers, and do not use your teeth as tools.
- See your dentist for checkups, follow-up visits, and regular cleanings to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist can check for any problems with your dental veneers.
Your dentist will normally give you specific instructions on how to care for your dental veneers. Keep in mind. However, that veneer failure is always possible.
How Can A Veneer Fail?
While dental veneers are generally very durable, they can occasionally fail. The most common causes of veneer failure include:
- Trauma: A direct blow to the teeth can cause the veneers to crack or break.
- Poor dental hygiene: If your teeth and veneers are not properly cared for, bacteria can build up behind your veneers. This causes tooth decay and gum disease, which shortens the lifespan of your veneers.
- Clenching or grinding: This can put excessive force on the veneers and cause them to become loose or break.
- Eating hard foods: Biting into hard objects can put too much pressure on the veneers and cause them to crack or break.
- Having active gum disease: Not everyone is a suitable candidate for veneers. Having active gum disease can cause the gums to recede and expose the roots of the teeth. This can make the veneers loosen or fall off. In severe cases, your teeth, along with the veneers, can fall out.
The most common signs of veneer failure include:
- Visible cracks or breaks in the veneer
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Jaw pain when biting or chewing
- Loose or detached veneers
It’s important to watch out for these signs. But in the event that your veneer has fallen off, you must know what to do.
What Should You Do If Your Veneers Fall Off?
Despite their durable and strong nature, veneers can occasionally fall off. If this happens, it is important to go to your dentist and seek dental treatment as soon as possible.
In some cases, they may need to be replaced. However, if the underlying tooth is healthy and the veneers are undamaged, your dentist may be able to reattach them.
What Happens If You Swallow A Porcelain Veneer?
If you have a dental veneer that becomes loose, it’s possible that you could swallow it. However, there’s no need to panic if this happens.
Porcelain veneers are not poisonous and will not cause any harm if swallowed. In most cases, the dental veneer will simply pass through your digestive system and be eliminated in your stool.
However, it’s still important to seek medical attention. Has it been checked by a doctor to make sure that it has not become lodged in your throat or esophagus? This will help put your mind at ease.
Is There An Alternative To Veneers?
Dental veneers can help you achieve your dream of a perfect smile. However, they are not always the right option for every patient. In some cases, other dental procedures may be a better choice. These include:
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a great alternative for people who want to straighten their teeth without resorting to more invasive treatments.
Clear aligners are made of clear plastic, so they are unnoticeable. They’re also removable, so you can take them out for eating and cleaning. And, unlike dental veneers, clear aligners can be removed and replaced if there are any adjustments to your treatment plan. They also don’t require the drilling off of some of your tooth enamel.
Dental Crowns
Like veneers, dental crowns are also made from tooth-coloured materials. However, crowns are placed over your entire tooth instead of being bonded to the front surface of your teeth. This makes them a good choice for correcting more serious dental concerns, such as large cracks or misshapen teeth.
Crowns can also be used to support dental bridges or to cover dental implants. Although they require more preparation than veneers, dental crowns can provide long-lasting results.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular alternative to dental veneers when you are missing one or more teeth.Veneers rely on your natural teeth. On the other hand, dental implants are titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone to support a crown. This makes them stronger, more durable and more stable than veneers.
However, implants are a more expensive option than veneers and require a surgical procedure to insert.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a great alternative to veneers for people who want a bright, healthy smile. Many at-home teeth whitening kits available provide great results with minimal effort. But, in-office or professional teeth whitening is more effective, with faster and more noticeable results.
The main advantage of teeth whitening over dental veneers is that it is much less expensive and less invasive. However, it’s important to note that dental veneers usually last longer than the effects of teeth whitening.
And these procedures can change only the shade of your teeth. They cannot alter your teeth’s shape or repair or conceal dental imperfections.
Ultimately, the ideal treatment for you will depend on your budget, your goals, and your personal preferences.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is another dental restorative procedure that can provide similar results. While dental veneers are made from porcelain, tooth bonding uses a composite resin that is matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
Bonding can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including cracks, chips, and gaps. It is also a more affordable option than dental veneers.
It’s interesting to note that, though there are alternative dental procedures, it has not affected the popularity of dental veneers.
Why Are Veneers So Popular?
There are many reasons why veneers are so popular.
- They can noticeably transform your smile.
- They are very durable and can last for many years with proper care.
- They can be customized to meet your specific needs and goals.
- They are a conservative dental option that does not require extensive preparation of your natural teeth.
- They are more resistant to staining than natural teeth, so they can maintain their bright white colour for many years.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers are a common and effective dental treatment, but they may also pose risks. If you’re considering getting them, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
At Darch Dental Care, we want our patients to have all of the information they need to make an informed choice about their oral health. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dental professionals so that you can discuss your options and find out if dental veneers are the right solution for you.
Please book an appointment online or call us today at (08) 9303 9770 to learn more about this popular treatment option. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.
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