In the past ten years, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. These ultra-thin shells of dental porcelain can completely transform your smile by covering a range of dental imperfections, including chipped, cracked, gapped, or discolored teeth. Additionally, you can count on your upgraded pearly whites to become permanent in about two weeks. However, getting veneers is a process and as you wait for your final veneers to be placed, you will wear temporary ones. Read on to learn more about this important, but short-lived, step in the journey to a picture-perfect smile.
Why Do I Need Temporary Veneers?
There are three main reasons why you’ll need to wear temporary veneers:
- Appearance: Your dentist prepares your teeth for permanent veneers by removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth. Temporary veneers will cover this slight change and make them look like normal teeth while you wait for your permanent ones to be made.
- Sensitivity: Your teeth will feel more sensitive than usual due to the enamel removal. Temporary veneers will shield the vulnerable teeth and prevent discomfort when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
- Glimpse Into the Future: Wearing temporary veneers will give you an idea of what your permanent ones will look and feel like. This gives you time to ask your dentist to make any necessary adjustments before your permanent smile arrives.
What Are the Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Veneers?
The only difference is the material that they are made from. Your permanent veneers are made from porcelain, which is more endurable and closely resembles your pearly whites. Temporary ones are made from dental wax, acrylic composite, resin, or other materials. They won’t match the color of your teeth exactly and won’t be as durable. You will have just enough dental cement to hold them in place for the two weeks that you wait for your permanent ones to arrive.
How to Care for Temporary Veneers
Since your temporary veneers protect your smile from harm, it’s important to take good care of them until you can get your permanent ones. Some tips include:
- Avoid sticky and hard foods –Your temporary veneers are meant to be easy to remove when the time comes, so avoid sticky foods that could dislodge them.
- Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine – It’s important to keep your usual dental habits of brushing and flossing in place while wearing your temporary veneers. Consider forgoing mouthwash since the alcohol in it can weaken the dental bonding used to hold your temporary veneers in place.
- Avoid highly-pigmented foods and drinks –The materials that temporary veneers are made from can stain easily. Take a break from dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and berries.
Your temporary veneers are just a step in the process of achieving your picture-perfect smile. With your dentist’s help and your extra care, your permanent smile is on its way!
About the Author
Dr. Derek Funk and his team at Sweeny Family Dental are eager to help you achieve your dream smile! He earned his dental doctorate from UCLA School of Dentistry, where he received the merit-based Dean’s scholarship. With extensive cosmetic dental experience, he uses customized plans and advanced dental technology so you can preview your new smile with veneers. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call (979) 401-2962.