Are you considering porcelain veneers but are worried you might not be happy with the final result? Veneers are used to help you create your dream smile, but what if the look isn't quite right - is it possible to reshape porcelain veneers? We get asked this question frequently and want to make it easy for everyone to access the answers they need. Today's guide will let you know if porcelain veneers can be reshaped and what you can do if your dream smile isn't quite what you thought it would be.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells custom-made to help transform your smile. They are applied to the front of your teeth and designed to create a durable, natural smile lasting for years. Porcelain veneers are used to repair many cosmetic issues, including:
Minor bite issues
Misaligned teeth
Gaps between teeth
Poorly shaped teeth
Discolouration
Cracks
Chipping
Veneers are a permanent solution, where your teeth are filed extensively before they are applied. This means you will always need to have the veneers, but don't worry. Porcelain veneers can last for ten to twenty years before needing to be replaced, or longer providing how well you care for them.
Often, our patients choose to add several veneers to give their smile a cohesive look, but in some cases, a single veneer can be applied. It's best to speak to your dentist to see which option is right for your smile. Learn more about porcelain veneer treatment options to make sure it's the right treatment for you.
While some dentists claim they can reshape porcelain veneers, we do not recommend it. Once the porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, reshaping them is incredibly difficult and can cause you pain or reduce the effectiveness of your veneer.
The smooth surface and glaze would be worn away to reshape porcelain veneers, leaving you with unpolished and rough veneers. These will no longer look like teeth, but they will feel rough against your tongue and could even cut it as it moves over your teeth.
Reshaping the veneers while attached to your teeth would also be uncomfortable or painful and is not a treatment we recommend. There are a few cases where porcelain veneers can be reshaped while bonded to your teeth. This usually happens when your veneers are too long or the corners need to be rounded and should not impact the condition of your veneers.
When veneers are reshaped, a full evaluation is required, and we will likely take scans of your teeth to ensure this is the correct choice. Most cases where patients want their veneers reshaped will end up having their veneers replaced instead.
Let's take a quick look at the treatment process to understand better why porcelain veneers cannot be reshaped. Our porcelain veneer treatment follows five steps, outlined below.
We begin with a consultation where we will take scans and impressions of your teeth. Using our 3D scanner, we help you create your dream smile, discussing your smile goals and bringing them to life with a mockup! We will discuss if you are a suitable candidate for veneers, the cost of your treatment, and what payment options are available.
The consultation is the perfect opportunity to ask any questions and help you decide if it's the right treatment for you.
For porcelain veneers to successfully be placed, your teeth must be prepared. This involves us filing your teeth down to allow the veneers to attach to your teeth without seeming too big for your face. The procedure can be uncomfortable, but we offer local anesthetic to remove any pain.
While your permanent veneers are being made, we will fit you with a temporary veneer. This allows you to use your teeth as normal after the filing and to experience veneers before they are permanently bonded to your teeth.
The temporary veneer is usually placed after the filing, and we will provide you with a rough timeframe so you know how long the temporary veneer will be worn.
When your porcelain veneers are ready, you will be invited back to have them installed. We will remove the temporary veneer and bond your new veneers to your teeth, giving you your new smile.
We gently place your veneers onto your teeth and check that you are happy with them before they are bonded into place. Now is the time to speak up if they don't look quite right or you want them to be adjusted and reshaped slightly! We can make these minor adjustments before bonding them to your teeth.
As these veneers are made from porcelain, they will have a shine to replicate natural teeth and should function as other teeth.
To help your veneers last as long as possible, you must care for them. You will need to brush and floss regularly and be careful when biting down on hard objects. We recommend avoiding using your mouth to open any bottles or lids, as this could damage your new veneers.
We also recommend regular dental checkups where we can assess your oral health and ensure you are adjusting to life with your new veneers.
Yes, you can change your porcelain veneers. Instead of reshaping them, your veneers can be replaced. Veneers will need to be replaced whether you want to change the shape of them or not. They cannot last forever; every ten to twenty years, you will need to replace your veneers.
When your veneers are replaced, you can discuss any changes you want to make to your smile with your dentist. Scans and impressions might be retaken, especially if your teeth have moved or new issues have arisen. These will usually be spotted early if you attend regular checkups, keeping your mouth healthy.
We usually recommend replacing your veneers for the following reasons:
Your veneers are cracked, chipped, or worn down
Your veneers have separated from your gums (this is caused by gum disease or poor dental hygiene)
Your tooth has decayed under your veneers
Your veneers were not applied correctly
Your veneers don't fit anymore
You don't like the look or feel of your veneers
If any of these situations apply to you, book yourself a consultation to see what we can do to help you achieve your dream smile!
While porcelain veneers cannot be reshaped, other cosmetic dentistry procedures allow you to reshape your veneers, helping you enjoy a natural-looking smile without having your veneers replaced.
Composite veneers are made from a thin resin layer, which can be reshaped as often as you like! When the resin is applied to your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will shape the resin to create your perfect smile. You can usually have some input here, ensuring you get the right smile, but if you are unhappy with it, the resin can be adjusted again.
We can reshape composite veneers several times without the risk of them fracturing or cracking, allowing us to help adjust your smile to meet your goals. We can add to the composite veneers to extend the length of your teeth, fill in gaps, or take away from them if you feel they are too big for your face.
Composite veneers are not as durable as porcelain so that they can chip or break occasionally. We can repair them without needing to remove or replace them by adding and shaping more resin to help you achieve the perfect smile.
Get more information about our composite veneer treatment options in Melbourne.
No prep veneers can sometimes be reshaped, depending on the material used. Your dentist might be able to make minor adjustments to the veneer, repairing it without needing a replacement.
No prep veneers require very little preparation work for your teeth, so you can remove them without worrying about losing tooth function. As many of these are custom-made, it is likely that your dentist will choose to replace the veneer rather than repair it. However, we can carry out repairs on them if needed.
Learn more about no prep veneers.
Many dental crowns are made from porcelain, making them difficult to reshape. Most dentists will replace a dental crown rather than reshape or repair it. When you see a cosmetic dentist about reshaping a dental crown, they will likely carry out an evaluation to address the issue and offer the best treatment method. They will likely recommend replacing the crown, as this is the easiest way to ensure you get the best results without any pain.
Dental veneers can be reshaped, but it depends on the material of your veneers. Most dentists do not recommend reshaping porcelain veneers, as they are tricky to shape once bonded to your natural teeth. Having the veneers removed and replaced with new ones that align with your smile goals is easier and less painful. Composite veneers are easier to reshape and can be reshaped several times to help you achieve your perfect smile.
Contact us and speak with one of our cosmetic dentists to see if we can reshape or replace your veneers? Book a consultation to see what dream smile awaits you!
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