Restorative Research: How Much Enamel is Removed for Veneers?

Did you know that, according to some sources, an estimated 600,000 people in the United States get veneers every year? This cosmetic treatment continues to gain popularity as a versatile solution to address one or multiple imperfections.

Whether you want a brighter smile, to address chips and cracks, or to create a perfectly even dental profile, your dentist can use these restorations to help you achieve your goals. However, they involve making an irreversible change to your smile, so it’s essential to be well-informed before proceeding. Continue reading to learn more about how teeth are prepared for veneers!

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells carefully cemented over the front surfaces of your teeth to mask aesthetic concerns, like stubborn stains, slight fractures or injuries, mild gaps, and minor misalignments. They’re usually made from resilient porcelain that reflects light similarly to enamel and can be customized to match your natural hue. These incredibly durable covers can often last 15 or more years if cared for correctly.

How Are Teeth Prepared for Veneers?

Veneers are considered relatively thin, but they need some mass to resist everyday wear and tear. They could look awkward or overly bulky next to your natural teeth if they’re attached to your enamel without any preparation.

That means your dentist must remove a small amount of this protective outer layer to allow for the shells to be positioned flush against your gumlines. Because it doesn’t grow back, this is considered an irreversible change to your smile that can increase your vulnerability to cavities and injuries without a shield in place. As a result, you will need to have veneers or another appropriate restoration in place moving forward to safeguard your smile.

How Much Enamel is Removed for Veneers?

This treatment can boost your confidence in your appearance, which can contribute to better professional achievements, deeper relationships, and a busier social life. However, it’s natural to feel somewhat concerned if you’ve just learned that some of your enamel must be thinned for veneers to fit correctly.

Rest assured, your dentist won’t make any permanent alterations to your grin if they think it could ultimately harm your dental health. Although they’re happy to improve your looks, their primary concern is your oral health, so they’ll try to preserve as much of the structure of your teeth as possible.  Thankfully, veneers are usually only about 0.5mm thick, so less than a millimeter is shaved off the surface of your teeth for them to be arranged appropriately.

If you’re curious whether you’re a good candidate for veneers, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist directly!

About the Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, you benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including porcelain veneers, to patients of all ages to meet your entire family’s needs conveniently under one roof. Then, they combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to help you feel comfortable while they deliver accurate results intended to last. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (585) 225-9114.