At some point in their lives, many people realize that they aren’t 100% satisfied with their smile. Whether it’s dental discoloration, small gaps between their pearly whites, or minor alignment issues, not loving your smile can make your self-confidence take a hit. Luckily, porcelain veneers can fix all these issues and more. But, since treatment requires the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, it’s important to think through your decision before moving forward. You may be wondering: exactly how much enamel needs to be removed for veneers? Read on to learn more about what veneers are, why they require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, and exactly how much you can expect to be removed.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells constructed out of dental-grade porcelain. They are incredibly durable and designed to last upwards of 15 years with proper care. Veneers require permanent alterations to be made to the structure of the teeth and can be used to correct a range of cosmetic issues, including:
- Minor cracks or chips in the teeth
- Small gaps between pearly whites
- Staining or discoloration
- Minor alignment issues
- Misshapen teeth
Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed to Attach Veneers?
There are two main reasons why a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed before your cosmetic dentist places your veneers. The veneers need to adhere to a smooth surface to form a lasting bond with your teeth. That’s why your dentist levels the outermost layer of your tooth, the enamel, to create an ideal surface for the veneers to latch on to. The second reason is that if no enamel is removed, the veneers will stick out and look bulky. Removing a thin layer of enamel lets them fit snuggly against your teeth and seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile.
How Much Enamel Needs to Be Removed for Veneers?
Your dentist will remove as little tooth enamel as possible so that they don’t risk jeopardizing the structure of your teeth. This amount is usually about half a millimeter. Fortunately, the veneers can work as a barrier between your teeth and harmful bacteria and substances in a similar way to your natural enamel. Even so, it’s important to remember that once tooth enamel has been removed, it won’t grow back. For this reason, you should be completely sure that you’re comfortable with having your teeth permanently altered before you move forward with treatment.
Veneers are a durable, long-lasting way of correcting your smile. Just make sure that you’re comfortable with the enamel removal part of the procedure before you move forward with treatment. You’ll be sporting a smile you love in no time!
About the Practice
For exceptional oral health services you can trust, three convenient locations, and six talented dentists, Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is the place to be. They serve patients of all ages and take pride in helping patients nurture their pearly whites. They offer porcelain veneers to cover up years of wear and tear so your smile (and your confidence) can get a pick-me-up. To make an appointment with Tylan Creek Family Dentistry or for more information on veneers, call their Powdersville office at (864) 603-2200, their Greenwood office at (864) 407-4455, their Simpsonville office at (864) 962-6671, or visit their website.