Are you considering getting veneers put on your teeth? If so, then you’ve likely heard of the procedure called shaving teeth for veneers. Shaving down the tooth is necessary before putting on veneers, but it can seem like an intimidating and complicated process – especially if you don’t know what to expect.
This blog post will explore everything about teeth shaved for veneers, including its reasons and how it works. Furthermore, we will discuss the possible risks and alternatives, assisting you in making an informed decision to determine whether or not shaving your teeth for veneers is the appropriate course of action during your dental improvement journey.
Overview of Shaving Teeth for Veneers
Shaving or reducing tooth enamel from natural teeth is essential in the veneer-fitting process. This is because traditional veneers must have sufficient space and create a natural-looking alignment.
The amount of enamel removal will depend on the structure and size of your natural teeth and the type of veneer to be applied. By removing a small amount, the dentist will ensure that the veneers sit properly on the natural teeth, providing a precise fit and a natural look.
Although the process may sound scary, the amount of enamel removed is minimal, and you’ll hardly notice any changes.
How does the procedure work?
First, your dentist will determine which teeth require porcelain veneers and discuss the ideal size, shape, and colour for the veneers. Then, they will extract a tiny amount of enamel from the teeth surface using a tool. This is compulsory to make room for the veneers so they don’t look bulky or unnatural. Your dentist will remove only about half a millimetre of enamel, barely noticeable. They will also roughen the surface of your teeth slightly to help the veneers stick.
Afterwards, your dental expert will mould your teeth, which will then be utilised to fabricate custom-fitted porcelain veneers that fit your teeth with utmost precision.
Once your permanent veneers are completely made, your dentist will carefully attach them to your teeth using special dental cement. The procedure involves making requisite alterations to guarantee the veneers’ seamless fit and natural appearance. Although this step might require a few hours, the result is a magnificent, enduring smile you can proudly showcase.
Finally, your cosmetic dentist will give you maintenance tips for your new veneers. It’s important to continue brushing and flossing regularly, as with natural teeth.
Why is tooth shaving needed before getting veneers?
In this blog section, we will go through the importance of tooth shaving in tooth preparation for veneers.
Achieve the Perfect Fit
The main reason tooth shaving is necessary before getting veneers is to obtain a perfect fit. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to adjust perfectly over your teeth, so if the teeth are not shaved, the veneers may feel bulky or unnatural.
By removing a tiny layer of tooth enamel from a natural tooth, the dentist can ensure that the veneers fit correctly and do not cause discomfort.
Address Teeth Alignment Issues
Tooth shaving can also help address tooth alignment issues for crooked teeth. If your existing teeth are slightly crooked, uneven, or crowded, the cosmetic dentist can use tooth shaving on the natural tooth to create space for the dental veneers. This will help to achieve a more straight, symmetrical look to your smile.
Avoid Tooth Sensitivity
Many people worry that teeth shaving will cause tooth sensitivity. While it is common to experience sensitivity after teeth shaving, it is usually temporary and can be managed through over-the-counter pain medications.
Moreover, an experienced cosmetic dentist will take measures to minimise sensitivity, such as using a local anaesthetic to numb the area of existing natural teeth or using water cooling to prevent the teeth from overheating.
Enhance the Overall Appearance of Your Smile
Ultimately, the main reason to get composite veneers is to improve your smile. By getting a porcelain veneer, you can improve your teeth’ colour, structure, and symmetry, achieving a beautiful smile.
Tooth shaving is a necessary part of this dental treatment and is crucial in ensuring the veneers look natural and perfect for your teeth.
Potential risks associated with shaving teeth for veneers
This section will highlight some of the risks associated with shaving teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity
Shaving teeth for porcelain veneers involves removing a part of the tooth’s surface layer. This can lead to increased teeth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
You may also feel discomfort when eating or drinking certain foods. While sensitivity is usually temporary, it can last a few weeks or months. In some cases, sensitivity may persist even after the porcelain or composite veneers have been placed.
Costly Treatment
For most people, the procedure is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. This means that getting veneers can be a significant financial investment. Moreover, due to the process’s irreversibility, it is essential to finalise your decision and be mentally prepared for the lifelong maintenance of veneers.
Risk of Nerve Damage
Risk of Nerve DamageThe process of shaving teeth for porcelain veneers requires precision and care. If the dentist is not careful while removing the tooth’s surface layer, it can damage the nerve endings inside the tooth.
The damaged nerves can cause pain and discomfort, leading to more severe complications. In some situations, nerve damage can lead to a root canal or tooth extraction. Choosing an experienced and skilled cosmetic dentist to perform the procedure is crucial to minimise the risk of nerve damage.
Uneven Tooth Shape
While teeth shaved for veneers are intended to create a more even and relatively straight shape, it’s not always guaranteed to be perfectly symmetrical, especially if the procedure is performed by a not highly experienced dentist. Upon inspecting closely, you may notice that the teeth look asymmetrical, which can be frustrating, especially if it is difficult to correct.
Irreversible Procedure
Once the tooth’s surface layer is removed, that tooth will always require porcelain veneers to prevent further damage or decay. So opting for veneers requires a lifetime commitment to cosmetic dentistry.
Unwanted Outcome
Although veneers are custom-made to match your natural teeth’ shape and colour, this process could lead to unwanted outcomes if not appropriately done, such as tooth shape, size, or colour mismatch.
Conclusion
Overall, shaving teeth for veneers offers many advantages to those needing serious cosmetic dental work. Not only will your teeth look their very best, but you can also take comfort in knowing that the process is safe and straightforward. Shaving teeth for veneers is just one of several cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve your dream smile.
Furthermore, you’ll find that the cost associated with this procedure is well worth the investment, especially when considering its long-term benefits. So please don’t wait any longer, and let us find you a treatment that works best for your unique oral condition. Visit our Chatswood clinic or contact us at (02) 9054 5281, and let’s start creating a smile you‘ll be proud of!
References
What Is Teeth Shaving? | Colgate®
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/what-is-teeth-shaving
Teeth Shaving Benefits, Side Effects, and Who Might Need It
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/teeth-shaving#:~:text=The%20 technical%20name%20for%20 this,tooth%20that%20 misshapen%20 or%20 chipped.