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Home / Blog / FAQs / Will You Need To Shave Teeth for Veneers?

Will You Need To Shave Teeth for Veneers?

Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  / Sep 08, 2023  
Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  
Sep 08, 2023  
Shave Teeth for Veneers

Are you considering getting veneers to give your smile a makeover?

Veneers are one of the most famous cosmetic dental procedures used to whiten and straighten teeth. But before you can have them fitted, it's important to know if any part of your natural teeth will require to be shaved down.

At Gorgeous Smile, we understand that all our patients are different, and your unique needs will be taken into account before any procedure is carried out. 

In most cases, teeth have to be shaved down when having veneers fitted, as this creates more space for the veneer to fit. 

We'll explain why you need to shave your teeth for veneer and how to get ready for this procedure to assist you. We'll also go through the different kinds of dental veneers.

The different Types of Veneers

More and more people are opting for veneers because they can provide an immediate smile makeover. The following are the two main types of veneers:

Porcelain Veneers

Due to their remarkably realistic appearance, porcelain veneers are the most well-known kind of dental veneer. With appropriate care, you can enjoy your white smile for years because it resists stains.

In addition, it is also incredibly thin and fits snugly on the surface of your tooth without any extra preparation. It is also best for correcting crooked teeth, misshapen teeth, gaps and chips.

Composite Veneers

Resin composite veneers are less durable and stain-resistant than porcelain. They are less expensive than porcelain veneers, though, and can be finished in a single appointment.

For those with modest dental alignment or staining difficulties, they can be a better solution. Composite veneers can also be used to fill in gaps or correct minor chips and cracks.

Why Do You Need To Shave Teeth For Veneers?

The reason for having to shave your teeth for veneers becomes clearer now that you are aware of the various types of veneers. The tough outer coating of your teeth, known as the tooth enamel, can occasionally need to be slightly trimmed by your dentist.

You might need teeth shaved in order to get veneers for the reasons listed below:

To Ensure a Perfect Fit

One of the most crucial aspects of having a beautiful smile is making sure your veneers fit your teeth precisely. For the veneer to have a secure fit and not slip or move on your tooth, a thin amount of enamel may need to be removed.

To ensure that the veneer can cover your complete tooth, for instance, if you have a tooth that is just a little bit crooked, cutting it down will help. Furthermore, the veneer's thinness guarantees that, when it is applied, you won't even detect a change.

To Maintain Tooth Thickness

Tooth reduction is also important to reduce the risk of your tooth becoming weakened over time. This guarantees that the veneer won't thicken your teeth too much, which could lead to additional alignment and biting problems.

You don't need to be concerned about shaving off too much tooth enamel because your dentist can estimate precisely how much enamel needs to be removed. Modern methods can also provide a closer shave with little to no discomfort, such as laser dental technology.

Enhance Adhesion

Teeth shaving might also give the dental veneer a better surface for adhesion when it comes to attachment. Your dentist may find it challenging to glue the veneer to a tooth that is uneven.

However, if your tooth is reduced in size, it creates a smooth and even surface that will guarantee the veneer won't move. Additionally, it will strengthen the adhesion between the veneer and your tooth. You can rest easy learning that your dental veneers will stay in place this way for many years.

For Aesthetic Balance

Another reason why your dentist may want to shave down a tooth is to provide an even smile. If some of your natural teeth are slightly bigger or misaligned, shaving them down helps give them the same size as the other teeth.

You don't need to be concerned since after the dental veneer is in place, your tooth's enamel will stay in place. Additionally, it ensures the consistency of your teeth's size, colour, and shape. You can achieve a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing smile in this way.

To Correct Minor Issues

Not only for aesthetic balance but shaving a tooth can also help correct minor issues like broken edges or misalignment. Shaving the tooth helps create a more uniform look, allowing the veneer to be fixed properly.

Additionally, it works well to fix minor concerns like tooth surface discolouration. Additionally, it can aid in removing plaque and bacteria that have accumulated on the teeth's surface. Furthermore, trimming the tooth can improve the fit if it is too large for the veneer.

These are some reasons your cosmetic dentist may shave your tooth before applying a veneer. It can be scary, but most dentists do this regularly, so don't worry.

How to Get Ready for Shaving Teeth for Veneers?

When considering porcelain or composite veneers, preparation is key to a successful cosmetic dentistry procedure. Start by scheduling a talk with your dentist. They will reckon your oral health and discuss your aesthetic goals.

Before the procedure, maintain good dental hygiene - brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid food and drinks that stain, as they may affect the colour of your veneers. Also, it's crucial to mentally prepare.

Understand that tooth shaving is a common, safe procedure, and your dentist's main goal is to enhance your smile. More preparation and understanding will make the process easier.

Next, your dentist will take a dental imprint of your teeth to make an exact replica. Then, they'll use that model to shape and match the veneers precisely.

They will also use a metal drill (or laser) to shave off a tiny portion of the enamel from the front of your teeth. This process is designed to make sure that the veneer fits your teeth precisely.

It's quite common for most dentists to use a drill, as it offers more control over the amount of enamel removed and ensures accuracy when preparing your teeth.

Finally, once they have shaved off a thin layer from each tooth, the dentist will properly bond the veneers in place. After the procedure, you can expect a noticeable change in your smile.

Are There Any Risks Involved with Shaving Teeth for Veneers?

Indeed, just as with any dental procedure, there are certain risks involved when it comes to shaving teeth for veneers. The most crucial concern arises from the impact on your tooth structure.

When teeth are shaved for veneers, part of the natural tooth enamel, which acts as a protective layer, is removed. This process might make your veneers shaved teeth more susceptible to sensitivity or damage in the long run.

While dental veneers provide a new protective layer, they might not offer the same level of defence as your natural tooth enamel. To reduce hazards, your dentist will always remove as little enamel as feasible.

Remember, it's essential to have an in-depth discussion with your dentist, so you're fully aware of and comfortable with the procedure.

Final Thoughts

Overall, when you're getting dental veneers, your dentist, in some cases, will need to shave off a thin coating of enamel from your teeth so they fit precisely. 

It's essential to discuss all potential risks and concerns thoroughly with your doctor before proceeding with the treatment.

Veneer placement is a precise process that requires skilled professionals to ensure optimal results for each patient. Your dentist will give you the greatest care and recommendations for a better smile.

Take into account the above information. Please ask your dentist if you have any additional queries. Happy smiling!

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