How Much Dental Enamel Needs to Be Removed for Veneers?

Are you unhappy with how your smile looks? One of the great things about living in today’s world is the fact that you don’t need to settle for a smile that you don’t feel confident about. There are several different cosmetic dental treatments out there that can help to correct flaws, such as porcelain veneers. They are able to cover up all sorts of different aesthetic issues, like teeth that are misshapen, chipped, gapped, discolored, and undersized. During the procedure, a small amount of your enamel will need to be removed, but how much exactly? Continue reading to learn more.

How Does the Procedure Work?

This procedure is minimally invasive. Your dentist only removes a small amount of protective enamel from the front surface of your teeth. Next, a model of your mouth will be made and set off to dental lab where your permanent porcelain veneers will be made. Until this time, you will be given a temporary set to wear while you get ready for the real thing. When your next appointment rolls around, some minor adjustments will be made, and your veneers will be adhered to your teeth using a special dental cement.

Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed Before Veneers Are Placed?

There are two main reasons why your enamel needs to be shaved down:

• The veneers need to be bonded to the teeth and stay in place. By removing a small portion of enamel, this creates a surface where the veneer will easily adhere.
• Without removing any enamel, your teeth would appear to be bulky after the veneers are placed. By removing some of the enamel, your smile appears to be more natural and the veneers blend in nicely.

How Much Enamel Needs to Be Removed?

Your dentist will take away enough enamel for the procedure to take place, but not too much where it damages the overall structure of the teeth. Sometimes, teeth only require minimal shaving, but most of the time, you can expect about half a millimeter to be taken away. Your dentist wants to conserve as much natural tooth structure as possible in order to keep your smile healthy. However, you should know that your enamel does not grow back, so porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic option.

Veneers are great at improving the appearance of the teeth. They are customized to be the exact color for beautiful, natural-looking results. Ask your dentist if you would make a good candidate for the procedure. Veneers may be a commitment but feeling confident is priceless!

About the Author

Dr. David M. Fisher is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over 20 years. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has completed continuing education courses. He offers a variety of cosmetic services, including porcelain veneers. For more information or to schedule a consultation at his office in Greensboro, NC, visit his website or call (336) 288-1242.