When you have a tooth (or multiple teeth) that is misshaped, cracked, chipped or even discolored, your self-esteem and self-confidence can often take a massive dive. Luckily, there are cosmetic dentistry procedures that can cover these imperfections up and help provide you with a natural-looking, beautiful smile again. One treatment that can be done is the placement of porcelain veneers. Like other dental procedures, veneers do have certain risks. Therefore, it is important that you understand these risks before undergoing the procedure. Read on to learn more.
Risk 1: Veneers May Result in Some Tooth Sensitivity
For a veneer to be placed, part of the tooth's dental enamel must be removed, which is what makes the process irreversible. The enamel is broken down so that the veneer will properly and securely fit and affix to the tooth. When this enamel is removed, it causes closer exposure of the nerves. The enamel is essentially in place to help protect your teeth from significant damage and insulate the nerves so that no discomfort is felt when eating or drinking something that is exceptionally hot or cold. Therefore, when this enamel wears down or is intentionally broken down by a dentist for veneer placement, you may experience heightened tooth sensitivity.
Risk 2: Veneers May Require Replacement at Some Point
Over time, your veneers may need to be replaced. This could be as a result of discoloration or wear from daily use. The typical lifespan of a porcelain veneer is roughly 20 years, but this is only if you take proper care of your teeth after the veneer has been placed. Replacements will be necessary sooner if you have bad dental habits, such as chewing pen caps, frequently biting down on ice or tooth grinding.
Risk 3: Veneers Can Still Decay
The best thing about veneers is that they are very natural-looking; in other words, they look just like real teeth rather than fake teeth. Just like regular teeth, veneers are prone to plaque build-up, staining, and other dental problems. Plus, your teeth are still behind the veneer, since it is only a thin material that covers the front surface of your tooth, which means that they can still develop a cavity and endure decay. Therefore, you need to maintain your daily oral hygiene routine so that you can keep your real teeth and your veneers in the best shape possible. This includes not forgetting regular cleanings and dental check-ups.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Dentist for More Information
These are two of the risks associated with porcelain veneers. Even with these risks, porcelain veneers are often one of the most attractive and effective ways to treat your cosmetic dental problems. Consult with a dentist to learn more about the aforementioned risks, as well as the benefits of porcelain veneers. Your dentist can then help you understand and evaluate all potential repair options so that you can start down the road to a beautiful smile once again.
For more information, contact a professional like those at Advanced Family Dental Care LLC.
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