These days, more and more patients are turning toward cosmetic dental solutions like veneers to achieve all of their aesthetic dental goals and send their confidence soaring. However, if you’ve been thinking about getting veneers, you might have a few initial doubts about committing to the treatment. Maybe you’ve heard that veneers can cause some pretty weird or uncomfortable side effects – but the truth is, veneer treatment is very unlikely to harm your dental health and pretty much certain to improve your smile’s appearance tenfold. Continue reading to learn more!
What Issues Can Veneers Address?
Veneers are considered one of the most comprehensive cosmetic treatments available, since there are very few aesthetic issues they can’t handle. The veneers themselves are small, thin shells made from porcelain and designed to mimic your natural tooth structure. They’re bonded over the front surfaces of teeth after a tiny amount of their enamel is removed, to ensure proper placement.
This means that they can cover a very wide assortment of different flaws, including chips, cracks, gaps between the teeth, stubborn areas of staining, and several others. Veneers can even make the teeth appear straighter, saving patients the trouble of having to undergo orthodontic treatment. Better yet, veneers have the potential to last for a decade or longer with the right care, making them a much longer-lasting solution compared to other cosmetic alternatives.
Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About?
You should know that there are no common side effects of getting veneers that are life-threatening; however, there are a few small discomforts you should be aware of, including increased sensitivity. Since your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from any teeth receiving veneers, it is possible for the teeth to feel extra-sensitive whenever you’re eating hot or cold foods. This sensitivity is expected in most cases, but it shouldn’t last for more than a couple of weeks, gradually improving with time. This sensitivity may spread to the gum tissue, causing inflammation and swelling.
It’s also possible for newly-placed veneers to be an incorrect color or shade – while rare, this discoloration can also appear along the edges of the veneers. Plus, although veneers are stain-resistant, the cement used to bond them can still change color over time, leading to a discolored appearance.
Lastly, patients with veneers are at a slightly higher risk of dental trauma; in addition to having slightly less enamel, these teeth are also at risk of suffering damage that knocks the veneers off. Fortunately for teeth that have been treated with veneers, replacing them is usually fairly straightforward.
Once you’re able to make it through the sensitivity phase, your veneers will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Don’t shy away from getting veneers; with very small, tolerable risks and huge upsides, you’ll be glad to finally have the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Young and Dr. Joseph Samona, the team at Forever Young Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Sterling Heights and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services, including numerous cosmetic options like veneers. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (586) 217-3003.