Veneers – Northborough, MA

Are Veneers Permanent?

A set of veneers will eventually wear out. However, they considered a permanent treatment. During the preparation part of the veneers process, a bit of enamel must be removed from the teeth. This is so that the veneers will look and feel as natural as possible. The removed enamel will never grow back, meaning that your teeth may be extra sensitive. They may also look odd. The veneers protect the teeth as well as enhance their appearance. As long as you have them or another type of restoration, your teeth can remain healthy and strong. Do not let the permanent nature of this treatment scare you. The vast majority of people who get them have no regrets about their choice!

Is There Anything I Cannot Eat with Veneers?

During your treatment process, you will wear temporary veneers for a while. They are more vulnerable to stains and damage than their permanent counterparts, so you should be careful to avoid biting down on hard foods and consuming large amounts of dark beverages. It is also important that you are cautious with sticky foods, which might pull the veneers out of place.

Once your permanent veneers are attached to your teeth, you can feel free to enjoy virtually any food or drink in moderation. However, you should continue to be cautious with hard objects that might break or chip the porcelain.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

Veneers do not change the actual positions of your teeth. Therefore, they cannot correct bite problems. If you have a significant overbite, underbite, or another orthodontic issue, you may need to get braces or clear aligners before you move forward with veneers.

With that being said, you may choose to disguise minor misalignment with veneers. For example, they can make teeth appear longer and thereby hide a minor open bite. They are also often able to close small gaps between teeth and address other issues that have a bearing on your appearance but that are not a significant threat to your oral health.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The lifespan of veneers can vary. A 2007 study found that 93% of veneers lasted 10 – 11 years, while 73% lasted 15 – 16 years. A separate study, conducted in 2012, produced even more encouraging results. It found that 83% of veneers lasted 20 years. If you stick to good habits, regularly visit your cosmetic dentist in Northborough, and are careful to avoid doing anything that could damage your veneers, it is entirely possible that your set will last for close to 30 years or longer.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

In order to prepare your teeth for veneers in Northborough, a thin layer of enamel is gently removed from their front surfaces in order to allow the veneers to fit properly and look natural. (Usually, just 0.5 – 1.0 millimeters is removed. This is roughly the width of a fingernail or contact lens.) This process preserves most of your tooth structure, providing a stable foundation for the veneers. While the enamel removal process cannot be reversed, it is a necessary part of veneers treatment, and it will not compromise your long-term oral health.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

If you love to wake up every day with a cup of coffee, veneers will not disrupt your routine. Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from dark liquids like coffee, tea, and wine. Therefore, you can enjoy your favorite beverages in moderation without worrying that they will dim your smile’s beauty.

However, it is important to keep in mind that excessive consumption could cause discoloration over time. In order to err on the side of caution, you may choose to drink coffee through a straw so it has minimal contact with your teeth.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Traditional whitening treatments do not work on porcelain or composite veneers. The color of your veneers remains unchanged even if whitening agents are applied. If your veneers start to become discolored, you might need to get them polished or even replaced altogether.

If you are unhappy with the color of your natural teeth, you may choose to get them whitened before you move forward with veneers. Then, your veneers can be shade-matched to blend in with your recently brightened smile.

Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?

Veneers have smooth and comfortable surface that closely resembles the look and feel of real enamel. Veneers are custom-crafted to match the shape and contours of your existing teeth, making them blend seamlessly with your smile. Over time, you will likely forget you have veneers as they become an integral part of your daily routine.

If your veneers feel uncomfortable (for example, if they seem too big), talk to our team about your concerns. We might be able to modify them in a way that creates a more natural feel.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

If you are concerned about discomfort during the veneer process, rest assured that our practice prioritizes your comfort. The preparation and placement of veneers involves minimal pain; we use local anesthetic used to numb the area and reduce any sensation. Most patients report only mild sensitivity or pressure during the procedure, which typically subsides soon afterward.

If you experience any ongoing or severe discomfort related to your veneer procedure, let us know right away. We will strive to take steps to alleviate the situation.