A great smile can change your life. It can create new opportunities, increase your confidence, and make each and every day a little bit better.
When teeth are worn down, broken, or go missing, it can be very difficult to manage. It is common to feel emotions like shame and embarrassment. But it doesn’t have to be the end of everything.
Here at Greenspoint Dental, we can help bring a smile back into your life, one that you can be proud of.
Veneers are one way to do that. But, there is a lot of information out there from the genuine and funny to the completely bizarre.
Below are the answers to the most common (and weirdest) questions we’re asked to help you decide if veneers are the right choice to fix your smile.
If you are looking for a more high-level introduction to what veneers are and if you are a candidate, visit this page to learn more.
What are veneers?
Veneers are a special layer of material, custom-made and adhered to your existing teeth. Veneers come in a few forms and materials. Most are created in a laboratory to the specific shape and shade that suits your mouth. The alternative is a composite veneer that is created directly in your mouth by painting chemicals directly onto your tooth — imagine fingernail polish for your teeth. Here is an in-depth discussion on the benefits, costs, available materials, and factors to determine if you are a candidate.
Veneers are a quick way to refresh your smile and correct flaws, though they are not a fix-all solution for every case.
Can Veneers Replace Missing Teeth?
No – Veneers need to attach to existing teeth. They are bonded to your teeth with a very strong cement. However, there are lots of different options to replace missing teeth, from dental implants to dental bridges and dentures. It depends on what you feel comfortable with!
The following are real searches people do every day. Of course they lack context, and so some seem downright silly, but if you are just learning about veneers, these questions and answers may help.
Can Smiling Make Me Happier?
Yes – research from the Psychological Science journal has shown that smiling more reduces stress and releases chemicals in the brain that improve your mood. If you are holding back to hide your teeth, you may be missing out.
Can I Use my Veneers as a bottle opener?
No – Veneers are strong enough for eating and drinking (exactly like our real teeth) but can break if used to open bottles. Be careful biting into hard objects. A bottle opener is always a cheaper option than repairing veneers!
If I get veneers, can I pick any color, like neon green or bright purple?
Veneers are permanent and are designed to be similar to your existing teeth which means that they do not have a wide range of colors. Some specialist dentists may provide neon green options but they are likely to be very expensive.
Will veneers make my teeth bulletproof?
No – veneers are made out of materials called “dental porcelain” or “resin.” They are strong enough to eat and drink but will break if put under stress. Do not try and stop a bullet with your veneers as it will likely lead to death.
Can I get veneers just on one tooth and still look natural?
Yes, often a veneer is the most appropriate solution to a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth that is otherwise healthy. With professional customization, a single veneer can look like your real teeth. It’s more common to get a set of veneers to make sure everything matches nicely.
Can smiling help me in a job interview?
Yes – smiling can enhance perceptions of warmth and competence in a job interview which are important qualities in job candidates.
Do veneers need to be fed special food to keep them shiny?
No – veneers are made to last and will be fine with a normal diet. Like natural teeth, it is good to avoid foods that can stain like coffee and red wine. This will help your veneers look whiter for longer. More likely, your natural enamel on surrounding teeth will stain or discolor as it thins leaving your once-matched veneer to stand out.
Will my veneers glow in the dark?
No – the material used to create veneers is called “dental porcelain” or “resin” which are made to look like real teeth and do not glow in the dark.
If I smile too hard, will my veneers pop off?
No – the glue used to attach your veneers is very strong. The process to attach them makes sure that your veneers will stay attached for many years.
Can I switch out my veneers like I do with my contact lenses?
No – veneers are attached with a very strong glue which means they cannot be changed or switched.
Will my veneers attract magnets?
No – Veneers are non-metallic. They are made of dental porcelain or resin. This is very high quality and durable but will not attract magnets.
Can I get veneers shaped like vampire fangs for Halloween?
As fun as this would be, veneers are designed to fit your mouth perfectly. This makes sure that you can eat and chew comfortably which means that veneers cannot be shaped into different forms. Thee is such a thing as a temporary veneer used in Hollywood costume departments, but these are not available from your typical dentist.
Do veneers make my teeth waterproof?
No – veneers are not technically waterproof, though normal fluids in your mouth should be fine. There’s no need to avoid liquids, as long as you aren’t drinking commercial cleaning solvents.
Can I skip brushing my teeth if I have veneers?
No – brushing your teeth makes the veneers last longer. Teeth brushing is also essential for the health of your gums, mouth, and living tooth beneath the veneer. It’s essential to brush your teeth to avoid expensive treatment or life-threatening illnesses.
Will my veneers make my teeth look like a Hollywood celebrity’s overnight?
Getting that Hollywood smile takes time and depends on the condition of your teeth, the quality of the dental work, and how much care you put into looking after them. It does not happen overnight, even for celebrities! However, you definitely can fast track your grin the correction they offer. Do know that in the case of porcelain veneers, there is typically a process to shape your teeth to receive them and then have the porcelain made in a lab and then applied some time later–definitely not an overnight process.
Can I chew through metal with veneers?
No – veneers are made out of porcelain or resin which are much weaker than metal. This means they will break if you try to chew through metal. You are likely to seriously injure yourself in the process which can lead to expensive medical bills.
What can Greenspoint Dental Do to Help Improve Your Smile?
Veneers are just one way to help you feel more confident and happier with your smile. At Greenspoint Dental, we offer different treatment options and help with hygiene and regular check-ups. The best way to learn about veneers and if you are a candidate is to come and see us. In person, we can assess the health of the tooth and explore your options for which materials will work best for your lifestyle and budget.
Seeing us early can save you a lot of pain and expensive treatment later. We know coming to the dentist can be stressful which is why we focus on patient-centric, comfort-focused care.
We accept many different dental insurance plans, like CareCredit, Lending Club, and the HELPcard. Please call (281) 823-9987 today or click here to contact us for a consultation.