Dental veneers are a billion-dollar industry, and despite the number of resources out there for patients to read up on (we even have our own hub of dental veneer guides for any questions you may need answering!), there’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation around veneers.
“Veneers are bad for your teeth!”
“Veneers damage your teeth!”
“They have to shave your teeth down to fit veneers!”
“Here’s what they don’t tell you about veneers!”
Well, that simply isn’t true. And as a cosmetic dentist practice who specialise in dental veneers, fitting over 1000 veneers each year and even teaching other dentists our world-famous Trial Smile technique at the Bespoke Smile Academy, we’re best placed to dispel some of these myths.
Veneer myths
So, let’s debunk the most common veneer myths we hear at Bespoke Smile, and discover the truth behind these popular misconceptions.
Do you have to drill teeth for veneers?
The number one most common misconception is that getting veneers requires significant tooth reduction, or ‘teeth drilling’. This is simply not true.
When you choose a cosmetic dentist that offers ultra-thin veneers, or no-prep veneers, there is often no shaving of tooth required at all. Old-fashioned veneers did require significant shaving of the tooth due to the veneer needing to be thick to be strong, however modern dental techniques allow for minimal or no tooth reduction, preserving the natural structure.
What they don’t tell you about veneers is that conservative approaches can still achieve stunning results. The ultra-thin veneers we use here at Bespoke Smile are actually 4x thinner than traditional veneers, meaning minimal or no drilling of the tooth.
Are veneers bad for your teeth?
Some patients who visit us say they’ve heard that veneers are ‘bad for your teeth’ or veneers can ‘damage your teeth’, when in fact the opposite is often true.
When performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist, veneers can actually strengthen teeth by providing an additional layer of protection. Dental veneers, in essence, act as a shield against external factors that might compromise dental health.
Patients who opt for a durable material like porcelain will find that it is extremely resistant, being able to deal with clenching and grinding of teeth while you are asleep.
Do veneers further tooth grinding?
We’ve found the misconception that veneers grind teeth to be completely unfounded. Veneers, when applied correctly, do not contribute to teeth grinding, and in fact, can even be part of a treatment plan to address teeth grinding issues by providing a smooth and even surface.
Are veneers only for cosmetic purposes?
While veneers are renowned for improving the appearance of a smile, and the overall cosmetic benefits, they can also serve functional purposes. Veneers can correct various dental issues, including misalignment, gaps, and uneven teeth, offering both aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement.
Non-cosmetic reasons that you may consider veneers for include:
- Restoring enamel
- Closing gaps between teeth to prevent cavities
- Correcting cracks in teeth
- Protect teeth from grinding
Are veneers painful?
Contrary to popular belief, getting veneers shouldn’t be a painful process. Some cosmetic dentists may use local anaesthesia, however due to the process we use here at Bespoke Smile, the majority of our cases are done with no anaesthetic at all. This is because we do not need to drill the teeth at all, or if drilling is required it is minimal, and therefore there will be no sensitivity or pain whatsoever.
Not sure which veneers are right for you? Take our new Smile Quiz.
Do veneers stain easily?
Another common misconception is that veneers stain easily, however modern dental materials have led to highly stain-resistant veneers. The veneers we use are made of porcelain (ceramic) which do not discolour. Some light staining may build up over a long period of time (20-30 years), but this can be easily removed at a hygienist or cleaning appointment with your dentist.
While maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential, the idea that veneers readily discolour is largely unfounded.
Do veneers break easily?
Concerns about the fragility of veneers are often exaggerated. With proper care and maintenance, dental veneers can last for many years without breaking. We have found that the majority of veneer-related breaks or cracks are attributed to inadequate bonding or poor craftsmanship, rather than inherent weaknesses in the veneer material.
To put it simply, veneers can break, just like a filling or a tooth. However, choosing a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in veneers (like Bespoke Smile) you can minimise the risk of a veneer breaking.
Understanding the reality behind these dental veneer misconceptions means you can make an educated choice about your dental journey, whether you’re choosing dental veneers for cosmetic reasons or to help the health of your teeth.
If you are considering dental veneers or have any questions about the procedure, contact us today to begin your smile journey, or take a look at our dental veneers guide resource hub, to answer any question you could possibly have about veneers! Our experienced cosmetic dentists are here to guide you through the process and help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.