Dental Myths and Truths About Porcelain Veneers

Do you have worn, miss-shaped, crooked or stained teeth? If so, dental veneers offer one of the easiest ways to rejuvenate the aesthetics of your smile without the need for invasive or highly complicated procedures.

First developed in the 1930s as a quick way to alter the appearance of the teeth of Hollywood stars, dental veneers have come a long way in terms of its widespread acceptance and clinical adoption. It owes its relatively recent popularity to rapid advancements in dental technology and material sciences over the last 20 years or so. Unfortunately, in tandem with its growth and traction, myths about porcelain veneers have also spread.

When it comes to scientific procedures, one cannot be too careful about what is accepted as fact as opposed to hearsay. Exposure to dental misinformation can sometimes hamper your decision-making process and keep you from receiving the right treatment.

In this article, we will sieve through available information to distinguish fact from fiction. We will be debunking some of the myths surrounding porcelain veneers while establishing undisputed truths to help you make a well-informed decision about the treatment.

But first, a short introduction to dental veneers: They are customised, hand built, thin shells of enamel-like porcelain that are bonded highly accurately to your teeth. Veneers instantly improve the appearance of your smile by covering up your dental imperfections such as chips, cracks or dark tooth enamel. They make an excellent restorative option for patients whose teeth are in good condition but wish to cosmetically alter their appearance (to improve shade, shape and/or alignment).

Myth #1: The tooth needs to be ‘filed’ down a lot!

Truth #1: It is true that a very thin layer of your enamel will need to be removed in order to accommodate the veneers and without adding additional bulk to your existing structure. However what some people fail to mention is how thin the layer is, and the fact that removal does not weaken your tooth structure or compromise its long-term viability. The layer removed is less than a millimetre, about the thickness of a contact lens. Removing the layer helps enable the veneer to ‘fit’ down onto the tooth, without adding additional bulk. New ceramic technologies mean that we are more conservative in tooth preparation than ever – as the goal is to keep as much of the natural enamel as possible.

Myth #2: Dental veneers do not look natural

Truth #2: To debunk this myth, you only need to get feedback from people who have had veneers applied on their teeth, or even better, to speak to them in person. Done correctly, by an experienced dentist, it is unlikely that you would be able to identify which of their teeth are actually veneers. Even upon close examination, dental veneers are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Not only do they conform in size and shape, but they can also be colour-matched to perfectly blend in with your neighbouring teeth. Further, porcelain veneers are able to mimic the translucent quality of your enamel and dentin such that they react to different lighting conditions the way real teeth do. However, it is important to remember that this seamless appearance is a direct reflection of the skills of the dentist in his hands on clinical ability and understanding of natural dental aesthetics, as well as his ability to communicate this with the ceramist who is building the porcelain veneer.  The best way to see how your dental veneers will look before you go ahead with treatment is to book a Smile Test Drive, where you will be able to do exactly that, and see your new smile before any tooth structure is touched.

Myth 3: Dental veneers are fragile

Truth #3: This myth has much to do with the impression of fragility that most people associate with the porcelain material. When applied to porcelain veneers, that is a misguided notion that cannot be further from the truth. As it turns out, porcelain veneers are as strong as your tooth’s natural enamel. They are built to act just like your natural teeth, with the added benefit of being resistant to colour change and staining. Of course, just like your natural teeth they are not resistant to wear, damage or trauma, however, with proper care, regular examination and ongoing professional hygiene maintenance, your dental veneers can last for many years to come.

Sydney Porcelain Veneers Dentist

To find out how Macquarie Street Centre can make a dramatic difference to your smile with dental veneers, contact our friendly Sydney CBD Clinic at 02 92471394.

02 9247 1394