They’re a great way to improve the look of your smile, but are veneers bad for your teeth?
The
American Dental Association describes veneers as “thin, custom-made shells crated of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth.”
Since
veneers can be made very thin, they require minimal tooth reduction. Usually less than a millimeter of the existing enamel needs to be removed to make room for the veneer. In fact, the
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says, “Removing less tooth structure (than is required for crowns), dental veneers help to support the stability of your natural teeth and bite.”
Because of this need to remove a small amount of the enamel in order for the veneers to be attached, the process is generally considered an irreversible treatment.
“Although adjustments and even new veneers can be made, you can never reliably return to the original condition of the tooth,” according to the
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
That’s okay, because most people wouldn’t want to return to the original condition of the tooth or teeth that the veneers are fixing.
Veneers are used to take care of dental issues like:
- Broken or worn down front teeth
- Misshapen or twisted teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Stained or yellowed teeth
- Uneven tooth length
- Undesirably small teeth
Veneers are very durable and last a long time, although you should continue regular dental visits because they should be professionally cleaned and polished as well as checked by your dentist for any signs of potential problems … just like the rest of your teeth.
Wondering if veneers are right for you?
Contact our office for a consultation appointment with Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian.
Dr. Mirzaeian is licensed by the Dental Board of California and is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and California Dental Association.
Our
practice is devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile.
Call us at (559) 299-2168 or send us a message today!