When you were expecting a customised set of beautiful porcelain veneers, it might seem strange when your dentist bonds acrylic (plastic) veneers to your teeth and sends you on your way. Don't worry, because you will still be receiving your permanent porcelain veneers, and those acrylic veneers are only temporary. Temporary veneers are in fact a crucial part of the overall process.

Cosmetic Dentistry

While veneers can be utilised to correct certain dental concerns (such as mildly crooked teeth and teeth that have been shortened due to wear and tear), they're typically used in cosmetic dentistry and are specifically intended to conceal imperfections, improving the aesthetics of your smile. The process itself might seem uncomplicated (a wafer-thin, tooth-coloured porcelain is bonded to the tooth), but it's actually quite intricate, hence the need for temporary veneers.

Assess the Look

Although you can probably imagine what your smile will look like once veneers have been applied, the reality can be different. Different isn't necessarily a negative thing, and temporary veneers are fabricated as an approximation of the final product in terms of colour and size. Veneers can increase the surface area of a tooth, and the acrylic or porcelain can be noticeably brighter than your natural dental enamel. Temporary veneers give you the opportunity to assess the look of your smile, allowing you and your dentist to make a few refinements if needed, without sacrificing the functionality of your veneers. 

The Way You Talk

In addition to the proposed appearance of your new smile, temporary veneers also give you an insight into any issues you might encounter once your permanent veneers are bonded. While eating with veneers doesn't require a specific approach, your speaking might be affected. Because the surfaces of your teeth are being modified, you can find that the way in which you articulate speech changes slightly. This isn't to suggest that veneers lead to a speech defect, but minor, uncharacteristic impairments might be noted. This can indicate that some minor modifications (such as resizing) might be needed before your permanent veneers are installed. 

You won't be wearing your temporary veneers for long (it might only be a matter of days), but this time is necessary to identify any teething problems, allowing adjustments to be made to your (as yet unmade) permanent veneers. This brief trial period means that permanent veneers are as efficient and aesthetically pleasing as possible — before they're even attached to your teeth.

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