Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Veneer treatment is non-reversible. This means that once you’ve opted for veneers, you’re going to have to wear veneers for the rest of your life. It’s essential that patients think about the long-term impact of treatment, not just the short-term benefits.

Veneer treatment explained

Veneers are porcelain shells that fit over the front of the teeth to change the appearance of the smile. They are commonly used to address perceived imperfections such as staining, misalignments, gaps and asymmetries.

In order to place the veneer on the teeth, we first need to prepare the underlying tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This helps to make sure that the veneers form a strong bond with the teeth while also stopping them from looking too bulky.

Once this enamel has been removed, it cannot be replaced. This is why patients have to continue wearing veneers for the rest of their lives, as the underlying tooth would quickly become damaged and sensitive without protection.

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

Veneers don’t ruin your teeth, but they do alter the surface of the tooth in such a way that you’ll need to wear a veneer from that point on. The veneer provides protection for the tooth following the removal of the tooth enamel. The supporting teeth should not be damaged by the presence of the veneer, and the veneer will often provide protection and support. 

This is very different to some smile makeover treatments that use crowns for each individual tooth. This can lead to over-preparation of the tooth, which can cause long-term pain and complications, often leading to extractions.

Long-term planning for veneers

Veneers will typically last for around 12-15 years before they need to be repaired or replaced. It’s possible for veneers to come loose or damaged much earlier, particularly if the wearer struggles to follow the aftercare advice.

Certain foods will increase the risk of damage or loss of the veneer, including very hard and crunchy items, or very sticky items like toffee. Using the front teeth to tear sellotape or bite into ice is also high risk for cracking or breaking the veneer material.

Through careful use and regular dental checkups, patients can often extend the life of their veneers. It’s also important for patients to budget for future replacements, as they will need to continue wearing veneers. 

This is particularly important to highlight, as patients are choosing to get veneers at a younger age, often not considering the long-term impact on their oral health. Veneers should be used as a last resort for improving the smile, after all other cosmetic procedures have been explored or ruled out.

If you’re curious about cosmetic treatments to help upgrade your smile and your confidence, get in touch with Armytage Dental & Implant Centre today.