Dental veneers are custom-made, thin coverings typically crafted from porcelain or composite resin, designed to bond to the front surface of teeth. Their purpose is primarily cosmetic, addressing various aesthetic imperfections such as chips, cracks, discoloration, gaps, or misshapen teeth. Veneers offer a way to achieve a uniform, bright, and natural-looking smile.
Reshaping the Natural Tooth
The process of preparing a tooth for a veneer involves the precise removal of a small amount of enamel from its front and sides to create space. Dentists remove approximately 0.3 to 0.7 millimeters of enamel, often targeting 0.5 mm. This minimal reduction prevents the veneer from appearing bulky or unnatural once bonded, and the reshaping ensures the veneer lies flush with surrounding teeth, allowing seamless integration into the smile. Additionally, this preparation creates a slightly roughened surface, promoting a stronger bond with specialized dental cement. While the amount of enamel removed is minimal compared to the tooth’s overall structure, it is a permanent alteration as enamel does not regenerate.
The Appearance of a Prepared Tooth
After the enamel reshaping, a tooth prepared for a veneer will look different from an untouched tooth. It will appear noticeably smaller and more tapered, particularly on the front and sides, where the enamel was reduced. The surface of the tooth might also have a rough or dull texture due to the etching process and the removal of the smooth outer enamel layer. The color of the prepared tooth can also change, often appearing more yellow. This is because the underlying dentin layer, which is naturally yellowish, becomes more exposed once a portion of the white, translucent enamel is removed. The tooth is not “shaved down to a peg”; rather, it undergoes a controlled alteration to accommodate the veneer without adding bulk.
Life After Veneer Removal
If a veneer is removed or comes off, the prepared tooth will retain its altered shape and appearance from the initial preparation process. Since enamel removal is irreversible, the tooth will not revert to its original, untouched state. The exposed tooth may appear smaller, tapered, and possibly discolored, similar to its appearance immediately after preparation. Sensitivity is a common experience after veneer removal because the protective enamel layer has been thinned or removed, exposing the underlying dentin. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or air. To protect the tooth and restore its function and appearance, a new veneer or an alternative restoration, such as a crown or dental bonding, is necessary.