Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells, typically made from porcelain or composite resin, bonded securely to the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. If a patient feels their newly placed veneers are too long, a dental professional can usually shorten or adjust them. This precise modification refines the fit and aesthetics of the final restoration.
How Veneers Are Shortened
The process of shortening a veneer is a controlled, subtractive procedure that requires specialized dental tools and techniques. A dentist begins by using a high-speed dental handpiece fitted with fine-grit instruments, such as diamond burs, to gently grind away the material from the edge of the veneer. This approach is similar to the technique used for minor adjustments on a natural tooth’s enamel surface.
The high rotational speed of the bur generates heat, making the use of an air and water coolant spray necessary to prevent thermal damage to the veneer material and the underlying tooth. Porcelain veneers, being a ceramic material, require extremely careful polishing and contouring to maintain their structural integrity. Dentists typically work in very small increments, often aiming for adjustments of less than half a millimeter to ensure safety and precision.
For composite resin veneers, the material is generally softer and easier to shape. After the desired length is achieved, the adjusted area must be meticulously polished using specialized instruments and pastes. This finishing step recreates a smooth surface that resists plaque and staining.
Why Length Adjustments Are Necessary
Adjustments to veneer length after bonding are sought for either functional necessity or aesthetic preference. Functional issues relate to the way the veneers interact with the opposing teeth, known as occlusion or bite. If the veneers are too long, they can interfere with the natural bite, potentially causing discomfort, uneven pressure, or chipping of the veneer or the opposing tooth.
Excess length can also subtly affect speech, particularly the production of “s” and “z” sounds. Aesthetic concerns frequently stem from the perception that the veneers look disproportionately large or bulky. Patients request shortening to better harmonize the length with their smile line, gum tissue, or adjacent natural teeth for a more natural look.
Risks and Impact on Veneer Durability
While shortening is possible, it does introduce specific risks, particularly concerning the longevity and appearance of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are manufactured with a microscopically thin, smooth, and highly polished surface glaze, which is applied in the laboratory during the fabrication process. This glaze provides the veneer with its characteristic high luster and resistance to external staining. Any grinding or trimming of the veneer removes this protective outer glaze, exposing the slightly rougher, more porous porcelain beneath.
The loss of glaze creates a surface more susceptible to collecting plaque and absorbing stains. It can also make the adjusted edge feel rough, potentially irritating the surrounding gum tissue. To mitigate this, the professional must perform intensive re-polishing using specialized diamond systems. This process aims to recreate a smooth surface, improving stain resistance and the feel of the restoration. However, there is a limit to how much material can be safely removed before compromising the veneer’s strength, meaning extensive shortening may necessitate replacement.