5 Common Misconceptions About Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular and sought-after treatments in the world of cosmetic dentistry, perfect for anyone who wants to create that perfect smile.

Since their first introduction in the 1930s, they have been used time and time again to fix a multitude of common dental problems – including everything from crooked, chipped and protruding teeth to discoloration and staining. Yet, despite their success, some people are still skeptical about the procedure. They’ve heard the horror stories about the ‘friend of a friend’ and – as a result – they shy away from the prospect of getting porcelain veneers for themselves.

Here at The Lomita Torrance Dental, we think it’s about time we put an end to the confusion and dispelled any myths out there. In the following blog, we take a look at the 5 most common misconceptions about veneers – revealing the truth about this effective cosmetic procedure.

#1 The Procedure Is Painful And Inconvenient

When it comes to getting any type of dental procedure, people are always concerned about how uncomfortable or painful it will be. We can’t deny the fact that everybody’s pain threshold is different, and we don’t know for certain how you personally will find the experience of getting dental veneers. However, what we do know, is that a good dentist will do everything in their power to make sure the procedure is as pain-free and comfortable as possible.

Typically, you will need to attend two separate appointments – the first to prepare your existing teeth and take a dental mould, the second to fit your new veneers. A local anesthetic is given to eliminate any pain during the actual procedure and, to protect your existing teeth between appointments, you will usually be provided with a set of temporary veneers.

#2 Veneers Are Unnaturally White And Ostentatious

Admittedly, in their early days, porcelain veneers were thick, bulky and tended to have an unnatural shine. Some of them were just too white to be believable and we’ve all seen those unflattering photos of celebrities with their overly tanned skin and blindingly white smile. However, technology has come a long way over the last few decades and many improvements have been made to this dental procedure.

Veneers can now be customized to match the size, shape and natural color of your existing teeth. They are usually designed to include a variety of different hues, just like real teeth, and – if they’re done correctly – only a trained dentist should be able to tell that they are actually veneers. So there is no need to worry about them looking fake and ostentatious.

#3 You Only Need Veneers for the Front of Your Mouth

The main aim of tooth veneers is to disguise any defects and improve the overall appearance of teeth. As such, they are most commonly placed at the front of the mouth – on the six teeth that are visible. However, it is important to note, veneers can also be placed on lower teeth, premolars and molars, if necessary. Perhaps you’d like a full set of veneers? Or maybe you just want to fix a chipped incisor or canine? The choice is yours and you can discuss the various options at your first consultation.

Here at The Lomita Torrance Dental, we usually veneer teeth from the centre outwards and do them in multiples of two to ensure complete symmetry. On average, we recommend 4-10 veneers and we will apply a whitening treatment to the rest of your teeth – ensuring that they match in naturally with the rest of your smile.

#4 Veneers Only Improve Cosmetic Appearance

It is true that many people get veneers to enhance their appearance and create that perfect sparkly smile. However, this is just one of the many benefits that come hand-in-hand with this dental procedure.

Porcelain veneers can actually improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. They significantly enhance the strength and durability of each tooth, protecting against the wear-and-tear of everyday life and helping to prevent sensitivity, gum disease and tooth loss. Veneers can also be used as an effective method to stabilize teeth, stopping them from slowly moving and causing potential issues with your bite. In such cases, the aesthetic appearance of dental veneers is merely a bonus and the result is a smile that is both healthy and attractive.

#5 Porcelain Veneers Are Expensive

One of the most common misconceptions about veneers is the cost. Yes, veneers are more expensive than your regular check-up at the dentist but they’re not actually as expensive as people think. Their exact cost will depend on both the dental office that you choose and the number of veneers you have applied.

Here at The Lomita Torrance Dental, we believe that porcelain veneers should be accessible and affordable for everyone and we offer all of our clients a number of finance options.

Schedule An Appointment With Lomita Torrance Dental Office, Torrance

We value your trust in us as part of your family’s total healthcare team and look forward to getting to know each of you as the wonderfully unique individual that you are. Each one of us loves what we do and we believe at Lomita Torrance Dental Office that it shows in the quality of our work and our patient interactions and it is one of the reasons why Lomita Torrance Dental Office is the clear choice for the dental patients in the surrounding neighborhood.