While veneers are versatile and effective, their placement is a tad invasive. The dental team removes some of your enamel in the initial stages of treatment. With that said, you could easily wonder: How much of your smile’s top layer is removed for the shells? You needn’t mull the question long; your Springdale dentist will gladly answer it. Just keep reading to learn how much enamel is removed for your veneers.
What Does Veneer Treatment Involve?
Veneers may look simple, but dentists don’t place them in a “one-and-done” process. Treatment consists of two distinct appointments: an initial “prep visit” and the later “final placement.”
Prep Visit
At the “prep visit,” the dentist must remove bits of enamel from the affected teeth. They then create a mold of your mouth as a whole – an impression – that’s sent to a dental lab. Using this impression, lab workers will craft your final veneers in 2-3 weeks.
Final Placement
You’ll have your final veneers placed several weeks after the prep visit. At that appointment, your dental team will cement the shells over your teeth to ensure they don’t fall off later. Your dentist will then make last-minute adjustments to the veneers on your smile. That way, your treatment results will blend seamlessly with your grin and look lifelike.
Why Does It Remove Enamel?
It may sound harsh or needless, but removing enamel is a crucial part of veneer treatment. The porcelain shells won’t help your smile without it.
The removal work ensures the veneers remain in place. By getting rid of tiny bits of enamel, it creates a surface that your shells can firmly adhere to. The applied material would likely fall off right after placement if the removal didn’t occur.
At the same time, enamel removal keeps veneers from looking bulky. The shells would stick out awkwardly if nothing was shaved away, assuming they even adhered. This effect would create an odd look that draws unwanted attention.
How Much Enamel is Taken?
Dentists don’t take much enamel as part of the removal process. Indeed, the shaved away bits are so small that your oral health won’t suffer.
Veneer placement only (and generally) removes .5mm of your enamel. No more than that amount has to be taken, as each shell will lie flat against once it’s gone. Dentists also don’t want to remove more, as doing so would alter your tooth structure.
Though enamel is removed for veneers, it isn’t something to worry about. Go ahead and get treatment so your grin will look gorgeous!
About the Practice
Sunset Avenue Dental is based in Springdale, AR. Led by Dr. Ray Bollin, our practice takes every step possible to make smiles healthy, beautiful, and stable. This commitment takes the form of truly comprehensive dentistry, as we offer a wide range of tailored and customized procedures. Our team is ready and able to provide preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative dental care. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (479)-309-8682.