Porcelain veneers have allowed many patients to transform their teeth into beautiful new forms. These thin porcelain shells mimic the appearance of natural dental structure, and they are designed to be cemented over troubled teeth to conceal flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. While they can potentially address all these issues with a single treatment, the process involves removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the appliances. Here’s a brief guide to how porcelain veneers work and how much enamel must be removed for them.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
The first step toward getting porcelain veneers is to have a consultation with your dentist, during which they will evaluate your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. After you’re cleared for the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to render the process painless, and you may receive dental sedation if you need extra help staying comfortable. Your dentist will then shave a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated, take bite impressions, and fix temporary veneers in place so you can get used to wearing them.
A skilled technician will manufacture your permanent veneers at a dental lab based on these bite impressions. When these customized appliances arrive at your dentist’s office about two weeks later, you’ll come back for a second appointment to have your temporary veneers removed and the new ones cemented in place. After any final adjustments, you’ll be ready to greet the world with your new smile.
How Much Enamel Needs to Be Removed for Porcelain Veneers?
Dentists must remove enamel before placing veneers for two reasons, those being:
- Veneers require a suitable surface to bond with so they can remain stable for as long as possible. Removing a little bit of enamel creates such a surface.
- Removing a small amount of enamel makes room for the veneers so the teeth do not appear unnaturally bulky after they are placed.
To place veneers, your dentist will remove as little enamel as possible so that the process does not damage the internal structure of the tooth. The exact amount of enamel varies from tooth to tooth, as some teeth need only a sliver removed while others may need as much as half a millimeter. Enamel does not grow back, so teeth that have received veneers will have to wear them from then on. With excellent care, veneers can last up to fifteen years before needing replacement.
Porcelain veneers are an investment in your appearance and confidence that can expand your social and professional opportunities and improve your quality of life. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if this cosmetic dental treatment can be a suitable fit for you.
About the Author
Dr. Danny Hayes studied dentistry at the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia where he served as an active member of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. Today, he is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Chesterton offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To book your consultation for veneers, contact his office online or dial (219) 926-7595.