Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers aren’t technically a permanent cosmetic option because they will need to be replaced eventually. However, they are irreversible. This is because a small amount of enamel needs to be removed in order to ensure that the veneers fit properly on the teeth without appearing bulky. Enamel does not grow back, so teeth prepared in this way will always need to be covered with either crowns or veneers.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Veneers that are made from porcelain are stain resistant. Unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain is nonporous, so the particles in dark-colored foods and beverages have a harder time slipping beneath the surface. You should be able to drink your morning coffee without worrying about staining your veneers. However, you should note that veneers aren’t stain-proof, so excessive consumption of pigmented beverages can still have a negative impact. Moderation is key!
Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?
After first getting veneers, some people have trouble pronouncing certain words, resulting in a temporary lisp. This is partially due to muscle memory because the tongue isn’t used to accounting for the presence of veneers when you speak. The tiny difference in thickness affects the way your tongue moves. This lisp usually occurs when trying to pronounce the “s” and “v” sounds. The tongue will eventually adjust on its own, but practicing the pronunciation of certain sounds can help. Try reading out loud and repeating trouble words until you get the hang of it!
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
The goal of veneers is for all of your visible teeth to match. Some patients opt for a single veneer to cover a cracked or broken tooth, while others get anywhere from 6 to 12 for a complete smile makeover. It all depends on your unique smile goals!
Can You Whiten Veneers?
Whitening doesn’t have any effect on veneers, even if they have been stained. However, the treatment will still affect the teeth around the veneers, therefore resulting in an uneven tone. To change the color of your veneers, they will either need to be replaced or shaded. If you are planning to have both whitening and veneers, you should start with whitening so your veneers can be colored matched to your ideal shade of white.