Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material (usually porcelain or composite resin) that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They're a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure used to correct a variety of cosmetic imperfections, including discoloration, chips, gaps, and misshapen teeth. But what happens to your natural teeth underneath? This comprehensive guide will explore the appearance of teeth under veneers, addressing common questions and concerns.
What Happens to My Natural Teeth Before Veneer Placement?
Before veneers are applied, your natural teeth undergo a preparation process. This is crucial to ensure the veneers adhere properly and provide a natural-looking, long-lasting result. The amount of tooth structure removed varies depending on the individual case and the dentist's technique. However, some amount of enamel is always removed. This preparation typically involves:
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Enamel Reduction: A small amount of enamel is carefully removed from the surface of the tooth to create space for the veneer. This process is precise and minimally invasive, aiming to remove only the necessary amount of enamel. The goal is to create a smooth, even surface for the veneer to bond to securely.
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Shaping and Contouring: If necessary, the dentist may slightly reshape or contour the tooth to improve its overall form and fit with the adjacent teeth. This step helps to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
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Impressions: Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken to create a model that the dental laboratory will use to fabricate the custom veneers. These impressions are extremely detailed, ensuring a perfect fit.
How Much of the Natural Tooth is Visible Under Veneers?
The amount of natural tooth visible under a veneer depends on several factors, including:
- The thickness of the veneer: Porcelain veneers are generally thinner than composite veneers, resulting in less tooth reduction.
- The shade of the veneer: Darker veneers might mask the underlying tooth color more effectively than lighter veneers.
- The technique used by the dentist: Highly skilled dentists can minimize enamel reduction, resulting in more of the natural tooth remaining visible.
Generally speaking, you'll see a minimal portion of the natural tooth structure beneath the veneer. The veneer acts as a shell, effectively concealing the underlying tooth. It's not intended to be completely opaque; instead, it’s designed to allow some natural translucency to mimic the look of a natural tooth.
Will My Teeth Look Different Under the Veneers?
While the veneers will significantly alter the appearance of your teeth from the front, the underlying teeth will still exist and will, most likely, be altered. The preparation process described above involves removing some enamel. The altered tooth will remain after the veneer is placed. This altered tooth would only be visible should the veneer be removed.
Do Veneers Damage the Underlying Teeth?
Veneers themselves don't inherently damage the underlying teeth. However, the preparation process does involve the removal of some enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth and, once removed, it cannot regenerate. This is why choosing a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist is crucial. A dentist with proper training will minimize enamel removal while ensuring an excellent fit and aesthetic outcome. With proper care and regular dental checkups, teeth with veneers can last for many years.
Can I Reverse the Veneer Process and Get My Original Teeth Back?
Veneers are generally a permanent procedure, and removing them involves additional procedures and risks. Once the veneer is removed, the underlying tooth structure will be visible, and it might require further treatment to restore its form and function, perhaps with bonding or crowns. It’s essential to discuss all aspects of the process, including the permanence of veneers, with your dentist before proceeding.
What if I Have Issues with my Teeth Under Veneers?
Regular dental checkups and hygiene are crucial to maintain the health of both the veneer and the underlying tooth. While veneers protect the tooth surface, issues can still arise. Problems such as tooth decay or gum disease can still occur under the veneers. Therefore, regular dental visits and meticulous oral hygiene are vital for long-term health.
Choosing a reputable cosmetic dentist is critical. Thorough consultation, detailed planning, and meticulous execution are key to ensuring that your veneers enhance your smile while preserving the health of your natural teeth.
