Veneers are an accessible way to restore and revamp your smile without the pain and recovery time of implants. However, they’re still an investment, so it’s wise to research the risks and disadvantages before diving in. What good is cosmetic dentistry if it comes at the cost of your oral health?
Thankfully, veneers do not damage your natural teeth. They’re safe, long-lasting, and can even protect your teeth from chips, cracks, and enamel loss. There are risks, but they are mostly limited to poor maintenance and poor application.
NOT TAKING CARE OF YOUR VENEERS CAN LEAD TO TOOTH DAMAGE
At the end of the day, your veneers become part of your teeth. Not taking care of your veneers means not taking care of your teeth. Not only can your teeth still decay, but the veneers can wear, chip, and break. Damaged veneers can be dangerous as any jagged pieces still attached to the tooth can cut your mouth and gums.
While tooth decay destabilizes the foundation for the veneer (the tooth itself), the veneer will not rot. A veneer may give the illusion of teeth that are well taken care of, but they don’t take the place of good oral hygiene.
WHAT HAPPENS IF VENEERS AREN’T PUT ON CORRECTLY?
Veneers are created to mold seamlessly to your existing teeth. Usually, they are made of porcelain and bonded to the tooth with strong adhesive composites. It’s essential that they are completely bonded, so no gaps or cracks exist between the veneer and the tooth.
If any gaps exist, bacteria can get in between the porcelain shell and the tooth where no toothbrush can reach. Consequently, the tooth decays under the veneer. This accumulation of bacteria can also cause gum recession and periodontitis (gum disease).
Other risks of improperly applied veneers include:
- Pain and sensitivity under the veneer
- Permanent damage to the enamel
- Failing veneers that fall off, chip, or break prematurely
- Malocclusion (an imperfect bite)
- Nerve damage
How Do I Know if My Dentist is Qualified to Do My Veneers?
There are a few ways to tell if your dentist is capable of doing your procedure. It won’t hurt to ask about their experience with veneers, but you can also find information on their website about their qualifications. Here are some things to look out for:
- Association or Academy memberships. If your dentist is a part of one or more associations or memberships, this shows a commitment to accountability, professional development, and a high quality of care.
- Positive reviews. Read about the behavior, skills, and success stories of your dentist through their reviews. People usually have no motivation to post a positive review other than gratitude for a job well done. This can be a good way to know if you should place your trust in that person.
- Specialties and certifications. When a dentist has put extra time and devotion into getting a specialty or certification, they have undergone extra testing, training, and fellowships to become experts in their field.
OUR COSMETIC DENTIST IN WESTMONT IL CAN RESTORE YOUR SMILE
At Evolve Family Dentistry, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to every client. We didn’t stop after completing our fellowships and specializing in our fields. Rather, we constantly work at our practice to provide the best dentistry has to offer. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about your restorative dentistry options, including veneers, call (630) 812-7755 or fill out our contact form.
