Prosthetic Preparation: How Much Enamel Is Removed for Veneers?

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, so if it’s marred by imperfections like chips, cracks, stains, or gaps, it can affect your confidence. Fortunately, your dentist can provide porcelain veneers that transform your grin and make a lasting impression for all the right reasons.

These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of your tooth to mask imperfections. However, for them to line up correctly against your gums, your dentist must remove some of your enamel. Many patients are nervous about this step because it’s irreversible. If you’re on the fence about veneers because you’re worried about the preparation, continue reading to learn why you can safely set your concerns aside!

How Do Veneers Work?

This cosmetic procedure must be done in stages because of the different steps involved. First, your dentist will perform an oral examination to ensure that you don’t have gum disease or cavities that could interfere with the results. Then, they’ll thin your enamel slightly before taking impressions that will be used to make your customized veneers. This protective outer layer won’t grow back, so this step involves a permanent change. You’ll need to have veneers or some other restoration in place to safeguard your grin going forward.

Next, the images and impressions will be sent to a dental lab, which will specifically design your prosthetics to be just the right shade, shape, and size to match your teeth. Once they’ve been delivered and bonded in place, you’ll have a perfectly seamless smile to show off.

How Much Enamel Is Removed?

If your dentist were to bond veneers to your teeth without removing any enamel, they would protrude farther out and look bulky or awkward in comparison. Because they have their own dimensions, a thin layer must be taken off the surface of your pearly whites for them to sit flush against your gumline.

They won’t take away any more enamel than is necessary, which is usually about half a millimeter- or about the width of a contact lens.

Does This Put My Dental Health at Risk?

Your provider wants to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible to protect your oral well-being. Losing some enamel might cause some tooth sensitivity and slightly weaken the structure of your tooth, but it doesn’t cause any real damage. It’s still sturdy and viable, although it’s also somewhat more vulnerable to injuries. Thankfully, veneers are coated with a glaze strong enough to resist chipping and staining, so they can shield your pearly whites from potential harm. Plus, they can last 20+ years if you practice consistent dental hygiene habits, so you won’t have anything to worry about for a long time.

With veneers in place, you can enjoy a happy, healthy smile for decades!

About the Practice

At the Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry, patients benefit from a team of dentists who work together to provide a full array of services all under one roof. They have 30+ years of combined experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental condition. They’re committed to staying current with the latest developments in dental treatments and techniques, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. Plus, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to increase your comfort as well as the accuracy of your results. If you’re interested in veneers and are ready to schedule a consultation, you can contact the office on the website or call (609) 561-0058.