In our increasingly online world, more people are self-conscious about their appearance than ever before. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for having a smile you’re not proud to show off. There are plenty of cosmetic dentistry solutions, the most popular and versatile of which is veneers in Fort Smith. These thin porcelain shells are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to instantly correct virtually all of its aesthetic flaws, like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and more. However, placing veneers requires your tooth to be permanently reshaped. Read on to learn how much tooth enamel is removed for veneers.
The Veneers Process
One major benefit of veneers is that the procedure is minimally invasive compared to other treatments like dental crowns. Your dentist will shave off a thin layer of enamel from the front and side surfaces of your tooth. Then, they’ll take impressions of your mouth and send the data to a dental lab. While they’re being crafted, you’ll wear temporaries. At your second appointment a few weeks later, your dentist will cement your permanent veneers into place.
Why Does Enamel Have to Be Removed to Get Veneers?
There are two main reasons why enamel must be removed prior to placing veneers:
- Clearing away a small section of enamel creates a surface to which the veneer can more easily attach.
- If no enamel were removed, veneers would make your teeth look awkward and bulky. Shaving off the outer layer of a tooth ensures there is room for the veneers to seamlessly blend into the rest of your smile.
How Much Enamel Is Removed for Veneers?
For this procedure, your dentist shaves off some of the tooth’s outer enamel, but not enough to compromise its overall structure. In most cases, only about half a millimeter of enamel is removed for veneers. To preserve your smile’s health, your dentist wants you to retain as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Keep in mind that enamel does not grow back once it has been lost, so veneers are considered an irreversible treatment.
Veneers are a fully customized, versatile way of achieving a smile you can be proud of. Ask your cosmetic dentist if you’d be a good candidate for veneers. They might be a commitment, but you can’t put a price on a beautiful, confident smile!
About the Author
Dr. Gilberto Lopez is a family and cosmetic dentist in Fort Smith, AR with 25+ years of experience. He earned his doctorate in dentistry from the University of Guadalajara in his native Mexico. He stays up to date with the latest dental techniques through his memberships in various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Arkansas State Dental Association, and the River Valley Dental Association. If you’re interested in revamping your smile with veneers in Fort Smith, visit his website or call (479) 434-4277.