Veneers offer a quick means of getting a picture-perfect smile without undergoing surgery. But do they cause any damage? What do teeth look like under veneers?
Today, we’ll answer your question and discuss what’s involved in the veneer procedure.
Who has veneers?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment popular with people who have a healthy smile but want to improve its appearance. They are ultra-thin shells of tooth-coloured material applied to the tooth’s front surface to alter its size, shape, length or colour.
But, what do teeth look like under veneers?
What teeth look like under veneers depends on whether you opt for composite veneers or porcelain veneers.
What’s the difference?
Composite veneers are built directly onto the tooth’s surface by your dentist, whereas porcelain veneers are customised and manufactured in a dental lab before being bonded to the teeth. Both composite and porcelain veneers produce similar results, but they are two very different procedures affecting how the teeth look beneath the veneers.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain is a popular choice for veneers because the material has translucent properties that enable it to reflect the light, similar to tooth enamel. As a result, porcelain veneers look incredibly natural when placed by an experienced dentist. However, for porcelain veneers to fit flush within the smile, a dentist must remove a thin sliver of tooth enamel (usually the same thickness as the veneer). Once the enamel has been removed, it cannot regrow, so porcelain veneers are considered a permanent treatment.
The prepared teeth are scanned and the 3D images are sent to the lab to make the porcelain veneers. Once they are back from the lab, they are tried on for size and bonded to the front of the teeth.
So, what do teeth look like under veneers? In this case, they would like quite strange because the tooth structure has been modified to accommodate the veneers. But, of course, no one will see because the veneers are opaque. But ultimately, it means that once the enamel has been removed, a person will have to wear veneers for life to protect their teeth.
Composite veneers
These are made from the same material used for dental fillings. The dentist will etch the enamel to roughen it up and help with adhesion. Next, a dental adhesive is applied to help the resin stick to the teeth.
The dentist applies thin layers of composite, hardening each one with a special light and moulding and shaping the material to resemble a natural tooth. All that’s left is to tidy up the edges and give the composite veneers a polish.
Since no enamel is removed for composite veneers, the procedure can be reversed, leaving the teeth looking the same as before.
The veneers will fill in the parts your dentist removed and effectively fix the flaws in your teeth. So whether you have discoloured teeth, minimal teeth gaps, or minor cracks or chips on the teeth, dental veneers can be a great treatment for you.
Can teeth under veneers decay?
Teeth under veneers may still decay, so good oral health is essential to ensure bacteria and cavities do not ruin them. Take care of your veneers as you do with your natural teeth. Brush frequently, floss thoroughly and visit your dentist for regular maintenance.
Love Your Smile With Veneers
Whether you opt for porcelain veneers or composite veneers, our team will help you understand the entire procedure so you can choose which fits you and your lifestyle best. Start your journey to a life-changing smile today! Just pick up the phone and contact us at (02) 9054 5281 to schedule your appointment.
References
WebMD – What Are Dental Veneers?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers
PubMed Central – Enamel Regeneration – Current Progress and Challenges
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4226000/#:~:text=Enamel%20faces%20the%20challenge%20of,lost%20after%20the%20tooth%20eruption