How Much of Your Enamel Is Removed to Get Veneers?

Are you unhappy with the way your smile looks? One of the best ways to improve your pearly whites is with veneers. By covering them with porcelain shells, you can conceal most minor dental imperfections—such as stained, chipped, cracked, misaligned, and misshapen teeth. A small portion of your enamel needs to be removed for veneers beforehand, but how much exactly? Keep reading to learn what you can expect from this cosmetic dental procedure!

How Does the Veneers Procedure Work?

This treatment is minimally invasive, as your dentist will only need to remove a tiny amount of your enamel from the front of your affected teeth. Once this is completed, they’ll make impressions of your smile and send them to a dental lab to fabricate your permanent veneers. While you wait, you’ll need to wear temporary ones to protect your exposed pearly whites. When your final veneers are ready, your dentist will make some minor adjustments before bonding them to your teeth with special cement. Afterward, you can enjoy your new and improved smile for many years to come.

Why Is Enamel Removed to Get Veneers?

Although veneers are wafer-thin, they can look rather bulky if placed on teeth that are not prepared yet. Since you’ll want to enhance your smile while also making it appear as natural as possible, it’s important to remove a small amount of your enamel for a seamless blend. This process also creates a smoother and easier surface for your veneers to attach to, allowing them to remain firmly in place for a long time.

How Much Enamel Needs to Be Removed?

While it’s necessary to remove some of your enamel to get veneers, it won’t be enough to damage or harm the structure and health of your teeth. Your dentist will want to preserve as much of your natural pearly whites as they can. For this reason, only about half of a millimeter of your enamel will be taken away. You should also remember that this protective layer will not grow back on its own, meaning you’ll need to have your teeth covered at all times going forward.

By customizing the shape, size, and color of your pearly whites with veneers, you can mask most dental flaws and enhance the appearance of your smile! Speak with your dentist if you’re interested in this treatment, and they’ll be glad to walk you through your options.

About the Author

Dr. Danette McNew studied at the Baylor College of Dentistry and has been delivering outstanding services for well over three decades. She’s also a member of several groups such as the Academy of General Dentistry, the SPEAR Education Study Group, and the American Dental Association. She offers a wide range of high-quality treatments, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers to enhance your teeth. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, feel free to visit our website or call 972-771-2213.