You might have heard of dental veneers and wondered if they are right for you. Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatment used to help improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you the confidence to smile more. But how do you know they are right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
Contents Navigation
- What Are Dental Veneers?
- Am I A Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?
- Why Do People Get Veneers?
- Benefits of Dental Veneers
- What Is the Process for Getting Veneers?
- Can You Get Veneers Without Shaving Your Teeth?
- What Are the Risks Involved with Dental Veneers?
- Can Dental Veneers Damage Your Teeth?
- Who Should Not Get Dental Veneers?
- Final Thoughts
What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin and can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. In addition, they are bonded to your teeth, so they can last for many years with proper care and good oral hygiene.
Porcelain veneers are more popular because they can resist staining and look more like natural teeth than composite materials. However, they are also more expensive. On the other hand, the composite resin is less expensive, but it may not last as long and is not as resistant to staining. Because of these, composite resin veneers require more frequent replacement.
Am I A Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are an increasingly popular way to improve the appearance of your smile. But not everyone is a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure. So, how can you tell if you’re a good candidate for dental veneers?
- You have no rest teeth with active tooth decay.
A good candidate for dental veneers has no signs of tooth decay. Veneers must only be bonded to healthy, strong teeth. Tooth decay weakens teeth and may lead to cavities. If the patient has tooth decay, the decay must be removed and the tooth restored before proceeding with dental veneers. - You have healthy gums.
Healthy gums are pink and firm compared to diseased gums, which are red, inflamed and prone to bleeding during brushing. Patients who want dental veneers must be cleared from gum disease since dental veneers can contribute to the worsening of this disease, and gum disease can also lead to dental veneer failure. Patients with gum problems must seek treatment before getting veneers. - There is no alignment problem with your teeth, or if there is, it is mild.
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for all teeth. This is often caused by genetics but can also be due to thumb sucking or teeth grinding. Dental veneers can address minor crowding. However, if severe crowding is present, you might need orthodontic treatment before getting veneers. - You do not have excessive tooth wear.
Excessive tooth wear can be caused by teeth grinding, acid reflux, or eating a lot of acidic food. Signs and symptoms of this condition include:- Shortening of teeth
- Worn down tooth enamel
- Cracks in the teeth
- Headache
- Tooth Sensitivity
The absence of excessive tooth wear can indicate that a patient is free from harmful dental habits that can cause veneer damage. Veneers might not be a good option if you have excessive tooth wear. Instead, your dentist might recommend dental crowns or bonding.
The most efficient way to determine if veneers are right for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified dentist. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your dental health and discuss your treatment options.
Why Do People Get Veneers?
There are multiple reasons why people might consider veneers. The most common ones include:
- To close gaps between teeth
If you are suffering from gaps between teeth, veneers can be used to close them. This dental treatment can improve the appearance of your smile and make it easier to clean your teeth. - To improve the appearance of crooked teeth.
If you have mildly crooked teeth, veneers can make them look straighter. This is a good option if you don’t want to wear braces. However, for severely misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment is needed before veneers can be placed. - To change the colour or shade of teeth.
Veneers can also help change the colour of stained or discoloured teeth. They are available in various shades, so you can choose the one that suits you. - To improve the shape of teeth.
If you have chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth, veneers can be used to improve their shape and give you a more symmetrical smile. - To protect damaged tooth enamel.
Teeth whitening treatments, acidic foods and drinks and excessive brushing can damage tooth enamel. If your tooth enamel is damaged, veneers can help protect it from further damage.
Benefits of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are becoming one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments today, and here are some of the reasons why:
- Veneers help improve the appearance of your smile.
If you are not happy with how your smile looks, veneers can help you improve it. Veneers can help change the size, shape and shade of your teeth, making your smile look better. - Veneers are long-lasting.
If you take care of your veneers, they can last up to 20 years or more. This makes them an affordable long-term investment for your smile. - Veneers are versatile.
This dental treatment is versatile and can improve the appearance of your teeth in many different ways. If you have gaps in your teeth, veneers can close them. If you have stained or discoloured teeth, veneers can change their colour. If you have chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth, veneers can improve their shape. - Veneers don’t require much tooth preparation.
Unlike some other dental treatments, veneers don’t require much tooth preparation. In many cases, only a thin layer of the enamel must be removed before the veneers are placed. - Veneers are custom-made.
Veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth, so they look and feel natural. They are made from porcelain or ceramic, which can match the colour of your natural teeth.
What Is the Process for Getting Veneers?
- The first step in getting veneers is making an appointment with your dentist. During the consultation, they will examine your teeth and discuss your options. As mentioned earlier, veneers are not for everybody. Your dentist will also discuss the benefits and risks of this dental treatment and answer any questions you might have.
- If your dentist confirms that you are a good candidate and you decide to go ahead with veneers, your dentist will proceed with preparing your teeth for the veneers. This involves removing or trimming a thin layer of enamel from the teeth to make room for the veneers.
- Once your teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions or digital images of your teeth. These impressions or images will be sent to a dental laboratory, where your veneers will be fabricated. Meanwhile, your dentist will put temporary veneers on your teeth. Typically, it takes about two weeks for your veneers to be completed at the dental lab. When they are ready, you will go back to the dentist’s office to have them placed.
- During this visit, they will remove the temporaries, and your teeth will be cleaned. Your dentist will place the veneers on your teeth, ensuring they fit properly and look natural. Once they are in place, they will use a special light to harden the cement holding the veneers.
You might experience some sensitivity after getting veneers, but this is usually temporary and will go away after a few days. Your dentist will also give you specific directions on how to care for your veneers and teeth. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully for your veneers to last long.
Can You Get Veneers Without Shaving Your Teeth?
Alternative methods can be used if you don’t want your teeth shaved down or trimmed. One option is called mini veneers or no-prep veneers. As the name suggests, these veneer types don’t require any preparation of the teeth. They are very thin and are placed on top of the tooth’s enamel.
There are benefits to this type of veneer, such as:
- They can be placed in a single visit to the dentist
- No anesthesia is required
- Your dentist doesn’t need to remove any of the tooth’s enamel
There are three no-prep veneers you can choose from, depending on what your dentist offers and recommend. These are:
Lumineer
This is a very thin veneer made from porcelain. They are stronger than other veneers and can last up to 20 years with proper care. Lumineers are also reversible, so they can be removed if necessary. Similar to the other types of veneers, Lumineers are not for everybody. This may not be recommended if you have severely damaged or discoloured teeth.
Vivaneers
Vivaneers are made from a resin material that is thinner than Lumineers. They are less expensive but also not as durable. Vivaneers usually last about five to seven years with proper care.
DURAthin Veneers
DURAthin veneers are made from porcelain, but they are even thinner than Lumineers. They require very little tooth preparation and can be placed in a single visit to the dentist. DURAthin veneers are strong and durable but more expensive than other types of veneers.
What Are the Risks Involved with Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are usually safe, but, like other dental procedures, they also involve risks, including the following:
- Allergic reactions to the materials used
It is rare, but some people may be allergic to veneer materials, such as resin cement or porcelain. If you have an allergy to these materials, your dentist will not be able to place veneers on your teeth.
- Damage to tooth enamel
If your teeth are prepared for veneers, and too much of the enamel is removed, it can damage the tooth. This can make them more vulnerable to decay and other dental problems. This can also lead to more sensitive teeth.
- Irritation of the gums
If you have unhealthy gums, they may become irritated by the veneers. This can usually be resolved by adjusting the fit of the veneer or by placing a different type of veneer on your tooth.
- Tooth infection
Infection can occur after any dental procedure, including the placement of veneers. This is why it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions on caring for your teeth after the procedure.
- Tooth staining
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but your teeth can still become stained over time. When this happens, there will be a distinct difference between the colour of your teeth and your veneers, making it look less natural. Because of this, you should avoid food and drinks that can cause stainings, such as red wine and coffee.
Can Dental Veneers Damage Your Teeth?
Dental veneers can damage your teeth if they are not placed correctly. If your dentist does not prepare the tooth appropriately, it can lead to decay under the veneer. This can result in the veneer falling off and damaging the tooth. You must follow your dentist’s instructions on caring for your veneers for them to last.
Moreover, traditional veneers can alter the structure of your teeth. This is because the enamel is removed during the preparation, making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. With Lumineers, this isn’t a problem because they are placed on top of the tooth’s enamel, and no trimming is required.
You must also avoid biting or chewing hard objects with your veneers. This can cause them to crack or break, and these may extend to your natural teeth underneath them. If you damage your veneers, you will need to see your dentist so they can be repaired or replaced.
Who Should Not Get Dental Veneers?
- Patients with severely damaged teeth.
Veneers are not meant to be used to repair severely damaged teeth. If you have cracked, chipped, or broken teeth, veneers are not the right option for you. In these cases, your dentist may recommend dental implants or crowns. - Patients with gum disease.
Gum disease makes you ineligible for veneers because they can cause further worsening of the condition and may lead to tooth loss as the gums and bone recede. Your dentist will need to manage your gum disease before you can get veneers. - Patients with bruxism.
This is a condition where you often grind or clench your teeth. This can cause the veneers to crack or chip. If you have bruxism, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night to protect your teeth. - Patients with tooth decay.
Tooth decay can cause the veneers to fall off. Your dentist needs to remove and restore the decay before you can get veneers. - Pregnant women.
Pregnancy can cause a few changes in the body, including increased hormone levels. These changes can make teeth more sensitive and gums more prone to inflammation. As a result, your dentist may not recommend veneers during pregnancy. - Patients with very small teeth or microdontia.
If your teeth are too small, they might need full coverage (front, sides and back) to improve their appearance. Veneers are bonded on the front surface only and might not be sufficient for very small teeth. In this case, bonding or dental crowns might be a better option to improve the appearance of your smile.
Final Thoughts
An effective way of improving the appearance of your smile is through dental veneers. They can help address cracked, chipped, or stained teeth, and they are durable, lasting up to 20 years with proper care. However, despite these advantages, dental veneers are not recommended for all patients. Patients indicated for dental veneers must have healthy gums, no tooth decay, no habits like bruxism, and be able to maintain good oral hygiene. A patient who meets these criteria has a higher chance of success with dental veneers.
On the other hand, patients who are not suitable for dental veneers but wish to improve the appearance of their smile can still be able to do so with alternative treatment options. If you are considering this dental treatment and want to know if it’s the right one for you, call Karrinyup Dental Centre at (08) 9341 6233 and set an appointment. Our friendly dental team will be ready to assist you.