Veneers have become increasingly popular as a cosmetic dental treatment, promising a dazzling smile transformation. But online (especially on social media), a wealth of information — and misinformation — about veneers is circulating. It can be overwhelming to separate fact from fiction.
In this post, our Trenton, Hamilton, and Ewing dental experts will debunk some of the most common myths and provide you with the truth about veneers. From the procedure itself to the care involved, we’ll cover it all. So, if you’re considering veneers or simply curious about them, keep reading!
Myth 1: Veneers Are Only Cosmetic
While veneers are undeniably transformative for your smile’s appearance, they provide more than just aesthetic appeal. Veneers offer functional benefits beyond cosmetic purposes, including:
- Protect damaged teeth: Acting as a shield, veneers can protect teeth prone to chipping or cracking. They can also fix the appearance of existing cracked or chipped teeth, creating a more confident smile.
- Correct minor bite issues: By adjusting the shape of your teeth, veneers can help improve bite alignment. However, if your dental issues are severe (such as missing or severely misaligned teeth), we may need to help correct your existing teeth with orthodontics or bite alignment devices before we install veneers.
- Cover gaps: Veneers can subtly close small gaps between your natural teeth without resorting to orthodontics. We offer options that blend seamlessly into your smile, including both composite resin and porcelain veneers for front teeth or your entire mouth.
- Enhance your smile’s overall health: By improving your bite and protecting your teeth, veneers can contribute to better oral health.
Myth 2: Veneers Are Painful to Install
Modern dental procedures prioritize patient comfort. The process of getting veneers typically involves:
- Minimal tooth preparation: A small amount of tooth enamel is removed from the front surface of the teeth. Both the tooth reduction and veneer installation are typically done with numbing gel or injected local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort. You may experience slight sensitivity or tenderness after the procedure.
- Advanced bonding techniques: Dentists use specialized cement and bonding methods designed to be gentle on your mouth and each tooth’s surface.
- Pain management options: If necessary, your dentist can prescribe pain relievers or offer another effective solution.
Myth 3: Veneers Are Hard to Care For
Another of the most common myths about veneers is that they are hard to care for. In fact, dental veneers are surprisingly low-maintenance. With proper care, including regular brushing and flossing, modern and traditional veneers can continue enhancing your smile for many years. To maintain your veneers:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup on both the veneers and under the natural tooth structure.
- Avoid stain-causing substances: Although stain-resistant materials are available, the majority of veneers stain like normal teeth. With this in mind, limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to prevent discolored teeth.
- Protect your teeth: Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to prevent damage to your veneers. Ask your dental care provider about getting a custom guard fitted for maximum protection.
- Regular dental checkups: Schedule routine dental exams to monitor the health of your veneers and underlying teeth.
Myth 4: Veneers Are Unaffordable
Getting a perfect smile is often seen as expensive, but at Hamilton Dental Associates, we believe that cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to break the bank. We make it easier for patients to invest in this state-of-the-art dental technology in a variety of ways, mainly by offering our own HDA Access plan and working with your insurance provider. Remember that high-quality porcelain or composite resin veneers provide many years of smile enhancement with proper care, making them a worthwhile investment in your confidence.
Myth 5: Veneers Don’t Require a Professional
Over the past few months, an alarming trend has popped up on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media sites: ordinary people with no dental training claiming to be “veneer techs” and so-called dental health practitioners offering “veneer tech training.” While we understand the appeal of saving a few bucks, we promise one thing: your oral health is NOT worth getting veneers from one of these swindlers! There is no such thing as a “veneer technician,” and anyone claiming to be one does not have your best interests in mind. To ensure your safety and achieve optimal results, it is crucial to seek treatment from a licensed and experienced dentist.
Attempting to apply veneers without proper knowledge and expertise can lead to severe oral health consequences, including tooth damage, tooth loss, bone damage, and even severe injury or death. Unsterilized tools and environments can introduce harmful bacteria into your mouth, causing infections such as dental sepsis, which can be fatal. Many so-called “veneer techs” perform operations in their homes, which cannot be properly sterilized. Others have been caught passing off temporary veneers as so-called permanent veneers — or using “veneer kits” bought from cheap online marketplaces that contain ineffective or even toxic materials. In addition, botched veneer jobs often result in costly corrective procedures, negating the money you “saved” in the first place.
Contact the Experts Today!
Dentists undergo rigorous education and training to master the intricacies of dental procedures, including veneer placement. They possess the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to deliver safe, effective, and proper care, including the perfectionistic approach and supplies that modern veneers require. Don’t risk your beautiful smile or compromise your oral health with the average person you find on social media or buy into common myths you read online. Instead, visit Hamilton Dental Associates or call us to schedule an initial consultation with a dentist in Bordentown, NJ. We’ll help you get the smile you’ve always wanted!
