Dental veneers are thin, composite resin, or porcelain shells attached to the front surfaces of the teeth, effectively concealing imperfections such as gaps, cracks, or discolouration. In our three-decade experience as dental professionals, we often remove a minimal amount of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer. Our highly experienced dentists perform this procedure carefully to preserve the tooth’s structural integrity.
Dentists do not remove or replace the teeth underneath dental veneers. Instead, they remain in place and remain healthy over time with proper, consistent oral hygiene. If you’re considering dental veneers but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.
As a trusted dentist in Annerley serving numerous clients since 1994, we offer unique insights that improve your long-term dental health. This blog explores whether veneers harm your natural teeth or not, enabling you to make informed decisions and improve your quality of life.
How Dental Veneers Affect Underlying Teeth
A short overview of the dental veneer process allows you to understand the state of the underlying teeth:
- Your dentist removes a small amount of tooth enamel (usually 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm) from the teeth’s front surface.
- He reshapes your teeth slightly to ensure a seamless fit for the dental veneers.
- Your practitioner uses dental cement to bond the dental veneers securely to your teeth.
- Your teeth remain healthy and functional with consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Do Dental Veneers Harm Natural Teeth?
Fear surrounding dental veneers originated from exaggerated or outdated images online that show teeth filed down into small, peg-like shapes.
However, there’s no need to worry; we often remind our clients that these images are related to older, obsolete methods involving dental crowns—a procedure that requires the removal of more tooth structure. As a trusted dentist in Annerley, we assure you that modern dental veneer procedures are conservative and minimally invasive for your peace of mind.
Dental veneers do not harm natural teeth when they are professionally applied. Your dentist will remove only a thin layer of tooth enamel to ensure a seamless fit and a natural appearance. Your underlying teeth remain intact and healthy, provided that you practise consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental visits every six months.
Dental veneers can cause issues only in the following situations:
- Poor execution: Excessive enamel removal or poor veneer margin sealing usually leads to tooth sensitivity, decay, or failure.
- Improper bite alignment: Dental veneer placement without considering bite alignment between the upper and lower teeth can lead to chipping, fracturing, or jaw discomfort.
- Poor dental hygiene habits: Failure to brush, floss, and visit your dentist in Annerley regularly can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues.
For these reasons, we recommend hiring a highly skilled and experienced dentist in your area and practising consistent oral hygiene to ensure the long lifespan of your natural teeth and dental veneers.
Dental Veneers and Tooth Decay
Unfortunately, cavities can still form under dental veneers. It’s important to note that this cosmetic dental procedure does not fully prevent tooth decay. Although the veneer shell cannot decay, the underlying teeth can develop cavities over time.
Tooth decay can eventually develop in these areas:
- The dental veneer’s edges: Cavities can develop in the area where the dental veneer material meets the natural tooth. Poorly executed bonds can lead to bacterial growth in the microscopic gaps. For this reason, hire only a reputable dentist in Annerley who can ensure a smooth, worry-free procedure.
- The gumline: Plaque usually builds up in the gumline, eventually leading to cavities without timely dental cleaning (prophylaxis).
- The tooth’s posterior: Dental veneers conceal only the tooth’s front surface, leaving the tooth’s posterior vulnerable to cavities over time.
We strongly encourage you to monitor signs of tooth decay under veneers, including:
- Heightened tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Dark lines around the dental veneer’s edges.
- Gum inflammation or redness surrounding the dental veneer.
- Constant pain or discomfort in the treated area.
The Pros of Dental Veneers
The pros of dental veneers include:
- Enhanced tooth protection: Porcelain veneers are the most durable of their kind, lasting up to 25 years with proper oral hygiene. Their hard, resilient surface protects the front portion of the tooth from discolouration, acid erosion, and minor traumas.
- Improved natural smile: Dental veneers not only conceal stained, gapped, and cracked teeth, but they also improve your confidence, leading to a captivating natural smile.
- Stain resistance: Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can stain your teeth. Fortunately, dental veneers do not absorb pigments and resist staining efficiently, allowing you to enjoy worry-free meals.
- Durable cosmetic enhancement: Dental veneers offer long-lasting results, lasting up to 25 years with consistent oral hygiene.
The Cons of Dental Veneers
The cons of dental veneers include:
- Brief tooth sensitivity: Enamel preparation can increase sensitivity to extreme temperatures for up to several weeks. However, this sensation diminishes gradually once your dentist in Annerley attaches the permanent veneers to your teeth.
- Veneer chipping or cracking: Although porcelain veneers are the most durable, they can still crack or chip when you bite hard, crunchy foods or grind your teeth at night (bruxism). It’s important to note that a damaged veneer cannot be replaced; your dentist must replace it. For this reason, minimise your consumption of hard foods and wear a night guard to preserve your dental veneers.
- Gum irritation: Improperly fitted veneers or dental cement residue at the gumline can lead to gum irritation. A trusted, highly experienced dentist in Annerly can prevent this scenario, ensure a seamless fit, and deliver long-term peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do dental veneers harm natural teeth?
Dental veneers usually do not harm the underlying teeth when properly placed and maintained. However, your dentist in Annerley will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel. Issues arise only when the dental veneers are poorly fitted or when the patient fails to practise consistent oral hygiene.
Who can be a good candidate for dental veneers?
We recommend dental veneers for individuals with chipped, cracked, gapped, or discoloured teeth. They must have structurally healthy teeth without untreated tooth decay or damage. If you have severe tooth decay, gum disease, or weak enamel, your dentist must fix these issues first before you undergo a dental veneer procedure.
Conclusion
Dental veneers do not harm natural teeth when they are properly designed, fitted, and maintained. Although your dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel, consistent oral hygiene ensures the long-term health and protection of the affected teeth. Similar to most cosmetic treatments, dental veneers often lead to positive outcomes when performed by highly experienced professional dentists.
Experience optimal oral health with Annerley Dental. Since 1994, we have provided our clients with cost-effective, transformative, and tailored dental solutions that guarantee long-term results. Book an appointment today to speak with one of our dentists and restore natural-looking, healthy teeth.