Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells, typically crafted from porcelain, that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve a smile’s appearance. They offer a solution for issues like discoloration, minor misalignment, or chips, providing a uniform and aesthetically pleasing result. Many people wonder what their natural teeth look like underneath these cosmetic enhancements, especially since the process requires alteration to the existing tooth structure. Understanding the preparation phase clarifies the necessary changes made to the tooth before the final restoration is placed.
The Necessary Tooth Preparation Process
The preparation process involves conservatively reshaping the front and sides of the tooth to create space for the veneer material. Removing a small amount of the outermost layer, the enamel, is necessary to prevent the final restoration from appearing unnaturally bulky or protruding. This preparation ensures the new veneer sits flush with the gums and adjacent teeth, blending seamlessly into the smile.
Dentists typically reduce the enamel layer by 0.3 to 0.7 millimeters, depending on the veneer material and the tooth’s original position. This depth is comparable to the thickness of a fingernail, emphasizing the conservative nature of the procedure. The goal is to preserve as much natural structure as possible while creating a rough, textured surface for the strongest chemical bond.
The Visual Appearance of Prepared Teeth
Following preparation, the tooth exhibits a noticeably altered visual appearance before the permanent veneer is bonded into place. Removal of the glossy, translucent enamel layer causes the tooth to look visibly smaller, particularly in width and depth. The prepared tooth is sometimes described as having a blunted or “stump” appearance because the edges are smoothed and the front surface is reduced.
The most striking visual change is the color and texture of the remaining tooth structure. Since preparation removes the outer enamel, it often exposes the underlying layer called dentin. Dentin is naturally a softer, yellowish material compared to the bright white enamel, meaning the prepared tooth appears duller, more opaque, and slightly yellowed. Additionally, the surface feels rough or chalky because the dentist intentionally creates a textured finish to maximize the adhesion of the bonding cement.
Sensitivity and Protection of Prepared Teeth
The removal of the protective enamel layer exposes microscopic tubules within the dentin, leading directly to the tooth’s nerve center. This exposure causes a temporary increase in sensitivity, particularly to temperature changes from hot or cold foods and liquids. Although the tooth structure remains functional, it loses its natural defense mechanism against external stimuli.
To protect the prepared teeth while the permanent veneers are fabricated, a temporary restoration is placed. These temporary veneers are usually made from a composite material and cover the reduced tooth structure for one to two weeks. During this phase, maintaining careful oral hygiene is important; patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the temporary coverings. Once the final veneers are permanently bonded, they assume the protective role of the lost enamel, and the temporary sensitivity typically subsides within a few weeks.