How Do Veneers Affect Your Natural Teeth?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment option used to cover imperfections and abnormalities in the front teeth. They also serve as a treatment option for teeth that are unhealthy as a result of cracks or chips. Veneers have an array of benefits, ranging from providing support to enhancing one's smile, which can boost confidence. 

Despite the many advantages that veneers provide, their placement does involve a step that some other cosmetic dentistry treatments do not, which is the permanent alteration of the teeth. Keep reading to learn more!

Dental veneers and the natural teeth

Below is a quick overview of veneers, including what they are and the effect that they have on the natural teeth once placed. This information can be helpful to review when considering different cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that cover front teeth. They are made of porcelain and plastic materials, both of which provide support to the natural teeth. In cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers can be used to lengthen teeth that are too short, provide coverage for stains, and treat chips and cracks that cannot be addressed with fillings. 

The procedure

To start, a cosmetic dentist will clean the tooth requiring the veneer. Then, the tooth will be shaved down using a dental instrument. This step is necessary in order for the dental resin to be applied, which is required for veneer placement. Once the tooth has been significantly etched, the resin is applied, which secures the veneer in place. The dentist can then apply the veneer, ensuring that any creases, additional material, or looseness are addressed. 

What to know

The most important thing to understand about veneers is that the natural teeth are affected once placement takes place. In order for veneers to be properly and securely placed, the tooth has to be ground down quite a bit. This action can have a negative effect on the enamel of the tooth. The tooth itself can become significantly worn down and thin, resulting in slight to severe sensitivity. However, over time, the sensitivity can pass with the help of special kinds of toothpaste or mouthwash. 

While the result is thinning and potential sensitivity, the tooth can survive, so long as veneers are permanently attached. If the veneer gets damaged, a repair or replacement will have to be performed. For the rest of the patient's life, a veneer or other prosthetic will have to be on the natural tooth. 

Getting started with veneers

When considering any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure, it is best to start with a consultation. Veneers, in particular, do require a thorough evaluation from a cosmetic dentist. Additionally, this gives the patient the opportunity to ask questions and go over concerns. To find out more about the process or what to expect, give us a call or stop by our office today!

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office. 

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers in Saratoga Springs, NY.