If you have minor dental imperfections such as chipped teeth, discoloration, or misalignment, getting a cosmetic restoration procedure can help improve the appearance of your smile. Getting a veneer is one of the most effective cosmetic restoration procedures to attain whiter and straighter teeth.
Patients who are hoping to get a veneer often wonder if the procedure will damage or ruin their teeth. The direct answer to this question is ânoâ. Veneers donât damage your teeth. As long as it is properly done from the onset and you continue to take care of your teeth after the procedure, then you have nothing to worry about. Having said this, it is important to note that veneers have aesthetic benefits at first. They cannot protect your natural teeth from decay or stop dental issues that are already ongoing before you got the veneers. Keep reading to learn more about veneers as well as the potential downsides and risks of getting one.
What are the Disadvantages of Veneers?
A veneer is an effective solution for various types of teeth issues. However, like all dental procedures, they do have a few downsides. The first and perhaps the biggest reason why most people donât get this procedure is the cost. Veneers tend to be quite expensive. According to the ADA, you can expect to pay between $925 and $2,500 for each tooth. The exact cost of the procedure depends on other factors such as the condition of your natural teeth and the material. Other possible downsides of getting a veneer include:
Irreversible:
Getting a veneer usually involves chipping down part of your enamel h to accommodate the veneer shell. This process is irreversible and youâll have to wear veneers for life once you get it done. This also means thereâs no room for error or do-overs. If the veneer is not properly done the first time, nothing can be done to correct it.
Sensitivity:
Some patients report sensitivity to hot and cold after getting veneers. This is common with many dental procedures. Your cosmetic dentists will recommend the foods and beverages you should avoid to avoid issues.
Discoloration:
Although veneers are used to cover up discoloration, it might be a problem if discoloration continues after the veneers. Youâll have to avoid some foods and beverages such as coffee, wine, or tea especially if you got composite resin veneers as these are more vulnerable to staining.
As you can see these are some of the downsides of getting veneers. However, most of the problem is linked to how the procedure is done in the first place. As long as the process is handled by a professional and you continue to follow recommendations afterward thereâs hardly anything to worry about.
What Are The Risks Of Dental Veneers?
Complications due to dental veneers are quite uncommon. However, as with any dental procedure, there are a few risks that may occur in some cases either during the procedure itself or after. Some of these risks include:
- Allergic reaction to anesthetics if used during the procedure
- Breakage or cracking
- Increase in natural teeth sensitivity
- Infection
- Staining
Can You Go Back To Normal Teeth After Porcelain Veneers?
The short answer to this question is No. While veneers are not permanent, it is important to note that theyâre not reversible as well. It might be possible for a cosmetic dentist to remove them using specialized tools. The bonding also wears off after a few years. However, even after removing your veneers, you cannot return to your normal teeth.
During the procedure to add veneers to your natural teeth, the cosmetic dentist will remove some of the surface layers of your enamel. They will also roughen the surface of your natural tooth a little to ensure the veneer bonds with it properly. This change in the texture of your natural teeth is permanent and it cannot be reversed even if the veneer is removed.
Remineralization might be possible if only tooth prep has been done but the veneer has not been added. However, once the veneers have been fitted, you have to wear one permanently. It typically lasts for about 10 years after which youâll need to get new ones. Because veneers are irreversible, you must get the best quality dental care from certified dental professionals.
Who Cannot Have Veneers?
As great as they are, veneers are not for everyone. When you speak to the professionals at our dental clinic, they will tell you if theyâre right for you and why you should not get veneers if theyâre unsafe. Generally, the following categories of people should not get a dental veneer:
If you have tooth decay
Whether you have a cavity already or your tooth is showing signs of demineralization, it is best not to get a veneer. If your enamel is compromised in any way, adding a veneer on top of it is a bad idea. It might make it look good for a while, but the underlying structural issue will continue and may worsen over time. Before getting veneers at our dental office in London Ontario, our professional cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth first and will recommend a treatment plan to correct the decay and restore your teeth to optimal health.
People with gingivitis or gum disease
Gingivitis and other gum issues cause irritation, bleeding, and other nasty side effects. Placing a veneer on a tooth like this can lead to serious complications. The bleeding or swelling of the gum is likely to worsen and this will prevent your veneers from fitting in properly. Gingivitis might also cause the gum to recede with time if the condition persists. The result is that receding gum will reveal the margin of the veneer where it was attached to your teeth, making it look uneven again even if the condition is treated. If you have gum issues, they must be treated first before you can get veneers.
People who grind their teeth
People who grind their teeth due to prolonged stress, anxiety, or bad bite are not great candidates for veneers. Composite veneers are more easily affected by teeth grinding, but even porcelain veneers may get damaged over time if grinding persists. A stronger alternative treatment plan such as braces might be recommended instead of veneers.
Do Veneers Cause Gum Recession?
No. it doesnât. While people that have had veneers added to their teeth may suffer from gum recession, the veneer isnât the cause of the recession. It could be as a result of a gum infection or disease, teeth grinding, aggressive brushing, or smoking. In fact, people that have suffered from a gum recession in the past can get porcelain veneers as a part of their treatment. It will help cover up the exposed part of their teeth, which is great for the appearance and general wellness of their teeth.
Is getting Porcelain veneers a good idea?
Porcelain veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry that can be used to improve the appearance of chipped or broken teeth. The veneer is a thin, porcelain shell that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. Once in place, the porcelain veneer can help to restore the natural shape and color of the tooth. In addition, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining and can last for many years with proper care. However, porcelain veneers are not right for everyone. The procedure is considered to be irreversible, and it can be quite costly. In addition, porcelain veneers may not be covered by dental insurance. As a result, it is important to consult with a dentist before making a decision about whether or not porcelain veneers are right for you.
Am I a candidate for dental veneers?

If you are considering veneers, you may be wondering if you are a candidate. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front of teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, or misshapen. Veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth. Dental implants are another option for improving the appearance of your smile. However, implants require surgery and can be more expensive than veneers.
How many veneers will you need? That depends on the number of teeth that you want to improve. Composite veneers can usually be done in one office visit. Porcelain veneers may require two visits.
Will getting veneers ruin your natural teeth? No, but there is a small chance that your natural teeth could be damaged during the procedure. If this happens, it is usually minor and can be fixed with bonding or crowns.
There is no âone size fits allâ answer to the question of whether or not you are a candidate for veneers. In order to determine whether you are a candidate for veneers, Sbenati Dentistry, your cosmetic dentistry in London Ontario, will assess the condition of your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
When the conditions are right and the procedure is properly implemented, porcelain veneers can be quite beneficial for your tooth. At the end of the day, results depend on the dental professional that works with you on the procedure. For reliable and professional dental veneers in London Ontario, visit our dental office to talk to a certified professional. We will carefully examine your situation and recommend the best approach to go about your treatment in order to achieve the best result possible.
Visit us at Sbenati Dentistry, our dentist office in London Ontario to speak about your case and get recommendations about your treatment options. Call us (519) 474 – 0220.