I am supposed to have eight porcelain veneers placed on my front teeth next week. This smile makeover is something that I’ve been saving up to get for years. I will be able to pay half up front and finance the rest. Now, my cosmetic dentist is recommending that I get a night guard to protect them when I sleep. How important is it that I get the night guard? I’m already stressed about spending such an exorbitant amount of money on myself.
-Kendra in Nevada
Kendra,
Cosmetic dentistry can be expensive. However, a beautiful smile can be life changing. Imagine not hiding your smile in photos and the self-confidence you will exude when your new porcelain veneers are done.
Night guards are a common recommendation for many cosmetic dentistry treatments, like porcelain veneers or crowns. The dentist may have detected some grinding, which you may not even be aware that you are doing at night.
Porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth and they are indeed very strong. But, even the most durable cosmetic dentistry is still susceptible to chipping, cracking or becoming damaged. The new veneers may take some getting used to, which may also encourage grinding subconsciously. When your body detects a change, increased clenching or grinding may be the result.
Again, your dentist likely detected some signs on your teeth or gums of clenching or night grinding. So, a night guard is a simple way to help prolong the beauty of your porcelain veneers.
A night guard may cost several hundred dollars. However, when you look at the investment you are making on your beautiful new smile, it is probably worth it to protect it. Night guards help protect damage to cosmetic dentistry, damage to surrounding teeth, as well as preventing gum recession.
Thank you for your question. Congratulations on your soon to be new porcelain veneers!
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS