Improving the look of your teeth is possible in many different ways thanks to modern dentistry. One of the most popular and asked-about procedures is veneers, which are a type of dental prosthetic that go over your natural teeth to quickly improve their appearance.
But a common question many patients asked about veneers is whether this procedure will damage their natural smile. The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no, but this short post from Coronado Family Dental can help you find out everything you need to know about this procedure.
Veneers will get glued onto the patient’s natural tooth, providing a better look to your smile almost instantly. But, for the veneers to properly bond to your teeth, the dentist will have to shave your natural enamel to create a rough texture on the surface. This will allow the veneers to properly stick to the tooth and remain fixed.
But, enamel does not regenerate as other tissues in your body might. As a result, getting veneers is a permanent procedure, and should you want to return to your natural smile down the line, you, unfortunately, won’t be able to.
Veneers do not damage the tooth when the procedure is done right. An experienced dentist will only shave a very thin layer of the tooth's natural enamel for the veneers to bond to your teeth. With thinner versions like Lumineers, the layer that needs shaving is even smaller.
Then, as veneers get cemented on the natural tooth, your smile will be protected by this prosthetic. The procedure does not lead to increased tooth sensitivity or other unwanted side effects.
Another reason why veneers will not damage your teeth is because your dentist will first screen your smile to determine if this procedure is even right for you.
Veneers are usually recommended for patients with generally healthy teeth looking to improve things such as:
If you are not a good candidate for veneers, the dentist will recommend other cosmetic procedures that might be more appropriate for you and your dental health.
Even if you are a good candidate, the dentist will prep your teeth to make sure you don’t have any cavities or other issues that could affect the procedure. As a result, you’ll most likely need a dental X-ray for the dentist to determine if veneers are a good solution for you.
Coronado Family Dental is here to help you get the smile you deserve, whether it’s through veneers or other cosmetic procedures that can give you a happy and healthy smile.
To get started, book an appointment online with Dr. Becky Chiem today!