Creating the smile of your dreams can be simpler than you might think; in many cases, all it takes are veneers placed over the right teeth to hide all the cosmetic dental flaws that have been bothering you. But before you can receive veneers, some enamel needs to be taken off the teeth in question. Your dentist is here to explain how much enamel will be removed and why this step is necessary to begin with.
How Much Enamel is Removed for Veneers?
Most of the time, you can expect about half a millimeter to be taken off a tooth that will eventually receive a veneer. Of course, this amount is not strictly set in stone; it can vary depending on the shape and alignment of your teeth. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that your dentist will always aim to let you keep as much of your natural enamel as possible.
Remember, no matter how little enamel is removed from your tooth, it will not grow back later. For this reason, the process of getting veneers is considered irreversible. Once the enamel has been removed, the prepared tooth will always need to be covered by a veneer (or another kind of dental restoration). For this reason, you will have to wear temporary veneers while you are waiting for the permanent versions to be made.
Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed for Veneers?
One reason why removing enamel is necessary is that it helps ensure that your new smile looks as natural as possible. If a tooth isn’t properly prepared, putting a veneer on it will make it seem unusually bulky. Your dentist therefore needs to take off a certain amount of enamel to create enough room for a veneer that’s able to blend in with the rest of your grin.
On top of that, removing enamel creates a rough surface on your teeth. This makes it easier for an adhesive to bond with your tooth, which helps ensure that your veneers will stay in place after your procedure.
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?
You may be a good candidate for veneers if you want to fix multiple cosmetic problems at once. This can include cracked enamel, discolored spots that can’t be corrected with whitening alone, and misshapen teeth. Bear in mind that for a tooth to receive veneers, it needs to be in good health overall, and it must have a sufficient amount of enamel even after the required amount has been removed.
If you decide to pursue veneers, it’s important to make sure that you fully understand every step of the process. Feel free to let your dentist know if you have any questions about veneers, whether it’s regarding the removal of enamel or other aspects of the process.
About the Practice
At Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford, our dental experts are committed to creating bright smiles that our patients can feel fully confident in. Among our many options for cosmetic dentistry, we offer veneers that can be used to address multiple dental flaws simultaneously. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (817) 594-7302.