Why Do I Need Temporary Veneers?

Whether you’re waiting patiently for your dinner to arrive at your favorite restaurant, watching the clock until work is over, or anticipating the joy of getting a new set of veneers, some of the best things in life are worth the delay.  When it comes to veneers, however, there are certain things you must do to protect your teeth during that time. Here’s what you can expect during the process, and why your teeth are definitely worth the wait!

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that fit over your healthy teeth to create a whiter, brighter smile. They adhere with a special bonding cement that is safe to eat and drink with, though you may want to be careful biting with your front teeth once you have them.

They resist staining, too, and can be cared for just as you would your untreated teeth, but they do need to be replaced eventually. With proper maintenance, however, you can expect them to last upwards of 20 years.

How Are Veneers Attached?

The veneers process begins with a trip to your dentist. First, a thin layer of enamel will be removed from each tooth to better accommodate the new addition. Then, a mold of your teeth will be made and sent to the lab to create them. Next, your dentist will attach a set of temporary veneers to your teeth to protect them from damage until your permanent ones are in place. The entire process takes about two weeks to complete, and once completed, you can go back to your daily routine without the need for any recovery time.

Why Do I Need Temporary Veneers?

Temporary veneers may seem like an odd idea, but they’re for your own protection. They not only keep your teeth safe from damage and bacteria once your enamel has been reduced, but despite being a bit thicker than permanent ones, they also give you an idea of how they will look and feel.

Tips for Wearing Temporary Veneers

Remember, you will likely only need temporary veneers for about two weeks, however getting used to them may take a bit of time. Here are a few important things to remember about wearing them:

• Don’t floss your teeth with them, as there are usually no gaps to floss between
• Because of their thickness, you may have difficulty chewing
• Do not eat hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods with them
• Avoid hot or cold foods to prevent sensitivity caused by exposed enamel

The good news is that once your permanent veneers are attached, you can go back to enjoying your favorite foods and caring for your teeth properly once again. Though it may seem like a long time, your wait for your new smile will be well worth it in the end!

About Dr. Thompson

Dr. John T. Thompson enjoys providing a safe, caring and happy atmosphere for patients of all ages. While he does take his work seriously, he also believes that creating a fun and lighthearted environment helps put people at ease and makes maintaining their oral health a lot easier.

Dr. Thompson was awarded a Fellowship by the Academy of General Dentistry, placing him in the top 7% percent of all dentists.  He also maintains memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Practice, and the Texas Dental Association. He was recently voted by his peers as a Fellow in the International College of dentists and has served as President of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society, The Corpus Christi Dental Study Club, the South Texas Academy of General Dentistry and as a member Texas Dental Association’s Board of Directors.

To schedule an appointment for veneers with Dr. Thompson, please visit our website or call us today at 361-242-3151.