If you’ve watched any movies or television programs over the past few decades, you have almost certainly seen the amazing results of porcelain veneers without even noticing them. Actors and movie personalities often use these versatile cosmetic dental appliances to beautify their smiles by concealing flaws like gaps, chips, cracks, or stains or even reshaping teeth entirely. However, placing veneers requires the irreversible removal of a small amount of enamel for the appliances to fit properly. Here’s a guide to how much enamel must be removed to place porcelain veneers.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
You’ll be scheduled to receive porcelain veneers after you are cleared for the treatment during your consultation. When you sit in your cosmetic dentist’s chair for the procedure, they will begin by applying a local anesthetic to render the entire process painless. Your dentist will then remove a tiny amount of enamel from your teeth to prevent your veneers from feeling and looking bulky and to help them form a strong bond with your dental structure.
Your dentist will then measure the treated teeth and use the data gathered to manufacture a customized set of veneers. They will then cement these thin porcelain shells in place and make any final adjustments. You’ll then be ready to greet the world with your new smile.
Why Must Enamel Be Removed to Place Porcelain Veneers?
Placing veneers requires the removal of a small amount of enamel for two reasons:
- To create a surface that the cement holding the veneer in place can easily bond with, ensuring that the appliance will stay in place for as long as possible.
- To create room so the veneers do not add an unusual amount of mass to your teeth. This allows you to enjoy a natural-looking smile without your teeth seeming too large.
How Much Enamel Must Be Removed?
Your dentist will remove as little enamel as possible and be certain not to alter the tooth in any way that compromises its health. This usually means removing about half a millimeter of dental structure, and since enamel does not grow back, your teeth will need to wear veneers from then on for protection against injury and infection. With excellent care, your veneers can last for as long as fifteen years before needing replacement.
Porcelain veneers can completely change the way you look at yourself in the mirror for the better. Scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic dentist can set you on the path to a beautiful smile that you’ll be eager to show off.
About the Practice
Framingham Dental Group offers the finest oral health services in a warm and welcoming environment. Led by Drs. Tutin, Muller, Fine, Smith, and Kano, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary courtesy and comfortable treatments. The practice offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To schedule your consultation for veneers, contact the office online or dial (508) 872-0041.
