Advice Before Getting Veneers

Advice before opting for Veneers

Veneers have become one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments in recent years, known for transforming smiles from everyday to red-carpet-ready. If you’re considering veneers, here’s everything you need to know—from what to expect during the procedure, to how long they last, and which foods you should avoid afterward.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Veneers?

In simple terms, veneers are thin shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, dramatically improving their appearance. At Whites Dental, we go into detail about this procedure in our what are Veneers video guide, explaining how they can solve problems like discolouration, chips, and minor misalignment.

There are two main types: composite veneers, which typically last 5–7 years, and porcelain veneers, known for their durability and natural appearance, lasting up to 15 years. While the process involves some enamel removal, it’s generally considered minimally invasive. An alternative and totally reversible option are Lumineers, a type of porcelain veneer. The biggest deciding factor between these three options is cost and how much enamel is removed from the tooth for fitting the veneers.

Maintaining Your Veneers: What You Need to Know

Though veneers offer a long-lasting solution for a perfect smile, their durability depends largely on how you care for them.

Longevity: Porcelain veneers are an investment in both appearance and longevity, with the potential to last over a decade if well-maintained. Composite veneers, while a more affordable option, require more frequent touch-ups or replacements due to wear. You may also be interested to compare composite treatment options. To learn more about whether veneers are a permanent solution and more about the types of veneers, we recommend you get in contact with one of our private dental practices in London.

Oral Hygiene: Even with veneers, your natural teeth remain susceptible to cavities. It’s essential to maintain a robust oral hygiene routine—brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups. Cavaties and Veneers rely on much the same oral hygiene requirements as do our natural teeth, however, there are some important features to note and potentially require additional measures such as flossing to ensure your health standards are met.

The “Hollywood Smile” has long been synonymous with dental perfection, and veneers are the go-to solution for stars looking to achieve it. In the last 18 months, a slew of celebrities have turned to veneers to transform their looks.

Take Cristiano Ronaldo, who replaced his uneven teeth with a flawless smile, and Emma Watson, who enhanced her post-Harry Potter appearance with a set of veneers​.

Other recent celebrities who’ve opted for veneers include Cardi B and Ben Affleck, both showing off dazzling new smiles that have become central to their public personas​

New Beauty Body Expert

However, while veneers are common among celebrities, not every famous smile is enhanced with them. Some opt for whitening treatments or orthodontic solutions. However, veneers are a go-to for those seeking a dramatic transformation in a short time.

Wondering if you can still enjoy life’s simple pleasures like chewing gum or eating crunchy snacks? The good news is that veneers don’t require a dramatic lifestyle overhaul. While it’s best to avoid excessively sticky gum or very hard foods, normal chewing activities are safe for your veneers. Composite veneers are more susceptible to staining and therefore we would suggest only very moderate consumption of foods that are known to stain, tannin in tea, coffee and red wine can have the effects moderated by drinking water between sips or taking milk in tea and coffee. For more detail on veneers, hygiene and food we would recommend consulting with your dentist.

Lumineers, a specific type of veneer, can even address slight misalignments in teeth, providing a straighter appearance without the need for braces.

Can You Chew Gum with Veneers?

Yes, you can chew gum with veneers, but it’s advised to be cautious with sticky or overly hard gums as they can potentially dislodge the veneers or cause strain on the underlying teeth. Composite veneers as mentioned above, have an approximate lifetime of 5-7 years, so if you are near the end of this treatment lifespan you may want to apply more caution to chewing gum.

The Best Foods for Veneers: What to Avoid for Longevity

While veneers are strong, they’re not invincible. Certain foods and habits can compromise their integrity over time. Hard foods like ice, nuts, and popcorn kernels can chip or crack veneers. Meanwhile, highly pigmented substances such as coffee, wine, and berries are more likely to stain composite veneers. To keep your smile pristine, it’s best to limit these.

Myths About Veneers: Are They Bad for Your Teeth?

There’s a persistent misconception that veneers can ruin your teeth. In reality, when properly fitted by a professional, veneers do not damage teeth. While the procedure does involve removing a thin layer of enamel, it’s a safe and routine process. Veneers actually protect the remaining tooth structure from wear and tear.

The Verdict: Are Veneers Right for You?

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to enhance your smile, veneers might be the perfect option. With advances in dental technology, they are now more natural-looking and durable than ever. Whether you’re after a subtle enhancement or a full celebrity-style transformation, veneers offer an effective and lasting way to achieve your ideal smile.

The final choice often is cost dependent and therefore we would suggest you take a look at our 0% interest dental finance option. Typically, dental healthcare plans won’t cover veneers, however, there are some exceptions to this – it will depend on the type of policy and also, in some instances veneers can provide an improvement to the dental health of your mouth. Whites dental do accept most types of dental insurance and you can ask more regarding this during your consultation. Ready for a new smile? Choose Whites Dental for veneers in London.