You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about flaws in your smile, such as chips, cracks, stubborn stains, or slight gaps. Thankfully, many dentists offer various cosmetic services, including veneers, to address aesthetic concerns, enhance your appearance, and boost your confidence.
But this treatment requires thinning the underlying teeth to be successful. If you’re interested in veneers but aren’t sure why this preparation is required or how much enamel is usually removed, keep reading to learn more about it so you know what to expect!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are usually made from ceramic, such as porcelain, that have been customized to match or improve the natural size, shape, and tone of your teeth. Then, they’re cemented over the front surfaces of your enamel to hide one or more imperfections and give you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of.
They’re not made from the same organic materials as your teeth, so they don’t develop decay or disease. Plus, they’re coated with a glaze durable enough to withstand potential damage or discoloration, and can last for 15+ years with proper care. This makes veneers a popular, long-term solution for fixing dental flaws.
Why Is Enamel Removed for Veneers?
If veneers are too thin, they can become frail and therefore more likely to break or fail altogether. They’re usually designed to be about 0.5 mm thick, allowing them to fully cover dental flaws while remaining resilient enough to stay in place for years. This might not seem like much of a change in dimension, but if these covers are placed over your teeth without removing any enamel, they might protrude too far. This can look bulky and awkward and might even cause bite misalignment, which can harm your dental health.
As a result, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel so the shells fit your teeth correctly and look natural while avoiding potential complications. This also creates a textured surface that strengthens the bonding when your veneers are cemented in place.
How Much Enamel is Removed for Veneers?
If you’re worried that your dentist has to significantly alter the shape of your teeth for this treatment, you can thankfully set your fears aside. Most providers avoid major changes to preserve the tooth’s natural strength and stability and will remove only about half a millimeter of enamel, or about the same thickness as the veneer.
You’re not alone if you’re worried this step might hurt, but your dentist can numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and/or provide sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
If you have additional questions about what to expect from getting veneers, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at Salvaggio Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists who are dedicated to providing top-quality services, including veneers, to meet your unique needs. They take the time to discuss your individual goals and concerns, then devise and implement customized treatment plans using advanced technology to deliver beautiful, comfortable, and long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (289) 569-0721.