The most common MYTHS about DENTAL VENEERS
The treatment with DENTAL VENEERS is one of the most advanced and fashionable dental treatments in recent years. The spectacular results that can be obtained from an aesthetic point of view following this treatment, have made the scale of the treatment to grow a lot in recent years. And together with its popularity, the myths about this treatment have grown too.
Let's see what is true and what is just a myth about dental veneering treatment.
But first, what are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are in the form of very thin foils of ceramic or zirconium. They are applied to the teeth, after a minimally invasive preparation of your teeth. Dental veneers can improve the appearance of teeth, both from a functional point of view, but especially aesthetically. They can cover imperfections such as: chips, diastemas, cracks, discoloration, size, or shape of the tooth.
The beginnings of dental veneers
Although only in recent years this type of treatment has become more and more known and in demand, the idea itself dates back almost a century. In 1928 Dr. Charles PIincus – dentist in California – came up with the idea of 'improving the smiles of the actors on the screens'. The Doctor would apply them temporarily, before filming, a kind of facets that were to be removed after filming.
Thanks to his innovation, the "perfect smiles" of Hollywood actors have become a recognized brand in the film industry. Even now, we still refer to them as "Hollywood Smiles."
While the results could be spectacular, these early veneers had a problem; A good method had not yet been discovered to attach them very well to the natural teeth so that they could last over time. Therefore, 1-2 hours after application, they would peel off. This made this type of treatment unrealistic for the general public at that time.
Accessible and realistic also for the general public
The revolution in this sense, started in the early ‘80s when Drs. J.R. Calamia and R.J. Simonsen introduced new bonding techniques that would prolong the lifespan of the veneers. Although since the ‘80s many progresses have been made, improving this type of treatment, ‘till today there are still quite a few misconceptions and we are going to tackle some of the most common ones.
Myth #1 – Veneers make your teeth look fake or prominent
Everyone has seen at some point teeth with veneers that looked too white, too big, too thick, too plastic, too straight or just completely unnatural. In some cases, this could be due to the patient’s specific request (like: very white teeth). But in general, the result is a direct reflection the skills and experience of the dentist. Well-done veneers look natural and cover the possible natural teeth’s’ imperfections.
The veneers are fully customized and designed to meet the patient's goals and adapt to their physiognomic appearance. Thus, the result can really be an aesthetic improvement of the smile, if done well.
Myth #2 – Dental veneers change color or stain over time
Our natural teeth are covered on the outside with enamel which is a porous layer, making it susceptible to attracting stains. Drinks such as: red wine, coffee, tea or various foods can stain the teeth.
On the contrary, the material from which the veneers are made – such as ceramic – is not porous. So it will not stain in the same way as natural teeth.
This means that if natural teeth stain or change color over time, due to eating/eating habits or aging, teeth with dental veneers keep the same color over time.
Myth #3: Dental veneers are fragile
At the time when they were made of porcelain, the veneers were quite delicate.
Nowadays, the veneers are made of innovative ceramic or zirconium. These materials are actually several times stronger than tooth's enamel.
Myth #4: Veneers will weaken my teeth
Modern veneer treatment techniques require minimal preparation of the tooth. As a result, your tooth enamel will be lightly filled to allow the veneer to better adhere to your tooth and look natural and non-bulky. The structure of your tooth remains largely intact. And the veneer layer can actually provide extra protection to your natural teeth.
Dental veneers can indeed change your smile for the better.
But since this is an irreversible procedure, it is important to be well informed, to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment before taking a decision.
Do you dream of a Hollywood smile? It's possible, just talk to your dentist.
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