When looking through photos that your friend tagged you in on social media from your weekend outing, you noticed that your smile doesn’t look as good as it once did. From discoloration to chips, there is a range of issues that can develop with our pearly whites. Luckily, porcelain veneers offer a solution to these issues and more. Though the process is simple and can be completed in just two appointments, your dentist will have you wear temporary veneers before you get your permanent ones. But why? Read on to learn about the difference between permanent and temporary veneers, why they’re necessary, and how to care for them.
Temporary vs. Permanent Veneers: What’s the Difference?
Once you’ve consulted with your dentist and determined that veneers are the best option for your smile, they will schedule another appointment for you to come in to have a thin layer of enamel removed. This allows the veneers to better adhere to your teeth so that they seamlessly blend in with your smile. It may take a few weeks for your permanent veneers to be made, so you will be fitted with temporary ones. They can be made from a range of materials, such as dental wax, resin, and acrylic composite, and may not exactly match the color of your teeth. They also aren’t as durable as permanent veneers, and your dentist will only use enough dental cement to hold them in place for a few weeks.
Why Do I Need Temporary Veneers?
Now that you know how temporary and permanent veneers are different, why do you need them? Since a small amount of enamel has been removed from your teeth, temporary veneers protect your teeth in the meantime prom experiencing pain and sensitivity from cold, hot, acidic, and sweet foods and drinks. Additionally, your teeth will also look a bit odd once the enamel has been removed, so temporary veneers will make them look normal. They will also allow you to get an idea of what your permanent ones will look and feel like. This way, you can ask your dentist to make any necessary adjustments before they’re placed.
How to Care for Temporary Veneers
Though you’ll only have them for a few weeks, it’s important to make sure that you take good care of your temporary veneers by:
- Practicing good oral hygiene – Make sure to brush twice per day for two minutes and floss before you go to bed to keep your teeth healthy.
- Avoiding stains – Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that can stain your smile, such as coffee, tea, cola, berries, and red wine. You can also consume drinks through a straw to limit the amount of contact they have with your teeth.
- Avoid sticky and hard foods – Things that are sticky or hard should be avoided, as they can easily damage your veneers or cause them to come off.
Now that you understand why temporary veneers are necessary and the right way to care for them, make sure to keep yours in good condition until you get your permanent ones. This will keep your smile healthy and looking its best!
About the Author
If there are issues with your smile that need correcting, Weiss Dental Arts offers high-quality porcelain veneers that can help. They have an in-house dental lab that crafts these thin, porcelain shells to perfectly fit your pearly whites so you can achieve the smile of your dreams. Are you interested in making an appointment with Weiss Dental Arts or do you want more information on veneers? Visit their website or call their office at (847) 864-0188 to get started.