The allure of a dazzling smile has led to a surge in cosmetic dentistry procedures. Veneers, in particular, have gained immense popularity for transforming imperfect teeth into Hollywood-worthy grins. Patients commonly ponder, “Can veneers make your teeth bigger?” Let’s delve into the world of veneers and uncover the truth.
Understanding Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin. Generally, veneers fix imperfections like gaps, chips and stains by bonding to the front surface of your teeth.
Can Veneers Make Your Teeth Bigger?
The short answer is: it depends. While veneers can alter the appearance of your teeth, making them appear wider or longer, they don’t necessarily make your teeth physically bigger.
- Illusion of Larger Teeth: Veneers can create an optical illusion of more prominent teeth by extending their length or width. This effect is achieved by carefully designing the veneer to mimic the desired shape and size.
- Correcting Gaps: For individuals with gaps between their teeth, veneers can effectively close these spaces, giving the appearance of fuller, more prominent teeth.
- Addressing Tooth Wear: If your teeth have worn down due to grinding or erosion, veneers can restore their original size and shape, making them appear larger.
The Veneer Placement Process
A skilled Markham dentist will carefully assess your teeth and facial features to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. During the procedure, the dentist removes a small amount of tooth enamel to create space for the veneer. This process is typically minimal and doesn’t significantly alter the tooth’s structure. Here is a general overview of the placement process:
- Consultation and Planning: Your Markham dentist will examine and assess your teeth, discuss your desired outcome, and create a treatment plan. This assessment involves taking impressions of your teeth to create a model for the veneers.
- Tooth Preparation: A minimal amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of the teeth to create space for the veneers. This process ensures a natural-looking and comfortable fit.
- Veneer Creation: The dental lab uses impressions to create custom-made veneers that match your natural teeth’ shape, size, and colour.
- Veneer Placement: Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to your teeth using a special dental cement. Your dentist will ensure proper alignment and bite before finalizing the placement.
- Final Adjustments: After the veneers bond with your teeth, your dentist will make any adjustments required to maintain a perfect fit and comfortable bite.
Factors Affecting Veneer Thickness
The thickness of a veneer can influence how much it alters the appearance of your teeth. Generally, people prefer thinner veneers for a more natural look. However, the dentist will determine the appropriate thickness based on the desired outcome and the condition of your teeth.
Veneers and Teeth Sensitivity
A common concern among patients considering veneers is the potential for increased tooth sensitivity. While modern veneer techniques minimize discomfort, it’s essential to understand the factors that can influence sensitivity.
Factors affecting sensitivity:
- Tooth preparation: Minimal enamel removal is necessary for veneer placement. However, some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity during the initial healing period.
- Bonding agents: The bonding materials used to secure the veneers can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity, especially if they come into contact with the tooth’s nerve.
- Individual variations: People have different sensitivity levels, and some may be more prone to experiencing discomfort.
Managing sensitivity:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: Using a toothpaste specifically designed to reduce tooth sensitivity can help alleviate discomfort.
- Avoid irritants: Minimize consumption of acidic or sugary foods and drinks, as they can exacerbate sensitivity.
- Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor your teeth and address any sensitivity issues.
In most cases, veneer-related sensitivity is temporary and subsides within a few weeks. If the discomfort persists, consult your Markham dentist for further evaluation and treatment.
Veneers and Your Overall Smile
While veneers can enhance the appearance of your teeth, you should consider the overall balance and harmony of your smile before undergoing the treatment. A skilled dentist will create veneers that complement your facial features and look natural.
At Forestbrook Dental, our Markham dentists have extensive experience creating stunning smiles with veneers. We combine artistry with dental expertise to deliver quality results.
Veneers and Teeth Alignment
While veneers are primarily cosmetic, they can also address minor alignment issues. A skilled dentist can create the illusion of straighter teeth by strategically shaping the veneers. However, severe misalignment typically requires orthodontic treatment before veneer placement.
Understanding the limitations of veneers in correcting alignment is essential for realistic expectations.
Can veneers make your teeth bigger? While veneers can create the illusion of more prominent teeth, the actual size of your teeth remains largely unchanged. Please schedule a consultation with our Markham dentists to discuss your smile goals and explore the possibilities of veneers.
