Is it True That Porcelain Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?
Porcelain veneers are custom shells of dental porcelain that can renew your smile. A dentist adheres veneers to your teeth with dental bonding. Still, many people wonder: Will veneers ruin your teeth?
No matter how familiar you are with cosmetic dentistry, you’re always going to have questions about a procedure you’re interested in. One of the most asked questions we receive at Tempe Family Dentistry about porcelain veneers is if they ruin your teeth. As one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, we receive this question quite often.
Simply put, the answer is no. Porcelain veneers don’t ruin your teeth. Our professional cosmetic dentists are here to help you understand the porcelain veneers procedure better so you can feel entirely confident in us.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Before we get into the specifics about how porcelain veneers affect your teeth, we thought it would be helpful to help our patients understand exactly what porcelain veneers are. Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that we shape to go over the front of your teeth. We can shape or color the veneers however we need to provide you with the results you desire. Typically these thin sheets of porcelain last for as long as ten years before you need to replace them with a new set. In the years that you have them, your smile will look amazing day after day!
How Porcelain Veneers Affect Your Teeth
Porcelain veneers don’t harm your teeth in any way as long as you see a qualified cosmetic dentist like ours at Burkburnett Family Dental. The first step to providing our patients with veneers includes taking x-rays to make sure their teeth are healthy and free of tooth decay. Sometimes we may need to treat your teeth before we can begin your treatment.
Once your teeth are healthy and ready to go, we need to prep your teeth. To prep your teeth for porcelain veneers, we must first remove a thin layer of your enamel to make room for the veneers. Although this might sound harmful to your teeth, it’s not because we’re bonding veneers over your teeth. Your teeth will have even more protection than before and not experience staining like with natural teeth. We then use a special bonding cement to bond the veneer to your teeth. The bonding material is completely safe and does not harm your teeth. This simple procedure provides you with beautiful results that provide your teeth with protection and prevent stains.
Over the next decade, you will enjoy your beautiful porcelain veneers. Eventually, you will need to replace them with a new set so they stay looking amazing, but regardless of how many veneers you have over the years, you won’t ruin your teeth. Your teeth are still safe and protected underneath the veneers.
Cleaning Your Veneers
Caring for your veneers will extend their life. To clean, protect, and maintain your veneers, you should have an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce your risk of gum disease. Refrain from chewing on hard items, such as ice, pens, or your fingernails. Also, regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings help ensure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible too.