Dental veneers can be a great way to enhance your smile and conceal unwanted flaws. But you may or may not have heard that in order to make room for your veneers, your dentist will have to remove “some” of your natural enamel. How much is “some,” exactly? And is that safe for your teeth?
Don’t worry – this post has your answers! Keep reading to learn more about your enamel after a dental veneer treatment.
Size Does Matter
By “some,” your dentist means approximately half a millimeter. For reference, that’s about as thin as a contact lens! Enamel provides important protection for your teeth, so generally, dentists prefer to take away as little as possible. Half a millimeter happens to be the thinness of most dental veneers, so that’s how much enamel needs to be shaved off to avoid a bulky-looking smile.
Is That Too Much Enamel?
Normally, skimming off any amount of enamel could result in dental sensitivity and put you at greater risk for developing harmful oral conditions – like cavities and infections. However, that’s in situations where the tender layer underneath your enamel, called dentin, would be exposed. Since you’ll have a dental veneer essentially replacing your enamel, you likely won’t experience these adverse effects. In other words, the process is completely safe!
Veneer Alternatives
That said, there are valid reasons why you might not prefer this part of dental veneer treatment. If you don’t like the sound of having half a millimeter of enamel removed, you could talk to your dentist about Lumineers.
Lumineers are very much like veneers; they’re also a façade that will be adhered to the front-facing portion of your teeth. However, they’re even thinner than veneers, and don’t require any enamel adjustments in order for your smile to look natural. They’re also removable, which is great for patients who don’t quite want to commit to irreversible cosmetics.
Remember to Talk to Your Dentist
Ultimately, it’s best to talk to your dentist before making any definite decisions. They can explain the treatment process in more detail and answer any questions you may have. They can also tell you more about Lumineers, so if that option seemed interesting to you, don’t be afraid to bring them up! Your dentist wants you to be happy with your results, and will appreciate the honest communication.
About the Author
Dr. Sikander Singh knows that every patient’s needs are unique. That’s why he emphasizes personalized treatment plans and making sure his patients are well-informed about their options. If you’re considering getting dental veneers, he’ll gladly talk to about the process or explore other ways to enhance your smile and meet your goals. To contact Dr. Singh’s office, call 717-755-4143.
