4 Smile Makeover Myths—Busted

There is a lot of information out there about getting and maintaining your best smile. Some of it is really great info. Some of it is, for lack of a better (politically correct) word, baloney. If you’re considering a smile makeover with veneers, you better be able to separate fact from fiction. Here are four common myths that deserve some good old-fashioned busting. Myth 1: Veneers are a one-time procedure. Every case is different, and veneers last from five to 12 years in average, but in some cases, veneers have lasted as long as 20 years. “There is a limited life expectancy on every restoration,” says Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS. So, you’ll have to replace them at some point. Myth 2: Veneers only alter the look of the teeth. Fact: Veneers can be used to build out the back teeth, making the cheeks appear fuller for a more youthful appearance overall. Myth 3: All veneers are the same. There is a big difference between regular and no-prep veneers, which require no tooth removal; however, only those who have pretty straight teeth without heavy stains qualify for them. Your teeth alignment has to be pretty close to ideal. Myth 4: Once you get veneers, you’re stuck with them for life. Fact: “In most cases, this is true, but in cases where only small adjustments were made such as tooth contouring, no-prep veneers can be applied, and they can be removed later on,” says The Woodlands, TX, cosmetic dentist Guy M. Lewis, DDS.