Are you unhappy with certain aspects of your smile? One of the great things about living in the 21st century is the fact that you don’t need to settle for teeth that you aren’t proud to show off. One of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments out there is porcelain veneers. They can correct all sorts of different aesthetic flaws, like teeth that are misshapen, chipped, gapped, discolored, and undersized. However, a small amount of protective enamel needs to be removed for the best results, but how much? Continue reading to learn more about the procedure?
How Does the Procedure Work?
One of the many benefits of veneers is the fact that is that the procedure is only minimally invasive. Your dentist will remove a small amount of your protective enamel from the front surface of your teeth. Next, a model of your mouth will be created and sent off to a dental lab where your permanent veneers will be made. During your next appointment, some minor adjustments will be made, and the veneers will be attached to your teeth using a special cement.
Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed to Get Veneers?
There are two reasons why your dentist needs to remove a small amount of your protective tooth enamel:
- The veneer needs to be bonded to the tooth and stay in place. Removing a small portion of enamel helps to create a surface where the veneer will easily adhere.
- Without removing enamel, the veneers would make your teeth appear bulky. By removing some of it, your smile will appear more natural, and the veneers will blend in nicely.
How Much Enamel Needs to Be Removed?
Your dentist takes enamel for the cosmetic procedure to take place, but not enough where it damages the overall structure of the tooth. Sometimes, teeth only require minimal shaving, but most of the time, approximately half of a millimeter of protective enamel is taken away. Your dentist wants to conserve as much natural tooth structure as possible in order to keep your smile healthy. It is important to note that your enamel does not grow back, so porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic procedure.
Veneers improve the appearance of your teeth and are customized to be the exact color and shape needed to leave you with teeth you’re proud to show off. Ask your dentist if you’d be a goof candidate for the procedure. They are a commitment, but having a beautiful smile is priceless!
About the Author
Dr. Mickey Leth is an experienced dentist who has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in a variety of different areas of the field, including esthetic dentistry, dental lasers, Invisalign, and BOTOX/dermal fillers. Currently, he is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in St. Augustine, visit his website or call (904) 824-3540.