Why a Cosmetic Dentist Needs to Remove Tooth Enamel Before Placing Veneers

Dental veneers are a great way to repair damaged teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. However, many are concerned that the process is invasive as the cosmetic dentist may have to remove a tiny amount of tooth enamel. Having a full understanding of the process and its purpose can help you determine if treatment is appropriate for you. 

Dental veneers and tooth enamel

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain material that bond to the visible surface of teeth. Each is customized to fit perfectly, and the early stages of the process may involve minor tooth adjustments such as removing a small amount of enamel. The following is everything to know about why your cosmetic dentist may need to remove tooth enamel before veneers placement. 

The dental veneers process

• Although the veneers process is different for every patient, there are steps that are more common. The dental veneers process from a cosmetic dentist often involves:
• Consultation visit
• Pick a color shade
• Customize the veneer
• Prepare the tooth
• Apply the dental veneer

Of course, every cosmetic dentist will use their own process that may look different. However, understanding the general process is a good first step towards determining whether veneers are worth considering. The process is typically non-invasive, although the dentist may need to remove tooth enamel. 

The purpose of removing tooth enamel

Having tooth enamel removed is a concern for many considering veneers from a cosmetic dentist. However, it is important to understand that it is a very minor amount of enamel that is removed — typically half a millimeter or less. The purpose of this is to create room for the dental veneer. Although dental veneers are incredibly thin, they still add another layer onto the tooth. WIthout removing dental enamel, this could affect the appearance. By removing the enamel, it ensures a comfortable and secure fit, along with ensuring the veneer looks natural. 

What to expect with veneers long-term

Since enamel is removed during the veneers process, it is considered a permanent procedure. This means if there are issues with the veneers later, they will need to be replaced or reapplied. However, veneers can last for more than a decade before they need replacement. Many patients experience more confidence in their smile long-term after veneers placement. 

When to consider dental veneers

Veneers are ideal for anyone who is not entirely happy with the appearance of their smile due to minor imperfections with more visible teeth. Veneers can fix a range of concerns, such as teeth stains, chips and cracks, short teeth, mild misalignments and more. The best way to determine if dental veneers are right for you is to schedule a consultation visit with a cosmetic dentist. 

Talk to a cosmetic dentist for more information

You can learn more about the process and benefits of dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist by reaching out to our cosmetic dentist team today. We can guide you through each step along the way to a better smile, answering any questions you may have throughout the process.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

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