Home » What Happens to Your Teeth Under Veneers?
10 SepGeneral Dentistry
The cosmetic dentists at The Dental Boutique have the skills and experience to sculpt the smile you’ve always wanted. A popular way to achieve this amongst our Gold Coast clients is with dental veneers. Before undergoing the treatment, many of our clients ask us a similar question: will the veneers damage my natural teeth in any way?
The good news is that when fitted properly, your natural teeth will stay as strong and healthy as ever underneath the veneers. But to give you more of an insight into what you can expect from the process, let’s take a look at what is happening below that porcelain surface.
Preparing the teeth for veneers
It’s important to know how your natural teeth are treated to prepare them for the veneer application. A very thin layer of the enamel has to be removed in order to reshape the tooth’s surface. The overall thickness or shape of the tooth is not dramatically altered (the way traditional veneers were once fitted), but the amount of enamel that’s removed tends to be the same thickness as the veneer (about half a millimetre).
This process means that veneers can not be removed; they can only be replaced, because they now act as the enamel. They should be properly maintained to ensure they last longer, with daily brushing and flossing, and other positive oral hygiene habits.
What is the impact on underlying teeth?
Aside from this removal of part of the enamel, properly fitted and bonded veneers have no impact on the supporting teeth. The majority of clients won’t experience any of the issues or horror stories they’ve heard – such as bad smells or rotting of the natural teeth. In fact, veneers could even protect the teeth from decay, since there’s less exposed tooth material.
Additionally, for patients that are having veneers fitted due to damaged or weakened teeth, the veneer offers an added layer of protection and helps to preserve the tooth’s structure. Not following the advised care and hygiene practices could compromise your tooth enamel and structure, and you could notice damage to your natural teeth over time, or a shortened lifespan of your dental veneers.
What problems can veneers fix?
Veneers can correct both cosmetic and functional oral problems, making your smile not only beautiful, but healthy, too! They are commonly used to address issues such as:
- Discoloured/stained teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Gappy teeth
- Teeth that are not aligned
- A range of other cosmetic issues
Book with our private dental clinic in the Gold Coast
At The Dental Boutique, we use the latest technology to help our clients achieve their dental goals, whether that be for cosmetic purposes, functionality, or both. Our skilled private cosmetic dentists will work with you to uncover your needs and ensure that you finally get to experience a smile that fills you with confidence.
You can count on the highest standards of care and advice from our dentists. To book a consultation, or find out more about our suite of services, give us a call on (07) 5591 2262 or email [emailprotected].
FAQs
While the tooth's structure is slightly altered, that doesn’t mean the tooth is damaged. Instead, the veneer acts as a protective shield. With proper care, the underlying tooth remains healthy and intact.
What happened to your real teeth under veneers? ›
Veneers cover only the front of your teeth, not the backs or the sides. It's true that, under veneers, the fronts of your teeth aren't as exposed to sugars, acids, bacteria and other things that can cause damage to your enamel, but the rest of the tooth remains as exposed as normal.
What happens to your real teeth when you put veneers? ›
What is the impact on underlying teeth? Aside from this removal of part of the enamel, properly fitted and bonded veneers have no impact on the supporting teeth. The majority of clients won't experience any of the issues or horror stories they've heard – such as bad smells or rotting of the natural teeth.
What do they do to your teeth for veneers? ›
The day of the procedure, the dentist will remove a small bit of enamel from each tooth to create a space for the veneer to adhere to and not impede the patient's bite. Then a putty mould is created of the teeth with that layer of enamel removed.
Can you go back to your normal teeth after veneers? ›
However, once you have veneers, it is not possible to go back to your natural teeth. This is because a small amount of enamel is removed from the teeth to make room for the veneers. While they can be removed, your teeth will look different without them and may be weaker and more sensitive.
Are teeth rotting under veneers? ›
The quick and simple answer is: No. Under normal circ*mstances, teeth should not rot under veneers. As long as your veneers are properly applied and maintained, your natural teeth are well protected. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for inexperienced or uncaring dentists to apply veneers improperly.
Why do teeth turn black under veneers? ›
Bacteria between your teeth and veneers – If a dentist bonds your veneers but leaves small gaps between the veneers and your teeth, bacteria can leak in and attract stains. Prolonged bacteria lead to tooth decay, which can further darken teeth.
What happens to your old teeth when you get veneers? ›
As for the underlying tooth or teeth involved, nothing bad happens. Since a dentist only has to remove a small amount of enamel, nerves and roots are never touched. With the veneers in place, the person's natural teeth remain intact. The natural teeth simply serve as the foundation for the new veneers.
What are cons of veneers? ›
Cons
- High Cost. The price of veneers will vary based on your location. ...
- Increased Sensitivity. Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. ...
- It's Irreversible. Your dentist will need to change the structure of your natural teeth to place them properly.
Cleaning your teeth under veneers is not much different from cleaning your natural teeth. The key is to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
By the time you reach the tenth year, your veneers will have aged like fine wine. While they may not sparkle quite as brightly as they did in their infancy, their enduring charm remains intact. The subtle imperfections that have emerged over the years only enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
Are teeth permanently damaged for veneers? ›
Veneers will not cause damage to your natural teeth when an experienced cosmetic dentist carries out your cosmetic dental treatment plan. The most important thing to know about the safety of veneers is only to trust an experienced cosmetic dentist, and this can be said for all cosmetic dentistry treatments.
What happens after 15 years of veneers? ›
What Happens After 15 Years of Veneers? After 15 years, veneers may show more significant aging, including noticeable wear, discoloration, and potential changes in shape. It's common to consider replacing veneers in Phoenix at this stage to maintain their aesthetic appeal.
What your real teeth look like under veneers? ›
Since they're a permanent addition to your smile, your teeth will undergo some changes to fit them. Underneath your veneers, your natural teeth can look slightly smaller as your dentist may remove a small layer of enamel to help some veneers fit comfortably in your mouth.
Are your teeth safe under veneers? ›
Yes, it is possible to get cavities under veneers, but only if you don't brush and floss your teeth properly. Although veneers add a layer of protection by isolating teeth from the surrounding environment, it's still possible for decay to form under and around the veneer.
What happens to natural teeth under crowns? ›
Though crowns are highly durable and protective, the tooth beneath the crown can still develop cavities and damage from decay. Decay beneath a crown can lead to many oral health issues, like sore gums, bad breath, infection, and even tooth loss or eventual extraction.
