Do You Have to Shave Your Teeth to Get Veneers?
Veneers have been all the rage for the past decade. These cosmetic dental devices offer a brighter, whiter smile with more permanent results than traditional teeth whitening. The result is a beautiful smile, enhanced confidence, and better quality of life.
If you’ve been mulling about getting veneers, you’ve probably wondered how they fit on the teeth without protruding outwards. While veneers are thin, they’re not that thin. So how do dentists make veneers blend with the rest of the teeth? Do you have to shave your teeth to get veneers? Well, read on to find out.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings that dentists place in front of your teeth to conceal imperfections like stains and large chips. These shells are only a millimeter thin and are made of porcelain or ceramic material that resembles your tooth’s natural color. They are permanent cosmetic devices, meaning you cannot remove them once the dentist attaches them to your teeth. Most veneers last for five to ten years before they need replacement.
Do I Have To Shave My Teeth to Get Veneers? How Much Is Shaved Off?
In most cases, the dentist will normally shave off a small amount of your enamel. They’ll file about half a millimeter of enamel off the tooth’s surface to accommodate the veneers. The process is painless and takes less than a minute. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience mild sensitivity in their teeth, which disappears in a few days.
That said, recent technological advancements have eliminated the need for shaving your teeth before you can get veneers. Lumineers, for instance, are made of extremely thin materials, which means dentists can place them on your teeth without having to shave your teeth. They’re also slightly less expensive than veneers.
What Are the Different Types of Veneers?
Patients can opt for one of several types of veneers. Some of the most common types include:
Porcelain and Ceramic Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most popular types of veneers because they closely match the tooth’s natural color. Porcelain is also very strong, making for extremely durable veneers that can last ten years or more with proper care.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are another popular option made of a composite resin material that matches your tooth’s color. They’re among the most affordable types of veneers, but may not last as long as porcelain or ceramic veneers. They’re also more sustainable to staining with habitual smoking and consuming highly-pigmented foods.
No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers are a cluster of veneers that, as the name suggests, don’t require any preparation to fix on the teeth. Examples of non-prep veneers are Luminner and Durathin Veneers. These veneers are faster to fix and remove on the teeth but are also prone to cracking and chipping.
Need Veneers? Talk to Us Today
Shaving a small amount of your enamel is a necessary step to getting veneers, but not always. If you have qualms about shaving your teeth to get veneers, you can opt for no-prep veneers that dentists apply directly to your teeth. It’s also worth noting that shaving your enamel is a harmless and painless process that works the best.
Are you tired of having stained or chipped teeth? If so, contact our Edmond dentist today for high-quality and durable veneers. Revive Dental, giving you a reason to smile!
