Veneers – Hayward, CA

Are Veneers Permanent?

While veneers are not permanent since they will eventually need to be replaced, they are considered irreversible since teeth that have received them will have to wear them from then on. Placing veneers requires the removal of a small amount of enamel from the treated teeth. Since enamel does not grow back, these appliances will serve to protect the teeth by preventing injury and infection.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

Placing veneers will not harm your teeth since only a minimal amount of enamel is removed and the bonding material used to cement the appliances in place is completely safe. Since the veneer will protect the tooth, receiving one will not increase its risk of developing cavities and other infections. However, it’s still crucial to practice excellent oral hygiene after receiving veneers to remove plaque and food debris, as a veneer will have to be removed and possibly replaced if the tooth wearing it becomes infected. A few great ways to keep your newly transformed smile in fantastic shape include brushing and flossing regularly, limiting your sugar intake, and attending regular dental exams and cleanings at our Hayward office.

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

While you may have difficulty pronouncing certain words when you first receive your veneers, the resulting lisp should be mild and temporary. Since veneers change the shape of your teeth, your tongue will have to get used to their presence and adjust its movements accordingly. Until your tongue has acclimated to your new smile, you may have trouble when pronouncing the “s” or “v” sounds. While we may be able to adjust your veneers to reduce your lisp, a great way to get rid of it at home is to read a favorite book out loud and take care to repeat any words that give you trouble until you master them.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

While veneers can be used to treat minor dental misalignments, their effectiveness is limited since they cannot change the positions of the teeth and jaw. These appliances can be quite effective when addressing gaps between teeth, and if you have a mild open bite, they may be able to make your teeth wider and longer to create a more pleasing alignment. However, we usually only recommend using veneers to correct bite issues if they are primarily of aesthetic concern and don’t significantly impact the patient’s oral health. If you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s best to wait until you are finished with it before receiving veneers.

Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?

Many patients report that their veneers feel so natural that they no longer notice them during meals or conversations. A tiny amount of enamel is removed from teeth receiving veneers so the appliances can fit comfortably and evenly upon them, preventing discomfort and a bulky appearance. The materials used to make the crowns mounted on veneers are incredibly smooth and very similar in appearance to real dental structures, ensuring comfortable and natural-looking results.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Veneers?

If you are interested in making the cost of veneers in Hayward more affordable, we have good news: we have partnered with both CareCredit and Cherry Financing. As a result, you can break up the total price into smaller, more manageable chunks. All you need to do is determine what your monthly budget is and select the payment plan that works best for you!

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

There are some foods that we recommend avoiding in an effort to prolong the lifespan of your veneers, including peanut brittle, taffy, caramel-filled candies, and lollipops. Not only are treats like these packed with added sugar, but the crunchy or sticky consistency can also cause your veneers to break or move out of place. So, it’s best to stick to mostly healthy, well-balanced meals that are filled with plain yogurt, egg whites, and other smile-friendly foods.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Since veneers are crafted from stain-resistant materials, like dental porcelain, you don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee. That said, you will still need to take certain precautions since not all of your teeth will be covered with veneers. So, it’s imperative that you continue to use a straw, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water when you’re done, and, if you can, brush your teeth about 20 minutes after that.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers have the potential to last for over a decade. In fact, a study by Layton and another study by Beier both found that more than 90% lasted for 10 years. The key to prolonging the lifespan of yours is committing to healthy habits, like flossing each night before you go to bed and scheduling a dental cleaning every six months. At the same time, avoid doing anything that could damage your veneers (i.e., chewing on ice cubes, smoking, biting your nails).

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?

Actually, yes! Patients who have an active infection in their gums, chronically clench/grind their teeth while they sleep, or have tooth decay should not get veneers. That’s why it’s so important that we complete a comprehensive oral exam during your consultation. From there, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers. If the answer is “no,” then we will determine if we can provide the necessary preliminary care so that you will be in the near future.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

Veneers can conceal several common dental imperfections, including slight overcrowding. So, if you have always wanted a straighter smile, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our talented cosmetic dentist, Dr. Henry Diep. During this visit, he will learn about your aesthetic concerns, your dental health, and the severity of your misalignment to determine if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers in Hayward. If you are, then he will begin working on your custom treatment plan.