Safety of Dental Veneers

Thin shells that are permanently placed over teeth, dental veneers can solve a variety of cosmetic issues with someone's smile. Patients concerned about the safety of this treatment likely need not be worried that the shells will be difficult to maintain or damage natural teeth over a short-term or long-term period of wear. Porcelain veneers in particular can actually protect teeth.

Though there are situations in which a dentist may remove or adjust dental veneers, including emergencies or accidents, or simply to re-match the color to natural teeth, these incidences are uncommon. The average patient can enjoy the cosmetic results of this restoration without issue for years to decades.

Can veneers cause short-term dental issues?

When installed over a healthy smile, new veneers do not cause problems for most patients. Certain patients may contend with inflamed gums or nerves if the teeth were reshaped or filed before receiving the treatment. Other patients have no problems with the shells or the installation procedure but experience complications when the veneers need to be removed due to emergency treatment.

Occasionally, a patient may experience a dental emergency that needs immediate treatment, and occasionally, this is impossible without the removal of the veneers. Situations that may necessitate the temporary removal of the patient’s porcelain or composite shells include:

• Severe decay underneath the veneers that has gone untreated
• An accident that damages the porcelain or composite material, the surrounding teeth, or both
• Gum disease or another concern that involves tissues in the mouth

Are veneers a safe long-term solution?

Veneers should last 10-20 years when cared for properly, though replacement may be necessary after a certain point. If the shells crack or appear to become weaker over time, it is a good idea for patients to check in with the dentist to find out what happening. Because these cosmetic restorations are adhered to natural teeth, there is a chance that part of the material can become detached from the tooth, but this is uncommon.

Other issues patients experience are minor. Some people find that teeth are more sensitive after receiving veneers, while others do not notice a difference. Patients who have extremely sensitive teeth and those who have a history of extensive gum disease or dental decay may not be great candidates for the treatment. These people are likely to require more dental procedures than the average patient.

Patients who have bruxism should also exercise caution before opting for veneers. In most situations, if a person’s mouth is healthy, it is up to them to decide whether they want to get these restorations. It is always a good idea to ask questions of the dentist at a regular appointment or at a consultation visit.

Conclusion

Patients can rest easy knowing that veneers are overall safe, comfortable, and durable. These restorations do not cause short-term or long-term harm, but there are special cases in which the shells need to be removed temporarily for the patient’s health. If this describes your current dental case, be sure to speak to a licensed dentist as soon as possible to ensure the correct treatment and the eventual replacement of the veneers.

Are you considering veneers in the Delray Beach area? Get more information at https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com.

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