Ever wondered what happens to teeth under veneers?
While these thin, custom-made shells can transform your smile, it’s important to understand what’s going on beneath the surface. After all, veneers aren’t just a cosmetic fix—they involve your real teeth, and knowing how they’re affected is key to maintaining your long-term oral health.
Understanding what happens to your teeth under veneers can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’re taking the right steps to care for your smile, both now and in the future.
Let’s explore the details behind this popular cosmetic procedure and how it impacts your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored coverings bonded to the front of your natural teeth. These cosmetic restorations can address a variety of dental issues, including gaps and discoloration.
Veneers can be made from composite resin or porcelain. Composite veneers tend to be more opaque, which can sometimes result in a less natural appearance compared to porcelain.
Porcelain veneers closely mimic the look of tooth enamel, providing a realistic, tooth-like appearance. Their shape, size, and color are fully customizable, allowing for a seamless, natural-looking smile.
What Problems Can Veneers Fix?
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Teeth that appear longer than they should
So, What Happens to Your Teeth Under Veneers?
Before your dentist applies veneers, they typically prepare your teeth by gently reshaping the tooth surface, which involves removing a thin layer of your tooth enamel. This step is done under local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
The amount of enamel removed from your tooth depends on the type of veneer and the specific adjustments needed.
This removal is essential to create enough space for the veneer, preventing the tooth from looking bulky or unnatural. However, it’s important to remember that veneer placement is a permanent procedure—once enamel is removed, it can’t be restored. The amount taken off will depend on the veneer material and the degree of correction required.
The Veneer Placement Procedure
Consultation & Prep
The journey to getting veneers starts with a consultation with your dentist. This is where you’ll discuss your smile goals with your dentist. They will also assess your oral health to check if veneers are the right fit for you.Impressions & Design
Once your teeth are prepped, your dentist will take impressions (molds) of them, which are then sent to a dental lab for the creation of your custom veneers. Together, you’ll choose the ideal color and shape to ensure your veneers seamlessly blend with your natural smile.Veneer Placement
Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will clean your teeth and gently roughen the surface to enhance the bond. An adhesive, such as dental cement, is applied to secure the veneers in place. The veneers are then positioned on your teeth, and an ultraviolet light is used to harden the adhesive. Afterward, your dentist can fine-tune their shape for a perfectly natural and aligned smile.Impact on Underlying Teeth After Veneer Placement
Permanent Enamel Removal
A thin layer of enamel is removed from your tooth to make room for the veneers, which means your teeth will always need some form of coverage, as the enamel cannot regenerate.Improved Aesthetics
Thanks to the custom-made veneers designed to match your desired smile, your teeth will look more aligned, whiter, and free of imperfections like chips or gaps.Increased Sensitivity
You might experience some initial sensitivity to hot or cold due to the enamel removal, but this typically subsides after a short period.Protection of Natural Teeth
Veneers can actually provide a layer of protection for your natural teeth, especially if they were weakened or damaged prior to placement.No Change in Tooth Movement
Your veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth, so the underlying teeth should remain stable and secure as long as you maintain good oral hygiene.Regular Care & Maintenance
Just like with your natural teeth, maintaining your veneers requires good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and avoiding habits like biting on hard objects or grinding your teeth.Maintaining Oral Health with Veneers
Typically, dental veneers can be expected to last up to 10 years before requiring any repair or replacement. However, neglecting your dental care can put both your natural teeth and veneers at risk.
For example, failing to floss regularly allows bacteria to build up between your teeth, which can lead to decay beneath the veneers. While the veneer material itself doesn’t decay, the tooth underneath is still susceptible. As bacteria erode the enamel, cavities can form. Unfortunately, decay under veneers often goes unnoticed until the tooth begins to hurt.
If left untreated, the decay could progress to the point where a root canal is needed to save the tooth. In some cases, the damage may be too severe to repair, leading to tooth extraction and the need for a dental implant or another tooth replacement to maintain your smile.
You can use the following tips to maintain oral hygiene after getting veneers:
Brush Twice Daily with Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with non-abrasive toothpaste to clean between your veneers and natural teeth without scratching the veneer surface.
Floss Regularly
Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth, preventing decay from forming under or around your veneers.
Avoid Staining Foods & Drinks
While veneers are stain-resistant, the natural teeth around them are not. Limit foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, or use a straw when drinking to minimize contact with your teeth.
Wear a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth
If you tend to grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a custom night guard can prevent damage to your veneers and natural teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular visits to your dentist are essential for professional cleanings and to ensure your veneers and the underlying teeth remain in great condition over time.
Conclusion
When considering dental veneers, it’s important to remember that their longevity and the health of your underlying teeth significantly depend on maintaining good oral hygiene.
Dental veneers are a fantastic choice for enhancing your smile. They’re favored not only for addressing both structural and aesthetic dental issues but also for their durability. With proper care, they can last for many years.
To find out more about veneers, you can schedule a consultation with Chevy Chase Dental Care in Chevy Chase, MD. Please call (301) 302-7761 if you are a new patient and (301) 652-5881 if you are a current patient.