Will Veneers Damage My Teeth? Separating Fact from Fiction

If you’re interested in veneers, you may be a bit unsure if they’re right for you. If you’ve done any online research or talked to people you know about veneers, you may have heard that getting veneers involves “damaging” your teeth.  The team at Southington Dentistry is always happy to answer any questions you may have and dispel any myths you may have heard.

Your Teeth Must Be Trimmed to Accommodate Veneers

If you get veneers, your teeth will be intentionally “damaged.” Porcelain veneers are usually about 0.5mm thick, so your teeth must have the same amount of enamel removed to prepare for veneer placement. Dr. Salesky will numb your mouth and trim this enamel away using a dental drill. This must be done so that no extra bulk is added to your teeth due to the veneer placement process. By trimming your teeth to accommodate your veneers, you benefit from a seamless smile and bite. The process of trimming your teeth is not reversible, so your enamel will be permanently removed, but it does not damage your teeth. 

Your Teeth Will Be Just As Strong After Your Veneers Are Placed

The great thing about modern porcelain veneers is that they are incredibly strong and durable. The ceramic material used to create veneers is just as strong as your natural enamel. Not only that, but it’s actually non-porous and stain-resistant, making it more durable than your natural tooth structure, in some ways. Once your veneers have been built, they will be bonded into place permanently to your enamel. For all intents and purposes, the ceramic material of your veneers will be a part of your natural teeth.  Teeth that are treated with veneers are not any weaker or any more prone to damage than your natural teeth. They will remain just as strong. In some cases, veneers can even strengthen your teeth. 

Do I Have Any Other Options for Cosmetic Treatment If I Don’t Want My Teeth to Be Trimmed?

We understand that the idea of permanently removing some of your enamel may not sound appealing. Luckily, you do have some other options, like dental bonding.  Dental bonding is often a good alternative to veneers if you’d like to avoid having your teeth trimmed. This process uses dental resin (similar to the material used to fill cavities) to reshape and restore your teeth.  The dental resin will be placed onto each tooth and sculpted to improve your smile without trimming the enamel. This means it’s a reversible cosmetic option. It’s also more affordable than veneers in most cases. 

Learn More About Veneers & Cosmetic Dentistry – Come in for an Appointment!

The idea of trimming your natural enamel for veneers may seem intimidating, but after treatment, your teeth will still be strong and beautiful. If you’d like to learn more about veneers and your other options for cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Neil Salesky is here to help. Contact us now at (860) 628-5029 to schedule an appointment, or stop by our office at 15 Cornerstone Ct #3a, Plantsville, CT 06479 to book a cosmetic consultation in person.