FAQs About Veneers

For those considering veneers, it's important to first understand the advantages and disadvantages. The following information will help clear your doubts and aid in your decision-making process.
 

Advantages of veneers

• Increased confidence: Veneers can significantly boost your confidence.

• Whiter teeth: They can instantly change the shade of your teeth to a much whiter, brighter shade.

• Concealed tooth discoloration: They are effective in concealing abnormal tooth coloration, such as a darkened tooth (tetracycline stains).

• Improved alignment: They can correct slightly crooked teeth, creating a more pleasing alignment.

• Shape alteration: They are ideal for fixing the shape of a tooth, such as a chipped tooth or a short tooth.

• Closed gaps: They can close gaps between teeth.

• Personalized design: Patients can specify their needs to their dentist to get the perfect smile.

• Quick transformation: The ceramic veneer procedure takes only 2–3 weeks to complete.

• Easy maintenance: They are easy to care for, similar to natural teeth.

Disadvantages of veneers

The procedure involves grinding away a small amount of tooth enamel, leading to permanent enamel loss. The amount of enamel removal varies for each patient.
 

What should I do if my veneers break?

If one or more veneers break, see your dentist for an evaluation. Slight chipping can be polished and further used. However, if a veneer breaks into large pieces or reaches the tooth, your dentist will need to remove the remaining portion and replace it with a new veneer.
 

What are temporary veneers made from, and can they become dislodged while waiting for the permanent ones?

Temporary veneers are made from composite materials and may dislodge due to not being firmly applied to the tooth surface. Typically, temporary veneers become dislodged from the side teeth as opposed to the front teeth.
 

What should I do if my tooth decays?

See a dentist to evaluate the position and amount of the decay. Minor decays can be drilled and filled without affecting the veneer. However, if the decay spreads extensively or is located where it needs to be drilled through the veneer, it may be necessary to remove the veneer, treat the decay, and have a new veneer put in place.
 

How many veneers do you recommend?

If you want to change the shape and whiten all visible teeth, it is recommended to get veneers on about the 8–10 teeth that are visible when you smile. For specific problems, such as small teeth or gaps in teeth, you can choose to fix only the problematic areas.
 

Do veneers weaken your teeth?

Veneers do not weaken your teeth. The procedure involves removing only a small amount of tooth enamel, so the tooth retains its strength. Additionally, the veneers attached to the enamel surface provide very good strength.
 

The Dental Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital

The Dental Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital offers holistic dental and oral treatment services covering all aspects of dentistry. The center is equipped with modern, safe tools and is regularly cleaned and disinfected. It is staffed by experienced, expert dentists in each field of dentistry.

By Dr. Suchaya Tantrachot