Young beautiful woman with beautiful white teeth sitting on a dental chair. The dentist cures her teeth

5 Things To Consider Before Getting Veneers

On movies, TV shows, and social media posts, we often see smiles so perfect that you have to wonder—are teeth like that even real? As it turns out, they might not be; at least, not completely. To transform the appearance of your teeth, you can get a set of porcelain veneers. 

Veneers are more popular now than ever; maybe because Zoom calls have made us more aware of our smiles. These thin porcelain shells are attached directly over your teeth for a natural, secure fit. 

Have you always dreamed of a brighter, straighter smile? Do you want to cover teeth with chips, stains, or discolouration? Are there gaps in your smile? If so, veneers might be the solution. 

But are veneers right for you? Before you schedule your appointment, consider the following:

 

Veneers Are Permanent

To clarify, we don’t mean that your veneers will last forever (although they can last up to 20 years). Once your veneers do come off, they’ll need to be replaced.

This is because a thin layer of enamel is shaved off before the veneers are applied (approximately ½ mm), which is done to ensure a secure fit. But without the veneer in place, your tooth will be more sensitive and prone to breaking.

If you’re considering veneers, keep in mind that once you have them, you’ll always need them. 

 

They’re An Investment

We won’t sugar coat it: veneers aren’t inexpensive. Depending on how many teeth you want to be covered, this procedure can cost thousands of dollars.

While it depends on your coverage, most patients will not get insurance reimbursement for veneers. But veneers are worth the expense. They’re incredibly durable and offer more protection than natural teeth. With veneers, you can enjoy a beautiful and bright smile for a lifetime. 

 

The Procedure Isn’t Painful

Your dentist will administer a freezing agent so that the procedure is painless. And don’t worry: with veneers, you retain all of your natural teeth. That means no teeth need to be pulled before your veneers are applied.

 

It Takes Time To Apply Veneers

Each veneer is designed in a dental laboratory. Your teeth are measured so that your veneers fit the precise dimensions of your teeth. Naturally, this process takes time. 

Before your permanent veneers are applied, you’ll receive a set of temporary veneers, which are worn for roughly 2 weeks. Temporary veneers aren’t as natural-looking or durable as a permanent set, but they’ll protect your teeth while the final set is created. 


Veneers Aren’t Right For Everyone

Given their dramatic and transformative results, many of our patients are interested in veneers. But not everyone is a good candidate for them. A few factors can interfere with the success of your veneers, including:

  • Bruxism (a condition where patients unconsciously grind/clench their teeth)
  • Gum disease
  • Those who already have thin tooth enamel
  • Poor oral hygiene 

When you meet with your dentist, they can determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers. If you have any cavities or need a root canal, these procedures need to be done before veneers are applied. 

Are you considering porcelain veneers? At Kingsway Dental, our dentists can help you get a perfect smile. Our porcelain veneers in Edmonton are custom-made to fit each tooth; they’re durable, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. To schedule your consultation, contact us today.