Porcelain veneers are semi-translucent, meaning that light partially passes through them just like natural tooth structure. If veneers have a flat or opaque look, they will appear totally artificial when they are in place. A porcelain veneer that is too opaque might also be the wrong color when in place.
Porcelain veneers can be very natural looking, but if they are made cheaply with no regard to your natural smile, they may end up looking fake. Austin cosmetic dentist Dr. John Schmid utilizes only the best quality porcelain veneers, and he takes the time to tailor them to match your unique needs.
While veneers can look fake, they certainly don't have to! When someone has a naturally beautiful smile, you may not realize it, but there are tiny imperfections in the teeth. Things like grooves, minor rotations and the slightest transparency at the edge all give a natural appearance.
Why Your Veneers Look Too Bulky. If you have veneers that look too big for your mouth, the problem is usually what are called no-prep or minimal prep veneers. These veneers are designed to bond directly to your natural teeth, without the removal of any natural tooth enamel.
Size. Teeth that are too big can give patients a horse-like appearance! If just a few teeth are overly large—particularly the front teeth—patients will look like they have buckteeth.
If you don't like your porcelain veneers, a dentist can remove and replace them with new veneers. But we encourage patients to research the porcelain veneers process and choose a dentist carefully to ensure they are satisfied with the results.
Veneers do not stain as easily as the natural enamel found on your teeth; however, they can still become yellow or discolored over time. Surface stains can develop after prolonged exposure to highly pigmented drinks such as red wine and dark coffee.
One of the telltale signs that someone has veneers is the color and texture of their teeth. Natural teeth are porous, so they absorb stains from dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Veneers, on the other hand, are not porous and do not absorb stains as easily.
Your veneers can get stained, yellowed, or discolored. They resist staining better than your natural teeth and composite veneers. On the other hand, composite veneers can easily get stained from regular habits like smoking and consuming colored items.
Waiting for Your New Veneers
Because veneer treatment requires the removal of small amounts of enamel, you may notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in your mouth. Avoiding hot tea and ice cream until you fully adjust to these changes can help you avoid discomfort.
One of the most common questions we get from our patients about porcelain veneers is: Do teeth rot under veneers? The quick and simple answer is: No. Under normal circumstances, teeth should not rot under veneers. As long as your veneers are properly applied and maintained, your natural teeth are well protected.
Porcelain Veneers
The most aesthetically pleasing and healthiest material for dental restorations is porcelain. Additionally, it is the most durable and robust veneer material available.
If the color of your porcelain veneers is the only thing you dislike about them, consider these options: You can ask your dentist for a refund. If you want your dentist to replace your veneers, insist on a third set of porcelain veneers in the color of your choice.
As for the underlying tooth or teeth involved, nothing bad happens. Since a dentist only has to remove a small amount of enamel, nerves and roots are never touched. With the veneers in place, the person's natural teeth remain intact. The natural teeth simply serve as the foundation for the new veneers.
In most cases, anyone looking to change the appearance of their smile might be a candidate for veneers. The veneers can change the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. While your teeth might not be great in appearance, if you have healthy gums and good bone structure, you are likely good to get veneers.
The answer is that porcelain veneers, when performed correctly, should feel completely natural in your mouth. You shouldn't even notice them when you're talking, eating, or doing anything with your teeth. They don't require special care, and they should look and feel just like regular teeth.
The dental veneers will chip or crack or get worn down. Composite or porcelain veneers can be durable, but they can start to wear down and may even crack over time. Your tooth supporting the veneer can become decayed.
The treatment may affect the nerve of the tooth, causing temporary tooth sensitivity. As the sensitivity wears off, you may continue to experience temperature-related sensitivity. It takes time for you to get used to your new veneers.
Unlike our natural teeth, we do not recommend using traditional whitening treatment on veneers. Teeth whitening products cannot change the colour of the veneers – but they can change your natural teeth, which will likely result in an uneven toned smile.
We can always make upper veneers whiter than the lower teeth without making your smile look unnatural. Because lower front teeth do not show as much, it is natural to have whiter teeth on the upper. In most cases, we do not have to do the lower teeth.
Keep in mind that veneers are permanent and require preparation (light shaving) of your natural teeth. Once you receive them, you can't go back to your natural teeth.
Will I have any regrets about getting veneers? Most people do not have any regrets about moving forward with veneers. If anything, they regret having waited so long to correct their smile. Veneers can erase years and years of insecurities and confidence issues.