Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. While they are meticulously designed, a qualified dental professional can adjust or shorten their length after placement. This procedure is typically quick, involving minor material reduction rather than a full replacement, ensuring the final result is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
Why Veneers May Need Adjustment
The need to shorten veneers generally arises from minor fit issues or changes in patient preference after the initial bonding. Even with precise planning, the final bite, or occlusion, may feel slightly off once the permanent veneers are in place. An uneven bite can cause discomfort or lead to excessive pressure on certain teeth, requiring a slight reduction of the incisal, or biting, edge.
Sometimes, the initial length designed for an ideal cosmetic look can feel bulky or too prominent to the patient after a few days of wear. This feeling of unnatural length can interfere with speech, particularly the formation of “s” or “th” sounds. A small adjustment can resolve this issue, allowing the soft tissues of the mouth to adapt more comfortably.
These adjustments are often minute, typically less than one millimeter, and are considered fine-tuning rather than a major alteration. Minor shortening may also be requested if the veneers cause slight wear on the opposing natural teeth due to an imperfect bite relationship. This post-placement refinement is a common part of achieving a functional cosmetic result.
The Process of Shortening and Surface Protection
Shortening veneers involves a careful, incremental process performed by a dentist using specialized tools. The dentist uses fine diamond burs attached to a high-speed dental handpiece to gently grind and trim the porcelain or composite material. This procedure is usually painless and often does not require local anesthetic.
The most important consideration during shortening is the preservation of the veneer’s surface integrity. Porcelain veneers are manufactured with a smooth, highly polished glaze that makes them resistant to staining and plaque accumulation. When the incisal edge is shortened, this protective glaze is removed, leaving a microscopic rough surface.
To prevent future discoloration and maintain longevity, the dentist must immediately re-polish the altered edge. This process uses specialized tools to mimic the original smooth glaze as closely as possible. Failure to complete this step leaves the veneer vulnerable to staining and increased plaque retention. Only the biting edge is eligible for this minor adjustment; significant changes to the width or body of the veneer necessitate a complete replacement.
Maintaining Adjusted Veneers
Following an adjustment, patients must maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine to protect the newly refined edges. The restored polish, while smooth, may still be slightly different from the original factory glaze, making the adjusted area a minor point of vulnerability. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended to avoid scratching the polished surface.
Patients should attend regular dental checkups so the dentist can monitor the adjusted edges for any signs of wear, roughness, or early staining. The longevity of the veneer depends on the quality of the re-polishing and consistent home care.