6 MYTHS ABOUT DENTAL VENEERS BUSTED

If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities get their perfect smiles, for many the answer is dental veneers. Once a Hollywood secret, veneers are now widely available from local dental clinics.

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of the teeth to show the designer smile you want. As well as covering up stains and discolouration, they can hide small chips and cracks, straighten a slightly crooked smile and close minor gaps between teeth.

Dental veneers aren’t suitable for everyone, and your dentist will let you know if you’re eligible and about the possible risks when you have your consultation. However, for many people veneers can be a convenient way to improve their smile in just a few trips to the dentist.

Here are some of the common myths and misconceptions people have about this often misunderstood treatment, and how you can set them straight.

Myth 1: Veneers look fake

False

They may have looked bright and synthetic in the past, but dental technology has come a long way. Today’s porcelain and composite veneers can be colour-matched to your natural teeth or adjusted for natural-looking whiteness. Porcelain veneers are especially convincing, as they have a similar sheen to tooth enamel.

Myth 2: Veneers are only cosmetic

False

Most people do choose veneers for aesthetic reasons, but this treatment can also help to straighten teeth that are slightly crooked or close small gaps without possibly having to spend years in orthodontic treatment. If your teeth are worn, damaged or misshapen, veneers can help to restore a natural-looking appearance and help you to chew or speak normally.

Myth 3: Veneers weaken the teeth

False

It’s true that part of the tooth needs to be removed before veneers can be fitted, but this is only a very thin layer – around 1mm – and doesn’t normally weaken the tooth’s structure. In fact, veneers can sometimes help to strengthen and protect weakened teeth. If your teeth are too thin for veneers, your dentist will discuss alternative treatments.

Myth 4: Veneers are easily damaged

False

Veneers are not as strong as natural tooth enamel, but when you follow your dentist’s advice, avoid overly hard or crunchy foods and maintain good oral care every day, your veneers should last for many years. Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite resin veneers and typically last for twice as long.

Myth 5: The treatment is painful

False

Having veneers fitted is no more painful than any other dental procedure, as your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb any pain and may offer other sedation options to help you relax. Your teeth may feel more sensitive to temperature or pressure after the treatment, but this is usually temporary.

Myth 6: Veneers are expensive

False

Although veneers aren’t in everyone’s price range, their association with celebrities makes some people think the treatment is exclusively for the rich. Your dentist can give you an idea of the costs during your consultation and explain what payment plans they have to help make your treatment more affordable. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite resin, but they also tend to be longer lasting.

Find out more about dental veneers in Erskineville

If you’re interested in veneers, teeth whitening or other treatments to change your smile, talk to our team at Sydney Park Dental today.

Call us on (02) 8084 7170 or book an appointment online.

 
References
Australian Dental Association. Whitening, Crowns and Veneers [Online] 2017 [Accessed October 2018] Available from: https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Younger-Adults-18-30/Teeth-Whitening,-Crowns-and-Veneers