Approximately 68% of Americans believe that people who smile are more confident and trustworthy. However, a large percentage of the population isn’t satisfied with their teeth and smiles less as a result.
While many people turn to veneers to get the confident smile they want, it’s essential to be aware of some of the most common dental veneer mistakes to avoid them. Read on to learn how to get the look you want.
1. Not Scheduling a Consultation
Properly preparing teeth for veneers should be your priority if you want them to last and maintain good oral health. Preparing for a dental veneer procedure starts well before the actual procedure. It starts with an exam.
Preventative Care
Some patients become focused on their appearance that they overlook the importance of preventative care before getting veneers. You need a dentist to create a dental plan for you and explain your options.
If you have poor oral health, you won’t be eligible for veneers until it improves. This can mean repairing cavities or treating infections. However, some patients may never be eligible for veneers.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and your dentist decide on the best course of treatment, they’ll start planning tooth preparation. Your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel to help ensure the veneers form a good seal.
Removing too much enamel could negatively impact your oral health and result in pain. Removing too little limits the lifespan of your veneers. Make time for properly preparing teeth for veneers to get good results.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Veneers
One of the most common dental veneer mistakes is choosing the wrong type. Some of the most common types of veneers include those listed below.
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite veneers
- Lumineers
- Temporary Veneers
Each of the different types of veneers has benefits and detriments, which range from cost to durability. Finding the right match for your needs is essential to maintaining your oral health.
Cheapest Alternative
Whether finances are limited or going to the dentist is terrifying, some patients choose to take dental veneer care into their own hands. This comes from purchasing cheap alternatives from less-than-reputable sources.
While you may save some money upfront, you risk improper fit, discomfort, and durability issues. You get what you pay for, so be sure you’re investing in what you need.
3. Choosing the Wrong Style
Another compelling argument for working with a dental professional when it comes to a dental veneer procedure is finding the right style. One of the most common dental veneer mistakes is choosing the wrong size or color.
Wrong Size or Shape
The point of getting veneers is to have something that both functions like you need them to and looks natural. When you choose the wrong size or shape, they can look bulky or like buck teeth.
Wrong Color
Even though many wish they had white teeth, it’s not a reality for a lot of people, so you shouldn’t choose the whitest veneers either. Your dentist will match your veneers to your existing tooth color for a natural look.
4. Traveling for a Dental Veneer Procedure
Prices for dental veneer care overseas can be much more cost-friendly than in the United States, which leaves many people tempted to take a trip abroad. However, this comes with a lot of risks that aren’t worth the savings.
Fewer Regulations
If something goes wrong with your overseas treatment, you don’t have access to any warranties or regulations. These regulations protect you if a product is faulty or something goes wrong with the procedure.
A lack of regulations and warranties could mean higher costs for dental veneer care if something were to go wrong. In some cases, you may need to start the treatment over again in the United States.
Challenging Follow-up Care
Some dentists are hesitant to work on veneers that were obtained outside of the United States, especially if there’s a problem with them. They can’t guarantee their work and face greater liability.
Your options for treatment are to return to the country or pay to have the procedure redone. Neither option is as cost-effective as paying for it in the U.S. in the first place.
5. Infection
Tooth root infections have a variety of causes such as improper hygiene, diet, and even misaligned veneers. Tooth abscesses are often painful and come with bad breath and fever. They should be treated as soon as possible.
6. Poor Dental Veneer Care
Veneers are designed to withstand your day-to-day activities for many years. However, they’re not indestructible and proper dental veneer care is essential. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace them sooner than expected.
Using certain tools or eating hard/sticky foods wears your veneers down and shortens their lifespan. Even going to the wrong dentist can be problematic if they don’t take proper precautions to preserve your veneers.
Avoid Abrasive Products
While using certain dental products is an important part of improving dental health, they can cause problems for your veneers. For example, whitening toothpaste is more abrasive than other toothpaste and should be avoided.
The same can be said about abrasive motions and tools. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, consider investing in a nightguard. You should also prepare your dentist to ensure they use the right tools.
7. Working With the Wrong Dentist
One of the worst things you can do when it comes to a dental veneer procedure is work with the wrong dentist. Some dentists specialize in preparing teeth for veneers while others don’t.
Be sure to take the time to find a good dentist who has the experience you need for the best results. Only get your veneers from a licensed dentist to ensure quality materials and design.
Avoid These Common Dental Veneer Mistakes
Avoid these 7 common dental veneer mistakes by only working with dentists who specialize in dental veneer care. Cutting corners to save money is unlikely to be beneficial in the long run and can do more harm than good.
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