Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

There’s something empowering about having a healthy and beautiful smile. From boosting your confidence, drawing others in and leaving a lasting impression, a stunning smile has benefits beyond making you look great in every photo op. 

But what happens when imperfections like stains, gaps between teeth or misshapen teeth rob you of that beautiful smile? Cue in the self-consciousness. 

Now, this is where dental veneers come in as a popular cosmetic dental solution to improve your smile. While you’re probably excited to restore your smile to perfection, there may be a nagging fear about whether veneers can damage your teeth. 

It’s a common question we get asked all the time and a valid concern because getting veneers is a significant investment. The short answer? No, they don’t ruin your teeth, provided you care for your veneers and oral health. 

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of dental veneers to put your worries to rest. 

What are Veneers? 

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells made of porcelain crafted to blend seamlessly with your smile. Custom-made to match the size, shape and colour of your natural teeth (because one size certainly doesn’t fit all), these porcelain veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth, dental imperfections, such as: 

• Stained and discoloured teeth 
• Chipped or broken teeth 
• Misshapen teeth 
• Crooked teeth 
• Small gaps or spaces between teeth 

With our veneers that replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth, nobody will be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and veneers. 

How Are Veneers Attached to Your Teeth? 

The process of getting veneers at Melton Dental involves 3 easy steps:

1. Initial Consultation: When you visit us for a consultation, we will listen to your needs and discuss your treatment options in detail. We will map out a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs with the help of cutting-edge 3D scanning technology. 
2. Fabrication of Veneers: Our experienced and skilled cosmetic dentists will craft your dental veneers using smile design technology. We will sculpt your dental veneers with meticulous attention to detail and precision, ensuring every contour and shade aligns with your vision. 
3. Treatment: With our smile design technology will give you a glimpse of what your smile will look like. Once we get your seal of approval, we will begin treatment by removing a thin layer of enamel to ensure the veneers bond well to your teeth. A local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the area and minimise discomfort.

P.S.: If you are thinking about whitening your teeth, we suggest you do it before getting veneers because teeth whitening treatments aren’t effective on veneers. In case you have any dental problems like gum disease or decay, we will address them first to ensure the overall success of the treatment. 

Can Your Teeth Rot Under Veneers? 

While dental veneers are meant to enhance your smile, common mistakes in the application of veneers or oral hygiene may cause certain problems that could damage your natural teeth, like tooth decay.

Here’s the thing – your teeth should not rot under veneers. 

If your veneers are bonded to your teeth properly, there’s no room for your teeth to rot under your veneers. However, in the case of improper application of veneers, bacteria and food particles can collect between your teeth and veneers, causing problems like tooth decay and gum disease. 

But wait, there’s more. Neglecting the care of your veneers and oral health coupled with sugary indulgences and a diet high in sugar, is also a recipe for tooth troubles, especially because veneers cover only the front surface of your tooth. This leaves space for plaque and bacteria to build up in other areas of your teeth, resulting in decay or cavities. 

Signs Your Teeth Are Rotting Under Veneers

We’ve said it once, but we’ll say it again: under normal circumstances, your teeth should not rot under veneers. However, it’s never a bad idea to be in the know about signs that your tooth may be rotting under your veneers: 

• Your veneers feel loose. 
• The tooth is loose.
• Your veneers may come off completely. 
• Red, swollen and bleeding gums. 
• Discomfort and sensitivity in your teeth. 
• Pain when biting or chewing. 

If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to consult your dentist immediately. Our dentist may remove your veneer if you are showing signs of severe tooth decay, and if the tooth is salvageable, we will replace the veneer after treating the decay. 

How To Care For Your Teeth with Veneers? 

Keeping your teeth and veneers looking their best and lasting for as long as they should ultimately boils down to how well you care for them. Here are a few helpful tips: 

1. Maintain good oral hygiene: Getting veneers doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once to prevent decay-causing food particles and plaque from accumulating around your veneers or between your teeth. 
2. Cut down on sugary and acidic foods and drinks: From enamel erosion to tooth decay, sugary and acidic foods can cause problems for your teeth, making it best to cut down on them. When the temptation is too much, and you indulge in them, make sure to clean your teeth afterwards. 
3. Use an electric toothbrush: Great for cleaning even the most hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, electric toothbrushes make cleaning your teeth and veneers easy without applying too much pressure or causing harm. 
4. Visit your dentist: Schedule a check-up every six months for a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar buildup and keep your smile healthy. 
5. Wear a retainer or splint if you grind your teeth: Grinding your teeth can damage your veneers, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. Speak with our friendly dentist for treatment options like retainers or splints. 
6.  Choose the right dentist: A good cosmetic dentist can make a big difference in ensuring the proper application of veneers and longevity. At Melton Dental, our dentists are experienced in cosmetic dentistry and all things veneers. Bring your dream smile to life without compromising your teeth with us. 

Can Veneers Damage Your Natural Teeth? 

So, are veneers bad for your teeth? Not in the hands of our skilled dentists combined with diligent care on your part.  

Our experienced team at Melton Dental have years of experience helping patients feel good about their smiles. Whether you’re contemplating veneers, seeking guidance or facing trouble with loose veneers, we are here to help with solutions tailored to your needs. 

Schedule an appointment now to enjoy a beautiful smile that will last for years with custom-made veneers!