Veneers – Lakeway, TX

Are Veneers Permanent?

Perhaps because the very first set of veneers was designed for a movie star to temporarily improve their smile for the big screen, many patients wonder whether these thin shells are intended to be removable. The porcelain covers may wear down or sustain damage over time, eventually requiring repairs or replacement, so they’re not always considered ‘permanent’.

However, placing them involves making an irreversible change to the structure of your teeth. Dr. Pedersen will need to remove a small amount of enamel for them to fit correctly, and this protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate. You’ll need to have veneers or another restoration in place to shield your smile moving forward.

What Happens to Teeth Under Veneers?

If you’re worried that getting veneers involves sacrificing your oral health to improve your appearance, you can fortunately set your fears aside. Dr. Pedersen and the rest of our team in Lakeway are happy to provide cosmetics to enhance your looks and boost your confidence, but your dental well-being is our primary concern.

We’ll examine your mouth for signs of issues, such as cavities or gum disease, and treat them before proceeding with your chosen treatment. Your prosthetics won’t develop decay, but your teeth and gums are still susceptible to cavities and gum disease. You should continue brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting us every six months for a routine visit to prevent potential issues.

Do Veneers Cause a Lisp?

Your teeth play an essential role in your ability to enunciate clearly because you press your tongue on them in specific ways to form different sounds. Although veneers are quite thin (usually about 0.2 to 0.5 mm), it can take your tongue and the other tissues in your mouth time to adjust to your restorations once they’re cemented in place.

You might develop a slight lisp, especially when pronouncing “s”, “v”, or “th” sounds, but this alteration to your speech patterns is usually temporary. Most patients overcome the changes with time, patience, and practice. If you continue to experience ongoing challenges, please contact us to let us know. We may be able to thin your cosmetics slightly to reduce their impact.

How Long Do Veneers Usually Last?

Veneers can be costly and require multiple appointments over a period of weeks to complete from start to finish. It’s only natural to want to know how long they last to decide whether they’re worth the investment of time and personal resources.

Thankfully, these thin covers can last anywhere from 5 to 20+ years, depending on how well you care for them. One study shared in 2012 found that, of the 318 veneers included, 95% lasted 5 years, 94% lasted 10 years, and 83% lasted 20 years. Generally, you can extend their longevity by avoiding overly hard, sticky, or darkly tinted foods, maintaining consistent dental hygiene practices, and avoiding using your teeth as tools to open mail or packages.

Can Insurance Cover Veneers?

Usually, dental insurance providers only cover treatments that are considered “medically necessary.” As a result, patients who are interested in veneers in Lakeway usually need to pay for their smile makeover out-of-pocket. Don’t let that discourage you, though. After all, dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution that’s available. At Oris Dental Studio, we also welcome payment plans with CareCredit, which means that you can pay for your treatment plan in smaller, more manageable chunks over the course of several months.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

Veneers can correct several common dental flaws, including mild crookedness. So, if you want a straighter smile without having to wear metal brackets and wires, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our office! From there, we can assess the severity of your misalignment and the health of your smile to determine if this is the ideal cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. If we determine that the answer is “yes,” then we will move on to the next step: determining the number of veneers needed as well as the shape, size, and shade of each one.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

Although veneers are durable, they can break with enough pressure. Not only that, but they can be pulled out of place. For those two reasons, we recommend steering clear of hard candies, taffy, raw almonds, and caramel. Instead, fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods that have a softer consistency, like steamed carrots, plain yogurt, egg whites, and bananas.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Yes. In fact, one of the reasons patients choose porcelain veneers in Lakeway is because they are stain-resistant! As a result, you don’t have to worry about noticeable, yellow stains developing on the surface. With all of that said, your natural teeth can still discolor. So, it’s best to continue to use a straw and rinse your mouth with clean water when you’re done.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

The answer depends on your unique aesthetic concerns and smile goals. For example, if you have a small chip on one of your front top teeth, then the answer may be “one.” Conversely, if you want to use veneers to achieve a completely new look, then we may need 10-12.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?

While veneers are capable of concealing a wide range of imperfections, including permanent stains, they aren’t for everyone. That’s why the initial consultation is crucial. During this visit, we will learn about your aesthetic concerns, assess the health of your teeth and gums, and ask you a few questions about your day-to-day habits. If your case of misalignment is severe, there is an active infection in your gums, or you smoke, then we will recommend not moving forward with veneers – at least not right away.