Do Veneers Damage Your Natural Teeth?

One of the top questions we hear from patients during veneer consultations is, "Will veneers damage my natural teeth?". A knowledgeable and experienced cosmetic dentist should always carry out all dental treatments to keep your natural teeth as healthy as possible. When performed correctly, veneers can help you regain lost self-confidence, and they're a life-changing treatment.

Feel the most confidence you've ever felt in your smile with veneers and Elite Dental & Denture PC.

How Veneers Impact Your Tooth Enamel

Veneers will not cause damage to your natural teeth when an experienced cosmetic dentist carries out your cosmetic dental treatment plan. The most important thing to know about the safety of veneers is only to trust an experienced cosmetic dentist, and this can be said for all cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Before committing to veneers with a dental professional, ask to see before and after photos of other patients' smile makeovers to get an idea of the dentist's aesthetic skills. You should also ensure that your dentist has been providing cosmetic treatments for some time and that they have the necessary credentials to perform the treatment.

How Much Of My Natural Tooth Is Drilled Away?

This is a common concern for most patients looking into veneers, and the short answer to how much natural tooth enamel is drilled away to make room for veneers is - not as much as you think! Your dentist will remove roughly ½ millimeter of enamel from the surface of your teeth to accommodate the thickness of veneers.

Once a patient has committed to veneers, there is no going back to your natural teeth. Because of the process of grinding down the enamel on your natural tooth to accommodate the veneer, once you have veneers, you will need to continue to utilize them.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Just like your natural teeth, veneers need to be cared for and looked after, but they're much more durable than your natural teeth. With proper care, your veneers will last for years and sometimes even decades, only needing to be replaced if a problem develops. How long your veneers last is genuinely up to you!

The Pros and Cons of Veneers

Like everything in life, choosing to move forward with veneers will have pros and cons, and those lists may be different for each patient depending on their specific situation. The factors that might help you to decide on if veneers are right for you or not are more than likely these top reasons:

THE PROS OF VENEERS

An increase in confidence from having a more flawless smile.
They're specifically molded for your teeth for a perfect fit.
It's nearly impossible to tell the difference between the veneer and a natural tooth.
Veneers are bonded to your tooth in whatever form it's in, meaning no additional drilling or shaping in most cases.
No special maintenance is required - just typical brushing and flossing!
Always having your ideal bright, white smile that never fades because you pick the shade that's right for you.

THE CONS OF VENEERS

Veneers do not change color once they are made, while your natural teeth will change over time. Keep this in mind when selecting the color of your veneers.
Did that last con make you double guess your interest in veneers? Don't worry! We will help you decide on the perfect long-term shade that's right for you!
Veneers are more prone to chipping and cracking than crowns or fillings.
Veneers aren't recommended for people with habits like biting their nails, grinding their teeth, or chewing on ice or other material objects.
They're not suitable for anyone who has a history of weakened enamel, gum disease, or other dental conditions.

How Can Veneers Transform Your Smile?

Veneers are used to correct teeth that are less than ideal due to any of these circumstances:

Discolored Teeth

Teeth that are severely discolored because of things like root canal treatments, stains, excessive fluoride use, or other causes, including large resin fillings that have left the tooth discolored.

Worn Down Teeth

Teeth that have been worn down due to grinding, erosion, tooth decay, and other oral habits.

Chipped Teeth

Teeth that have several cracks, chipped or broken teeth on any surface of the tooth.

Misaligned

Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped with craters or bulges in them.

Gaps

Teeth that have one or several gaps between them. Spaces between teeth create prominent dark spaces that stand out in all the wrong ways.

Are You Ready For a Smile Makeover?

The first step towards getting veneers is to consult with a licensed and reputable cosmetic dentist so your teeth can be assessed. After a consultation appointment, together, we can determine if veneers are a good option for you and your smile makeover. If you're ready to transform your smile and enjoy the many benefits of veneers, contact Elite Dental & Denture PC today.