Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment because they’re both incredibly reliable and versatile, meaning they’re long-lasting and can address a wide range of issues. Whether you want a brighter, straighter, or more perfect smile, your dentist can place these ceramic covers over the front surfaces of your enamel to achieve your goals.
However, many patients near Gainesville are surprised to learn mid-process that they’ll likely be given a temporary set of veneers to wear for a short time. Continue reading to learn why this is necessary and what to expect!
Why Do I Need to Wear Temporary Veneers?
Veneers are thin, durable shells made of ceramic that are bonded to your enamel to mask aesthetic flaws like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, or minor misalignments. Although they’re quite thin, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth for them to fit correctly without appearing overly bulky.
This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, and your teeth are somewhat more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and injuries without a restoration in place. It can take several weeks for the dental lab to deliver the finished product after your dentist has already prepared your teeth to make impressions, so you’ll need temporary covers to safeguard your smile until they arrive.
How Are Temporary Veneers Different?
These artificial teeth aren’t intended to be worn long, so they’re not completely customized to fit like a glove, like your permanent veneers are. Instead, they’re pre-made in various sizes, shapes, and tones so your dentist can choose an option that most closely matches your smile. As a result, these shields might feel larger in your mouth. Furthermore, there are no gaps between these teeth, so you can’t floss with them in place.
Thankfully, they’re only meant to be worn for a brief period of time, so they’re not likely to harm your oral health.
What Should I Expect from Temporary Veneers?
Because they’re a short-term solution, these restorations aren’t as resilient as their permanent counterparts. You’ll need to take care of them correctly to avoid damaging them while they’re in place.
You should continue brushing your teeth twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria, but avoid flossing around your temporary veneers. Also, avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods that can injure or dislodge them. You might notice that you’re more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures due to thinned enamel, but this sensation usually dissipates on its own after a couple of weeks.
If you still have questions about temporary veneers and why they’re necessary, the best way to get accurate information is by asking your dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Gabriel Nossa is passionate about helping families near Gainesville build and maintain happy, healthy grins. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and his a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to help put patients at ease while delivering accurate treatment results intended to last. If you want to improve your appearance with veneers, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (352) 332-8133.