Common myths about porcelain veneers debunked

Dr. Bobby Chhoker

If you are self-conscious about your smile or want to whiten your teeth without potentially affecting the sensitivity of your teeth, it may be time to consider having porcelain veneers fitted.

Much in the same way that a false nail is placed atop a natural nail and held on with glue, veneers are fitted to your teeth and are held in place with strong, dental cement. They can be colour matched or used to whiten your smile, shaped to create a more symmetrical look and conceal any minor gaps that you may have in your teeth. Great!

At Dr Bobby Chhoker, we have extensive experience in whitening and brightening our patients’ smiles using porcelain veneers. We can assess if this treatment is right for you based on your clinical needs and, if so, will be able to fit them with ease. In fact, depending on how many are being fitted, you can get a new smile in a day. Perfect!

But you may have read that veneers are uncomfortable or that they have short lifespans. Here, we discuss 5 myths surrounding having porcelain veneers fitted.

Myth: veneers are noticeable

Actually, if they are fitted by a competent dentist, porcelain veneers can blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. When you come for your consultation with us, we will always ask you what you want the result of your cosmetic treatment to be. So, whether you desire a gleaming white Hollywood smile or a more natural look, we can do both with dental veneers.

Myth: having veneers fitted is uncomfortable

This is one of the few cosmetic dental treatments that do require numbing injections, so it is quite comfortable. Our team will sand off a small layer of the enamel, where the veneers are to be fitted, place some dental cement onto the tooth and press on the veneer. Done!

Myth: veneers require a lot of maintenance

Veneers require the same level of maintenance as natural teeth. Just brush them twice a day, floss, and attend regular dental check-ups and they should last up to 15 years. Just as a side note, you may want to refrain from smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol when you have veneers fitted, as these lifestyle choices can shorten their longevity.

Myth: veneers fall off easily

As they are held in place with dental cement, it is unlikely that they will fall off. If you are worried that one is coming loose, please come and see our team and we will aim to refit it and assess the reasons for this.

Myth: veneers are purely cosmetic

Veneers do indeed offer cosmetic advantages but they can also be used to reduce sensitivity in your teeth since they cover the microscopic holes in your teeth that have been linked to sensitivity. They can also correct minor orthodontic issues and strengthen a tooth following a root canal too. Very versatile!

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.