As much as you may want porcelain veneers in Oakton, you can’t get them at once. You have to wear temporary ones for a while before the final shells are placed. The treatment process won’t work without them, as these “faux” veneers serve several crucial purposes. If you want, your Oakton cosmetic dentist will gladly tell you about those roles in detail. Just keep reading to learn why you must wear temporary veneers before your final ones.
Why Bother with Temporary Veneers?
Once your teeth are “prepared,” your dentist will place temporary veneers on them. These short-term shells are vital for the following reasons:
They Serve as Placeholders
Porcelain veneers take roughly two weeks to make. Lab workers must be slow and careful when crafting the final shells from dental impressions, or your results won’t look (or feel) good. Given this crafting time, your temporary veneers serve as placeholders; they offer good cosmetic results while you wait for your final shells.
They Protect Vulnerable Teeth
Don’t forget that “prepared” teeth have less enamel than other teeth. Left to themselves, they’ll be at higher risk of cavities, tooth sensitivity, and so on. The good news is that temporary veneers block bacteria (and other debris), keeping these prepped teeth strong and healthy for a few weeks. They’ll ensure your smile is safe while you wait for your final shells.
They Offer a Cosmetic “Preview”
Though temporary veneers are made to fit various teeth, they still offer a “preview” of your finished treatment results. Wearing them amounts to a brief “test drive” before your final porcelain shells are bonded into place. To that extent, they give you a more tangible sense of how your fully treated smile will look. (If the temporary veneers don’t look quite right, don’t worry; they’re just stand-ins!)
How to Live with Temporary Veneers
To make your time with temporary veneers easier, please do the following:
- Expect Discomfort – Since temporary veneers can be a bit thick, they may cause some discomfort while chewing or alter your speech. Please bear these effects while your mouth adjusts.
- Avoid Certain Foods – Temporary veneers are sometimes a tad fragile. Therefore, try to stay away from hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods for a while.
- See Your Dentist as Needed – Your temporary veneers may fall off at some point. If that happens, see your dentist to get the shells reapplied.
Even as you wear temporary veneers, remember that they’ll give way to the “real thing.” That thought should help you in the time ahead!
About the Practice
Oakton Dentistry by Design is based in Oakton, VA. Led by Drs. Giordano and Khalil, our practice provides each patient with gentle and state-of-the-art dental care. We offer a wide range of treatment options to ensure your smile needs are met, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. That means you can also count on us for top-tier porcelain veneers! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (703)-938-4300.