How Much Enamel Will My Dentist Remove for Veneers?

December 19, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drgeller @ 5:21 pm
A closeup of a woman’s smile being treated with porcelain veneers

If you’re considering getting porcelain veneers, you may have heard that this safe, beautiful, durable treatment is considered irreversible. In fact, though they must be replaced due to wear and age, once you get them, you make a lifelong commitment to them. Here’s what you need to know about porcelain veneers and your teeth!

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to improve their shape, size, color, and minor spacing issues. With proper care, they can last up to 20 years, but eventually they will need to be replaced.

Enamel Removal

With this treatment, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel (about 0.5mm) from each treated tooth. This procedure is not painful; however, it is irreversible, and your enamel will not grow back. Thus, you must always have veneers on your teeth to keep them strong and healthy.

Healthy enamel must be removed for the veneer to fit properly on the tooth. If left in place, your tooth would be too bulky, and your veneers would stick out unnaturally or have a bad fit. Thus, to make your smile look more streamlined and beautiful, your dentist will need to make room for them.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

As mentioned, you will eventually need to replace your veneers due to age or wear. Thankfully, you can extend their life as long as possible by properly caring for and using them. Here are some tips to help you:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes do not work on veneers, so these products and any gritty pastes will only cause damage to them.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • Do not use your teeth for anything other than eating. No biting your nails or opening packaging with them.
  • Avoid crunching excessively hard foods like hard candies or ice cubes.
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for your regular, biannual exam and cleanings, as well as if you notice any changes in your veneers or your oral health.

Remember, porcelain veneers are a wonderful treatment if you’re looking to correct a variety of oral health issues at once. They are durable, natural-looking, and long lasting with proper care, but they do require you to fully commit to them. To find out if this solution is right for you, speak to your dentist for more information!

About Our Practice

At Geller Dentistry, we are proud to offer a variety of treatments to improve your appearance and oral health. We know that having a beautiful, healthy smile is essential to helping boost your self-confidence so you can excel both professionally and personally. We also know that keeping your mouth in great working order can help keep your entire body healthy and strong.

If you’re interested in learning more about how veneers can correct a variety of smile flaws and help increase your self-esteem, please contact us today for a consultation by visiting our website or calling us at 323-467-1472.

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