Veneers – Encinitas, CA

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

When considering the impact of veneers on your daily habits, such as enjoying your morning cup of coffee, it's essential to understand their composition and characteristics. Porcelain veneers, a popular choice for their durability and aesthetic appeal, offer a significant advantage in terms of stain resistance. The nonporous nature of porcelain makes it challenging for particles from dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee, to permeate the surface of the veneers. As a result, you can continue to indulge in your favorite coffee without undue concern about staining your veneers. However, it's crucial to exercise moderation, as edxcessive consumption of dark-colored beverages can still have a negative impact on the appearance of your veneers over time.

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

One common concern among individuals considering veneers is whether they will experience any speech impediments, such as a lisp, after the procedure. It's not uncommon for some people to encounter difficulty pronouncing certain words immediately following the placement of veneers. This phenomenon can be attributed to the adjustment period required for the tongue and mouth muscles to adapt to the presence of the veneers. The slight alteration in thickness caused by the veneers can affect the movement of the tongue, particularly when articulating sounds like s and v. However, rest assured that such speech issues are typically short-lived. With time, the tongue will naturally acclimate to the veneers, and any initial difficulties with pronunciation will diminish.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

Veneers are renowned for their ability to enhance the appearance of teeth, but their suitability for correcting bite issues can depend on a few factors. They can be beneficial for mild bite irregularities, such as open bites, by creating the illusion of better alignment through adjustments in tooth shape and size. Additionally, veneers can effectively conceal small gaps between teeth, further enhancing the overall aesthetic harmony of the smile. However, it's essential to note that veneers are not a substitute for comprehensive orthodontic correction in cases of significant bite misalignment. Consulting with a qualified dentist or orthodontist can help determine the most suitable approach for addressing your specific dental needs.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Understanding the lifespan of veneers is crucial for making informed decisions about your dental care. Numerous studies have examined the longevity of veneers, providing valuable insights into their durability over time. For example, a comprehensive study conducted by Layton in 2007, involving 304 veneers, revealed that an impressive 96% of veneers lasted five years, with significant percentages enduring for ten to fifteen years. With proper care and maintenance, including adherence to a diligent oral hygiene routine and avoiding biting down on hard objects, veneers can potentially last upwards of thirty years or more. Regular dental check-ups and communication with your dentist are essential for monitoring the condition of your veneers and addressing any concerns promptly.

Are there any foods I can’t eat with veneers?

After your teeth are prepared and before your permanent veneers have been crafted, you’ll have temporary veneers protecting your natural teeth. These won’t be as securely fitted or adhered to your teeth, so you’ll want to be careful about what you eat. Try to avoid excessively sticky or chewy foods during this time, as well as foods and drinks that are dark in color.

Once your permanent veneers are cemented atop your natural teeth, you’ll be able to eat all of your favorite foods. It is recommended to continue avoiding very sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as well as excessively consuming alcohol, as this can cause the adhesive holding the veneers onto your teeth to disintegrate faster over time.

How many veneers will I need?

The goal of veneers in Encinitas is to allow all of your teeth to match and appear symmetrical, so the number of veneers you need will be based on your personal smile goals in addition to the unique esthetic flaws you face. For example, if you just want to improve the appearance of one chipped tooth, you may only require one veneer. However, if you want to makeover your smile and restore discoloration, damage, and slightly misaligned teeth, you may need as many as eight. Our team will speak with you about these details during your consultation, once we’ve had a chance to examine your mouth.

What materials can veneers be crafted from?

Our team recommends having your veneers crafted from high-quality and natural-looking materials like ceramic and porcelain. These are custom-shaded to blend in perfectly with any existing untouched teeth, as well as mimic the natural reflective qualities of dental enamel. They’re also stain resistant, meaning they’ll discolor only slightly over time.

Can veneers be whitened?

Unfortunately, due to the non-porous nature of veneers, they’re unable to be whitened alongside your natural teeth. However, your cosmetic dentist in Encinitas can coordinate the whitening of your existing teeth alongside the replacement of your veneers to ensure your smile is an even shade.

Do veneers feel like real teeth?

Your veneers may feel strange at first, and some patients even develop a lisp! However, after a couple of weeks, they should feel like a natural addition to your smile. Any temporary effects of your veneers, like speech impediments, should go away within this time. If you have any concerns after living with your veneers for a month, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas.