Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Veneers are a popular option for people who are wanting to improve the appearance of their teeth. Porcelain veneers are less prone to staining than natural teeth, and are also more durable material, meaning that veneers can be a healthy part of your long term dental care. Veneers change your smile by updating the shape of your teeth and giving you back bright white teeth, leaving patients with ‘a perfect smile.’

However, as veneers are a permanent dental procedure, many patients wonder if porcelain veneers ruin your natural teeth. The short answer is ‘No’. But that doesn’t mean that there should not be careful consideration before deciding to invest in porcelain veneers.

How do porcelain veneers work?

Porcelain veneers are basically porcelain coverings that have been shaped to fit over your tooth. These coverings can change the shape, length, size and color of the tooth, which taken together, can transform the appearance of your smile.

In order to fit the covering over your tooth, your tooth and enamel will be trimmed down – this may be what some people mistakenly believe is ruining their teeth in this procedure. However, this part of the procedure simply makes room in your mouth for the veneer while still giving your teeth a natural look. This aspect of the procedure is permanent and cannot be undone, but the overall result is a whiter & stronger tooth than before.

How to maintain porcelain veneers

There are a few things to keep in mind after you get veneers. The primary one is that your veneers are not indestructible. Just like your natural teeth, regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings are required to maintain your dental health. Additionally, you will want to avoid activities that could cause chips and cracks in your teeth – such as chewing on ice or biting your finger nails. If you grind your teeth at night, you will want to be fitted for a plastic night guard that will protect your teeth from the long-term effects. Regardless of the measures you take, you may need to get veneers updated and replaced with new ones if they become chipped, cracked or loose from the natural tooth.

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Porcelain veneers are a great option for improving the quality of your smile and can be a great option for those looking to hide imperfections such as discoloration or cracked and chipped teeth. Dr. Bowyer has over 15 years of dental care experience in the Vancouver, WA area, including cosmetic dentistry procedures. If you have questions about if veneers are right for you, give our office a call at 360 253 2640 to schedule a free consultation.