A few well-placed veneers can completely transform your smile, hiding all kinds of aesthetic flaws such as chips and discolored spots. But veneers can’t simply be attached to your teeth right away. Your dentist will need to prepare your smile first by removing a certain amount of enamel. To make sure that you fully understand what to expect when getting veneers, here’s a closer look at why enamel needs to be removed and just how much is normally taken off.
Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed for Veneers?
Simply put, it’s done so that the tooth still appears to be the right size after the procedure. If a veneer was simply placed without making any preparations first, the tooth in question would look unusually bulky compared to the rest of the smile. Removing enamel helps ensure that the veneer looks as natural as possible. On top of that, it also creates a rougher tooth surface that the veneer can attach to more easily via adhesive.
How Much Enamel is Typically Removed for Veneers?
The exact amount of enamel that needs to be taken off the teeth can vary from patient to patient. Factors that can influence this amount include the shape and alignment of the teeth as well as the specific types of cosmetic issues being corrected. That being said, your dentist will aim to remove as little enamel as possible.
You can generally expect to have about half a millimeter of enamel shaved off your teeth. This is obviously a very small amount, but it should be noted that once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. Thus, the tooth will need to stay covered with a veneer (or another type of restoration, such as a crown). In other words, getting veneers is an irreversible process, so keep that in mind before you make any decisions regarding the treatment.
What Happens After Enamel is Removed for Veneers?
Once the necessary amount of enamel has been taken off your teeth, your dentist will capture impressions of your smile. These impressions will then be sent to the dental lab where your permanent veneers will be made. Temporary veneers will be attached to your teeth in order to keep them safe.
About one or two weeks later, your permanent veneers will be ready. You’ll return to your dentist’s office to have your temporary veneers taken off. Then the permanent versions will be attached to the teeth, thus creating a brilliant new smile that you can be proud of.
If you want to use veneers to achieve the grin of your dreams, then having enamel removed is a necessary step. Be sure to talk to your dentist to get a clear idea of just how much enamel will be taken off your teeth; they’ll be more than happy to address any concerns you have.
About the Author
Dr. Sara Saber is a graduate of the University of the Pacific, which is where she earned her dental degree. She has quite a bit of experience when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, and she has frequently used veneers to help her patients make multiple corrections to their smiles at once. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Saber at Elite Dental of Fountain Valley, visit her website or call (714) 962-4486.