Veneers – Framingham, MA

Are Veneers Permanent?

Technically speaking, veneers themselves are not permanent because they won’t last forever. They will eventually need to be replaced. The treatment itself, however, is permanent because it does involve the removal of tooth enamel. With that said, we work carefully to remove as little enamel as possible while still ensuring the veneers sit flush and look like a natural part of your smile. If your teeth are prepared for veneers, they will need to remain covered with dedicated restorations going forward.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

As you are wearing your temporary veneers in the weeks before your permanent replacement, you should avoid eating any hard or sticky foods because they can cause the restorations to pop off. The same goes for hard foods like candy. Additionally, temporary veneers are more prone to staining than permanent ones, so try to avoid dark or richly pigmented foods. Cold and hot beverages can also cause tooth sensitivity, so reduce your consumption of them ahead of receiving your permanent veneers.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Many studies on the longevity of veneers have shown them to last for a minimum of 10 years, but they tend to last longer depending on how well you take care of them. If a veneer fails, it’s typically the result of fractures, chips, or cracks due to them not being properly maintained. Most people can expect their veneers to last between 10 and 15 years, making them a fantastic long-term solution for a variety of cosmetic concerns. Some are able to make them last several decades! To protect your veneers, it’s best to stick to a strict dental hygiene routine and avoid using your teeth as a tool (or biting down on hard objects).

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

The main goal of veneers is to not only cover imperfections, but ensure they match any neighboring teeth as well. We’ll discuss your specific goals during your consultation and determine from there how many veneers you’ll need to achieve your dream smile. In most cases, people only need six to eight veneers to make their smile look beautiful and symmetrical. In other cases, people may need between 10 and 12. However, if you only need a single veneer to cover a chip or crack in a tooth (that isn’t putting your oral health at risk), then that’s possible too!

Dr. Gaitsgory and the rest of our team look forward to improving your confidence and enhancing your smile with our cosmetic dentistry services. To schedule a consultation for porcelain veneers or other cosmetic care, contact Framingham Premier Dental today at (508) 276-3098. We serve all of Middlesex County as well as Natick, Sudbury, Ashland, Southborough, Westborough, Marlborough, Hopkinton, Holliston, and Sherborn in Massachusetts.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?

There are some cases where patients aren’t good candidates for veneers – at least not right away. For example, if we find an infection, decay, or a damaged restoration during your initial exam, we will need to focus on that first. Similarly, if one or more of your teeth are rotated out of position, then we will need to bring them back into alignment before improving the shade, shape, and size with veneers.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

Since the veneers process requires a sliver of your enamel to be removed, you might be a tad concerned that you’ll experience some pain or discomfort in the treatment chair. Don’t worry – we will numb your mouth so that’s not the case. We will also give you some instructions for when you return home to help prevent “bonding sensitivity,” like avoiding hot and cold foods for a while and taking OTC pain medication as directed.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

If your morning doesn’t officially start until your first cup of coffee, you’ll be happy to hear that you don’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage just because you have veneers. You will, however, need to adopt some smile-friendly habits, including using a straw and brushing your teeth afterward. That way, your teeth that aren’t covered with veneers don’t develop noticeable stains, detracting from the appearance of your smile.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Although veneers are custom-made to look like your real teeth (but a bit better!), they are crafted from materials like porcelain, not enamel. For that reason, they cannot be whitened with over-the-counter or professional whitening treatments. The good news is that they are naturally stain-resistant, and there are several easy ways you can prevent discoloration (i.e., using a straw when drinking coffee, limiting dark-colored foods, brushing your teeth after each meal).

Can Insurance Cover Veneers?

Most of the time, veneers are an out-of-pocket expense. That said, there are some cases where they are determined “medically necessary” and, in that case, they are eligible for coverage. That’s why we encourage our patients to read through the fine print on their plan and familiarize themselves with what is and isn’t covered. If that proves to be a bit difficult because of the unfamiliar jargon, lengthy paperwork, and red tape, you can always reach out to us too.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

A minimal amount of enamel is removed during the preparation process. Then, the veneer is secured to the front-facing surface, concealing stains, chips, and other imperfections. At this point, nothing else changes; you still need to implement a solid oral hygiene regimen, come in twice a year for a checkup and cleaning, and avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking, to take good care of them.