You’ve done your research, checked out some before and after pictures, talked to your dentist, and decided that porcelain veneers might be your best option for achieving the radiant smile you’ve always wanted. You share the good news with your friends on Facebook and then, suddenly, you’re inundated with well-intentioned advice telling you how you’re about to make the worst decision of your life. Unfortunately, for every dental procedure your dentist can provide, the internet abounds in urban legends and half-truths warning against those procedures. Let’s delve into some of the more pervasive myths about porcelain veneers and discuss whether they have any truth in them.
Myth #1: Veneers Look Fake
Veneers make your teeth the look overly large and horsey, too white, too uniform, and just plain fake. Veneers look no better than a bad pair of dentures.
Truth Be Told
Good veneers don’t look like veneers; they look like healthy, natural, beautiful teeth. In the hands of a skilled cosmetic dentist who partners with a quality dental lab, veneers are custom-designed and handcrafted to fit the dimensions of your smile. Prior to placing veneers, your dentist will remove a miniscule layer of enamel, so that the veneer rests in a natural position along the gums, without looking too large or horsey. In addition, a good cosmetic dentist knows that even the most beautiful teeth aren’t pure white and perfectly uniform in nature. While designing your veneers, your dentist will take into account the shading and shape of your real teeth, so that the veneers maintain a true-to-life esthetic. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, ask to look at some case photographs so you can see whether they have the proven skill to help you achieve the smile you want.
Myth #2: Veneers Cause Tooth Sensitivity
Once you have veneers placed, your teeth will hurt every time you sip your coffee or eat an ice cream cone.
Truth Be Told
While most patients experience moderate tooth sensitivity while wearing their temporary veneers, that sensitivity usually disappears once the dentist places the permanent set. Modern veneers are made from dental porcelain, a sturdy, translucent type of ceramic that looks like real tooth enamel. Porcelain is a poor conductor of hot and cold, making it an ideal material for dental restorations.
Myth #3: Veneers Means Restricting Your Diet
Say goodbye to hard foods, crunchy foods, and anything that’s darkly colored, like red wine or coffee.
Truth Be Told
This widely held myth has its origins in reality. Dentists do warn their patients to avoid habits that can damage the veneers (like crunching on ice cubes or hard candies) and they do advise that patients take measures to avoid prolonged exposure of dark food and drinks to the veneers. However, dentists do not tell their patients to permanently restrict their favorite foods and drinks. Rather, patients are advised to practice habits that will minimize the risk of damage or staining. For instance, after drinking red wine, coffee, or tea, rinsing the mouth with water will reduce the chances of staining. Rather than crunching on hard candies, suck on them or, even better, switch to a softer treat, like ice cream.
About Mansfield Dental Associates:
At Mansfield Dental Associates, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris share the same vision and philosophy when it comes to patient care. We provide thorough, compassionate preventive dental services in addition to a full menu of restorative, cosmetic, and prosthetic dentistry. Contact our Mansfield, TX dentist office at 817-473-6227 to schedule your next appointment.
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