Not everyone is born with perfect teeth – in fact, very few people are! This is why the demand for cosmetic dentistry has surged in recent years; more and more people are opting for services like veneers to enhance their teeth and unlock their smile’s true potential. But if you’re familiar with veneers, you’ve probably heard that to receive them, your existing teeth need to be altered. Though this might initially cast doubt on your dental aspirations, you should know that this part of the process isn’t a cause for any concern. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are arguably one of the most versatile cosmetic dental treatments around, capable of addressing a very wide range of aesthetic issues including chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, stubborn areas of dental staining, misshapen teeth, and more. The veneers themselves are small, thin coverings made from porcelain that are designed to resemble natural teeth. They can be shaped and shaded to perfectly match the rest of a patient’s smile and have the potential to last for several years before needing replacement.
Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed Before Veneers?
The reason why enamel needs to be removed prior to veneer placement is simple – it ensures that the veneers look and feel just like natural teeth! The method for placing veneers involves etching the surface of the tooth before bonding the veneer in place using special dental cement. Removing a small portion of enamel helps to create a surface that the veneers can easily adhere to. Not to mention, as thin as the veneers are, they won’t look natural or lay flush against your teeth if a small layer of enamel isn’t removed.
Don’t worry though – approximately only half of a millimeter (0.5mm) of enamel is removed before veneer placement. This amount is negligible and won’t damage the overall structure of your teeth; remember, at all times your dentist’s top priority is the preservation of your natural smile. This also means that teeth that have been treated with veneers will always have to wear them, for their own benefit. Many patients believe this trade-off is incredibly worthwhile, though, since they’ll have a picture-perfect smile moving forward!
Veneers can enhance your smile’s beauty tenfold, giving you the Hollywood-esque grin you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re curious about receiving veneers, don’t wait to consult with your dentist to ensure that they’re a viable option for you.
About the Practice
Our team here at Winthrop Street Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Worcester, MA community for several years, offering a very wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services including veneers. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please feel free to visit us online or call us today for information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 756-0990.
