Investing in any dental treatment can be anxiety provoking, especially if you’re unsure of the side-effects and possible risks associated with it. With cosmetic treatments like veneers, it can be especially daunting to take the plunge and move forward with the procedure since it isn’t necessarily for your oral health, but for your self-esteem. To weigh your options fairly, it’s important to know potential side-effects and risks of treatment, which you can learn about by reading below.
1. Dental Sensitivity
One of the most common issues that arises following treatment is dental sensitivity, which is when your teeth react to consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. This can make it uncomfortable to eat your favorite ice cream sandwiches and soups, or even drink your routine iced coffee. This occurs because, in order to place your veneers, your cosmetic dentist will need to remove a small portion of the natural enamel of your teeth. However, once your veneers are cemented atop your protected teeth, sensitivity should wane.
2. Higher Risk of Oral Health Concerns
Dental veneers involve the permanent removal of your protective dental enamel, which puts your teeth at a higher risk of oral health problems like decay and tooth infections. This is especially the case when your teeth aren’t protected by veneers. For example, if a veneer became cracked or damaged and you didn’t get it replaced, bacteria could then have access to your natural tooth underneath, putting you at a higher risk of oral health concerns.
3. Adjustment of the Gums
After your veneers are placed, it’s likely that your gums will feel sensitive. You may also experience inflammation and discomfort following your procedure, but these should dissipate after a few weeks. If you continue to notice swelling and your discomfort becomes worse or doesn’t get better, it’s always a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with your cosmetic dentist to make sure no complications have arisen.
4. Higher Likelihood of Dental Damage
Dental veneers only cover the front part of your teeth, and although they provide durable protection, it’s no comparison to your natural tooth enamel. For this reason, the preparation process of removing enamel to cement veneers atop the teeth can put you at a slightly higher likelihood of experiencing dental damage.
Weighing Your Options…
While dental veneers are an excellent option for some people, especially those who have more severe cosmetic imperfections they want to address, they may not be right for you! The only way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. After examining your mouth and listening to your smile goals, they can provide you with a list of services they feel will help you achieve your dream smile, as well as address any questions or concerns you may have.
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental, our cosmetic dentists, Dr. Ranjbaran and Dr. Johnson, have collective years of experience helping patients beautify their smiles. Whether you’re interested in a complete refresh with veneers, or you want a quick spruce with teeth whitening, we offer a variety of services to meet your unique cosmetic goals. To schedule a consultation, visit Southwest Dental’s website or call 505-896-9399.