Dental Veneers is a popular treatment choice for patients who are seeking a cosmetic fix to their smile that appears incomplete with a broken, chipped or crooked teeth. As part of cosmetic dental treatment, there will be an instance where temporary veneers will be fitted, particularly as a stopgap before the permanent veneers are applied as a long-term solution.
Here, we take you through a thorough understanding of temporary veneers, including what the dentist does, and what you can expect before it’s time to get your permanent veneers fitted.
Why Are Temporary Veneers Important?
As part of your Google search, you stumble across the term temporary veneers. Temporary veneers are a vital part of the fitting process. Before you move forward with a permanent solution, you’d want to know exactly what to expect before agreeing with the changes to your smile.
Temporary veneers perform exactly like this. They’re different from porcelain veneers in terms of material because temporary veneers are made of acrylic. They allow you as the patient to see what the permanent outcome will look like before it gets fitted. Once the permanent veneers are fitted, they’re fitted for a long time. Therefore, temporary veneers give you a sense of comfort, so you know what to expect once the permanent results are applied.
The dentist will take a blueprint or impression of your teeth as a template of your smile, such as understanding the shape, alignment, and size of it. This is necessary to support the final impression of the permanent veneers. Both you and the dentist can also determine what it looks like before moving forward with permanent veneers.
The dentist would first take impressions of your teeth so that the permanent veneers are moulded to fit your smile.
Here are further reasons why applying temporary veneers are important, and the benefits to you:
- Testing Overall Mouth Functioning – The dentist will want to check how your mouth functions with temporary veneers fitted, such as the way you eat and talk. This will allow the dentist to adjust accordingly, so your teeth are safe from damage when the permanent veneers are fitted.
- Appearance – Whilst preparing the temporary veneers, temporary veneers will need to be fitted in the meantime. One of the perks to this is so you have a visualization of how your permanent veneers will fit once they’re settled, and temporary veneers help with this.
- Sensitivity Protection – Dental Veneers treatment requires shaving down a thin portion of the enamel to make room for the permanent veneers to fit. Doing this will introduce some sensitivity when you eat hold and cold foods. The idea is to protect you from sensitivity with temporary veneers.
How Long Would I Need Temporary Veneers For?
Expect to wear temporary veneers for a period of seven to ten days, unless stated by your dentist. Consider them as a trial for you to get comfortable and familiar with wearing temporary veneers in the short term, so the fitting of permanent veneers is seamless.
It is also a unique opportunity for you as a patient to tell the dentist about any discomfort and issues when wearing them. This is what the dentist needs to know so that the permanent veneers are adjusted accordingly. The objective here is the very first moment you wear the permanent veneers, there are no concerns and that you’re happy with the results.
What Foods Do I Need To Avoid With Temporary Veneers?
The first moments of wearing temporary veneers will require you to avoid certain foods in the interim. This is because temporary veneers are prone to damage. Therefore, avoid certain hard and chewy foods such as:
- Hard foods such as candy, raw fruits, dry nuts, and ice
- Sticky foods such as toffee and caramel
- Hard bread
- Foods containing pigments such as sauces, certain vegetables, tea, coffee, and wine.
What Foods Can I Eat With Temporary Veneers?
There are still some delicious choices you can eat in the interim. These need the softer options, which can include:
- Pasta
- Mashed Potato
- Soft canned food
- Green leafy vegetables
- Eggs
- Soup
Read more about what you can and can’t eat after getting veneers here: Foods to Avoid After Veneer
How Much Do Temporary Veneers Cost?
The cost of temporary veneers in Australia is generally included in the overall price of the permanent veneers. This means that there is no additional cost specifically for temporary veneers. According to the Australian Dental Association, the cost of porcelain veneers can range from $1,800 to $2,500 per tooth, with temporary veneers being part of this package. Composite veneers are less expensive, typically costing up to $836 per tooth. These prices cover the entire veneer process, including the creation and application of temporary veneers during the treatment period. For precise pricing and potential discounts, it is recommended to consult directly with your dentist.
If you prefer the cheaper option of composite veneers as opposed to porcelain veneers, there are multiple permanent veneer types that you can consult with your dentist.
Alternatives to Temporary Veneer
One alternative to temporary dental veneers is dental bonding. This cosmetic procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to your teeth to cover imperfections such as chips, cracks, and gaps. Dental bonding is less invasive than veneers and can be done in a single visit, making it a quick and cost-effective solution.
Another popular option is snap-on veneers. These are removable veneers that can be easily worn and taken off as needed. Snap-on veneers are less expensive than traditional veneers and can be used to temporarily enhance the appearance of your smile without the need for dental bonding or enamel removal. They are ideal for those seeking a non-permanent and budget-friendly alternative.
Dental crowns are also a viable alternative to veneers, especially for teeth that require significant structural support. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing strength and durability. They are typically recommended for teeth that are heavily damaged, decayed, or weakened. Good candidates for crowns are individuals with significant tooth damage, large fillings, or those who have undergone root canal treatment. Crowns offer both functional restoration and aesthetic improvement, making them suitable for front and back teeth.
Read more and decide which one is better for you: Dental Crowns or Veneers
If you are in Garran or near areas, our Dentist Garran will help you decide.