3 Common Traits of People Who Regret Their Veneers

Types of Veneers

3 Common Traits of People Who Regret Them

Hello.

I’m Kim Tae-hyung,

Director of Blanche Dental Clinic.

More people than you might expect come to our clinic

after already getting veneers.

Not because they want to get new ones,

but because they ask,

“Can these be removed?”

To be honest, these consultations

weigh heavily on me as well.

Many patients tell us that they got veneers

a few years ago, but their gums keep swelling,

or their front teeth look especially prominent

every time they take a photo.

When I ask how they made the decision

in the first place,

their answers are often quite similar.

They saw attractive photos first,

compared prices, and then immediately

scheduled the procedure.

And they always add this:

“I didn’t know back then

that there were different types of veneers.”

When I see people who regret getting veneers,

many of them overlooked something

they should have checked

when making the initial decision.

So today, I’d like to share

three common traits I often see

in the clinic.^^

1. They Looked at the Price First

Instead of Considering the Type of Veneer

Veneers

are not all made in the same way.

Depending on how much the tooth is reshaped,

they may be classified as conventional-preparation,

minimal-preparation, or no-preparation veneers.

There are also differences depending on

what material is bonded to the tooth.

A method that builds up the shape

by applying composite resin is also sometimes

called a veneer.

Over time, resin may gradually become

slightly rougher on the surface

or become stained.

If the margins are not maintained properly,

there may also be a possibility of decay.

The main reason prices can differ significantly

even for what are called the same veneers

is usually found here:

what material is used,

and who makes them and how.

“Blanche” is the name we have given

to the veneers we use.

Giving them a name

may seem a little excessive.. haha

But it reflects how much time

we spent considering and selecting

which materials to use.

Blanche veneers use

feldspathic ceramic,

whose light-transmitting properties

are close to those of natural teeth.

We keep them thin, at around 0.1 mm,

and have an in-house dental laboratory team

so we can review the process together

from the design stage.

Be sure to ask these three questions

during your consultation:

What material is being used?

How thick will it be?

Who will make it, and where?

2. They Focused Only on Attractive Veneers

Without Checking Their Gums

Among those who come to us

asking to have their veneers removed,

many say they are uncomfortable because

their gums keep swelling

or bleed when they brush their teeth.

In these cases, the gums are often

sending a signal before the teeth do.

The boundary where the ceramic meets the gums

is called the margin.

If this boundary extends too deeply

under the gums,

or if the veneers are thicker than necessary,

the gums may swell, bleed,

or gradually recede.

Even if they look attractive and well done

when viewed from the front,

if your gums bleed every time you brush

and the swelling keeps returning,

please do not dismiss it as something

that will improve as you get used to it.

It is not something you simply need to adjust to;

it is something that should be checked.

3. They Trusted the Phrase

“No-Preparation Veneers” Without Checking

Their Own Dental Condition

These days, many people come in

asking about no-preparation veneers first.

Since they are told that their teeth do not need

to be filed down,

it is naturally more appealing.

I probably would have looked into them first too.

However, just because someone wants

no-preparation veneers

does not mean that everyone should receive them.

Some people feel a little disappointed

when I say this. ^^;

No-preparation veneers are not good

simply because no tooth structure is removed.

They are a good option when the teeth

can achieve a suitable shape

without preparation.

If the natural teeth are small,

if there are spaces between the teeth,

or if the teeth next to the front teeth

are positioned inward,

it may be easier to create the desired shape

without preparation.

On the other hand, if overlapping crooked teeth

are already present,

or if the mouth already appears prominent,

insisting on no-preparation veneers

may add the veneer thickness directly,

making the lips and teeth look more protruded.

In fact, quite a few people who come to us

asking to have veneers removed

after getting them at another dental clinic

are in this situation.

The problem is not that no-preparation veneers

are inherently bad.

It is the result of choosing a method

that does not suit their teeth.

That is why, during a consultation,

I do not make a definitive judgment

about whether no-preparation veneers are possible

from the outset.

First, I take photographs and examine

the alignment of the teeth and the profile.

Then I explain whether no-preparation veneers

are suitable or whether minimal preparation

is needed.

In Closing

To summarize the three points:

They compared prices first

without considering the type of veneer.

They looked only at the shape of the teeth

without checking the condition of the gums.

They trusted the phrase “no-preparation”

without checking whether it suited their teeth.

Veneers are not simply

a procedure for choosing an attractive shape.

They are closer to a process of selecting

a method that suits the condition

of your teeth and gums.

Of course, not every tooth can be treated

in the same way,

and results vary from person to person.

So before getting started,

I hope you take the time to hear a thorough explanation

of what options are possible

and what limitations may apply.

Take a moment to check in the mirror today.

See whether there is a red line

along the gum margin,

or whether your front teeth look

unusually far forward.

If either of these concerns you,

rather than waiting and hoping it will improve

on its own,

I recommend having your current condition checked first.

These are your front teeth,

which you will use for many years to come.

It is perfectly fine to take a little more time

before making your decision.

Wishing you a bright, radiant smile,

Kim Tae-hyung,

Director of Blanche Dental Clinic

[Frequently Asked Questions]

Q. How are the different types of veneers classified?

A. Based on the amount of tooth preparation, they are classified as conventional-preparation, minimal-preparation, or no-preparation veneers. Based on the bonding material, they are classified as ceramic or resin veneers.

Q. Why do veneer prices differ from one dental clinic to another?

A. Even when they have the same name, prices can differ depending on the type and thickness of the material and where the veneers are made.

Q. Why do the gums swell after getting veneers?

A. This can occur when the boundary where the ceramic meets the gums, or the thickness of the veneer, encroaches on the space needed by the gums.

Q. Can anyone get no-preparation veneers?

A. No. They may be advantageous when the teeth are small or have spaces between them, but they are not recommended when crooked teeth overlap or the teeth are protruding.

Q. What are resin veneers like?

A. Although the initial cost is lower, there is a possibility of discoloration and decay at the margins, so they may need to be repaired or redone over the long term.

Q. Can veneers be removed later?

A. It depends on the bonding method, and because it is difficult to completely restore the teeth to their original condition, the initial choice is important.

Q. What should I do if my existing veneers are uncomfortable?

A. Rather than simply putting up with them and waiting to adjust, it is better to have a consultation to check the condition of your gums and margins first.