Veneers

Frequently Asked Questions

At Cherry Tree Dental, we’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Over the years, our dental experts have fielded a wide variety of questions from our clients, so we’ve rounded up some of the most common answers below!

If you have a question that isn’t answered below or you simply want more information on dental implants, feel free to give us a call on 01254 202888.

Do veneers damage your teeth?

• No, veneers do not damage your teeth. It’s a skilled process that uses specialised materials to ensure that your teeth are properly protected, and you can have complete peace of mind. It’s still important to care for your teeth though, so you still need to brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings.

Are veneers permanent?

• Most types of dental veneers are permanent. While there are exceptions, typical veneers are attached to your teeth via a type of specialised cement, which isn’t reversible. Don’t worry though – we can always talk you through the process in detail well in advance, so that we can make sure that it’s really the right treatment for you.

How can i keep my veneers in good condition?

• Your veneers generally won’t need any particularly specialised care to stay in good condition, which means it’s mostly just a matter of maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

  That includes regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups (ideally at least once a year) to ensure that your veneers remain healthy. Equally, you’ll need to avoid certain bad habits that can expose your teeth to risk of damage – using them to open bottles is a particularly common one!

What happens if one of my veneers comes off?

• Depending on the state of your veneer, it may be possible to reattach it. If your veneer comes off, here are the most important steps:

  1. Get the veneer out of your mouth and store it safely.

  If your veneer falls off – whether fully or partially – the first thing to do is to get it out of your mouth as quickly as you can. If you’ve accidentally swallowed your veneer, there’s no need to panic – it’s not toxic, so it will pass through your system safely. Ideally though, you’ll obviously want to avoid that happening if you can.

  Once you’ve removed the veneer from your mouth, clean it and dry it, then store it in a hard-sided container with adequate padding to protect it.

  2. Contact a dentist at Cherry Tree Dental

  As soon as your veneer has been stored safely, the next step is to contact us. We’ll arrange an appointment to reattach your veneer (or a new one) as soon as we can.

  3. Protect your veneerless tooth

  Your veneerless tooth is likely to still have a fair amount of dental enamel from before your treatment, so you don’t have to worry about any immediate damage. However, it’s still worth being careful about what you eat and drink, and pay attention to any sensitivity you might experience.

  If necessary, you can use dental wax to cover the exposed surface, which can help you to control any discomfort in the short term, until one of our team can see you.

Are veneers a covered insurance benefit?

• Dental veneers are classed as a cosmetic treatment, which means they’re often not covered by insurance companies (although there may be exceptions). Generally, insurance companies only provide insurance for structural improvements to your teeth, such as any remedial treatments to address decay, tooth wear, or fracture.

Does the process hurt?

• Dental veneers are fitted under general anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is painless. You may experience some slight sensitivity after the final fitting, but this typically only lasts a few days.