Are Veneers Safe?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves placing a thin layer of material over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. While veneers can help to enhance the look of teeth and give individuals a brighter smile, concerns have been raised about whether they can cause damage to natural teeth.

Veneers have been a hot topic on social media recently, with several horror stories popping up.

Are veneers safe?

We spoke with Janine (name changed for privacy) who traveled overseas to get her veneers to discuss her experience.

Janine had always been self-conscious about her teeth, so she decided to get veneers to improve their appearance and feel proud of her smile. She found a dentist overseas who offered the procedure at a lower cost than dentists in her area, so she went ahead with the treatment.

Initially, Janine was pleased with the appearance of her veneers, but it wasn’t long before she started experiencing problems. The veneers were uncomfortable and ill-fitting, causing her gums to become irritated and swollen. She also noticed that the veneers were starting to lift and become discolored.

Janine went back to the dentist, but he was dismissive of her concerns and told her that the veneers were fine. Frustrated and unhappy with the results, Janine sought the advice of another dentist who informed her that the veneers were poorly made and fitted. It turned out that the dentist she had gone to had used low-quality materials and had not properly prepared her teeth for the veneers.

Janine had to undergo extensive corrective work to have the veneers removed and replaced with new ones. The experience was painful, time-consuming, and expensive. She learned the hard way that going for a cheaper option when it comes to veneers can lead to disastrous consequences.

This horror story highlights the importance of choosing a reputable dentist and investing in high-quality materials when it comes to veneers. It also underscores the need for proper care and maintenance to ensure that veneers last as long as possible.

Now, experienced cosmetic dentists are on a mission to dispel the misconceptions about veneers.

An article by Smile Creative, a dental practice based in Ballarat, answers the question “are veneers bad for my teeth?” The article explains that while veneers themselves do not cause damage to teeth, the process of placing veneers can involve some removal of natural tooth enamel. This removal is necessary to ensure a good fit and appearance of the veneer.

However, the amount of enamel removed during the process of placing veneers is typically minimal and does not pose a significant risk to dental health. In fact, veneers can often be used as a solution to restore the appearance of teeth that have already been damaged or worn down due to factors such as grinding or acid erosion.

The article also highlights the importance of proper dental hygiene and care when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and veneers.

It’s important to:

• Brush and floss regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Limit intake of staining foods and drinks and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.

In summary, while the process of placing veneers may involve some removal of natural tooth enamel, this is typically minimal and does not pose a significant risk to dental health. Veneers can be a useful solution for enhancing the appearance of teeth, but proper dental hygiene and care are crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and veneers.