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Veneers are a popular method of enhancing a person's smile, but as with any dental procedure, dental veneers are surrounded by misconceptions and unfounded beliefs. One question that surfaces frequently is: do veneers ruin your natural teeth? When applied correctly, veneers do not inherently cause any damage to your teeth. However, improper installation can lead to complications.
In the following guide, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors explains this misconception, providing an in-depth understanding of veneers and the impact they have on your oral health.
Veneers are custom-made coverings for the teeth, usually crafted from porcelain or composite resin, that are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Often, they are utilised to rectify discolouration, misalignment, or chipped teeth, or fix other perceived flaws.
The process of having veneers installed begins with a consultation, during which your cosmetic dentist assesses your dental health and discusses your aesthetic goals. If you are deemed a suitable candidate, the teeth are prepared for veneer placement. For porcelain veneers, this usually involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the tooth surface to accommodate the veneer, followed by an impression taken to custom-fit the veneer to your tooth. Finally, the veneers are bonded to the prepared teeth, with the aim of creating a natural appearance in line with the patient’s desires.
From an aesthetic perspective, veneers offer a relatively straightforward solution to a range of dental issues. Whether you are grappling with stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth, veneers can offer improvements. They can correct tooth colour, shape, and alignment.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, veneers also carry some functional benefits. They provide a protective cover to damaged teeth, preventing further wear and tear.
A misconception about veneers is that they can damage teeth. This can be attributed to misunderstanding the tooth preparation stage, especially in the case of porcelain veneers for which a small amount of tooth enamel is removed. However, the extent of removal is typically minimal, sometimes as little as half a millimetre. This is necessary to ensure that the veneer fits naturally and does not appear bulky.
Furthermore, modern dental techniques help this process to become more conservative and less invasive. It is also worth noting that once attached, the veneer effectively acts as a new layer of protective enamel rather than a damaging factor.
As with any dental or cosmetic procedure, veneers come with their share of potential risks and complications. Some individuals might experience sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures in the immediate aftermath of the procedure due to the removal of the protective enamel. There might also be instances of veneer dislodgement or tooth decay under the veneer.
However, there are a number of ways these risks can be effectively managed and mitigated. Firstly, choosing a well-qualified, experienced dentist is essential. They can ensure your veneers are correctly fitted, reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups, can keep potential issues such as decay at bay.
A key part of dental care that a trained dentist should not neglect is informing you of how to care for your teeth following a procedure. If they fail to do this, and there are complications with your surgery or unexpected side effects, this can be classed as negligence.
In the UK, patients' have the right to be treated with a certain standard of care. If a cosmetic dentist fails to meet their duty of care to a patient, they will have acted with negligence. One element of this is informed consent - ensuring that a patient understands the process, benefits, risks, and potential complications of veneers before carrying out the procedure is essential.
In situations where you experience complications due to procedural negligence, or if you are dissatisfied with your veneers because of malpractice, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, a leading UK law firm specialising in cosmetic surgery-related clinical negligence, can help you to understand whether you have the grounds to claim compensation, and will guide you through the entire process.
While dental veneers do not 'ruin' your teeth, poor installation can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you believe you have been treated with negligence, contact us today for expert legal advice. Call us on 0808 271 3278, or fill out an online contact form and we will return your call at a time specified by you.
