Dental veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain covers that attach to the front surface of teeth. They improve the appearance of teeth by altering their color, shape, size, or length. Veneers are a popular choice in cosmetic dentistry for addressing issues such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignments.
While veneers are durable and long-lasting, they are not permanent. Over time, they may need to be removed or replaced due to wear or damage. Continue reading to learn more about the process of removing and replacing veneers.
Removing dental veneers is a delicate procedure that involves carefully breaking the bond between the veneer and the tooth. Dentists use a variety of techniques and tools to remove veneers, including rotary instruments, lasers, and dental hand tools designed to gently lift the veneer away from the tooth.
Veneers can be removed due to color mismatch, or changes in personal aesthetic preferences. Functional problems such as improper fit, discomfort, or bite issues also necessitate the removal of veneers. Other factors such as underlying dental health issues including decay, gum disease, or damage to the tooth structure also necessitate veneer removal.
One of the primary risks of removing veneers is the potential for damaging the underlying tooth structure. You may also experience sensitivity and discomfort during and after the removal process. Once veneers are removed, the teeth may need new veneers or alternative treatments to restore their appearance and function.
Replacing dental veneers is a multi-step process that involves careful planning, precision, and attention to detail. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation and Assessment:
Your dentist will assess the current state of the existing veneers and the health of the underlying teeth and gums by taking X-rays to evaluate the integrity of the tooth structure and the fit of the current veneers.
Preparation for Veneer Removal:
To ensure your comfort, local anesthesia is administered and they gently grind away the bonding material that holds the veneers to the teeth.
Tooth Preparation:
Next, detailed impressions of the prepared teeth are taken using dental putty or digital scanning technology. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where the new veneers will be custom-made.
Temporary Veneers:
While the new veneers are being fabricated, you may get temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics, but they are not as durable as the final veneers.
Material Selection:
The two main materials used for veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are highly durable, resistant to staining, and offer a natural-looking appearance due to their translucent quality. Composite veneers, while less expensive, may not last as long and can be more prone to staining.
Shade and Shape:
Your dentist will help you determine the shade and shape of the veneers that best match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Final Placement:
Lastly, they will clean, polish, and etch your teeth to create a suitable surface for bonding. A special adhesive is applied, and the new veneers are placed on the teeth after they test the fit. They use a curing light to harden the adhesive, securing the veneers in place.
Dental bonding is a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to veneers. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to repair chips, cracks, or discoloration.
Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing strength and durability to teeth that need more extensive restoration work done on them.
In cases where veneers were used to correct alignment issues, orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners can address the root cause of misalignment without the need for veneers.
Veneers can be removed and replaced, but there are considerations and potential risks involved. Always consult with a dentist before making a final decision about veneer removal or replacement.
If you or someone you know needs veneer removal or replacement, contact Taylorview Dental to schedule a consultation.
