Have you ever wondered what natural teeth look like under veneers? It's one of the questions patients commonly ask when considering veneers. This page explains how your teeth will look under each type of veneer and how to care for them.
How your teeth look under dental veneers varies depending on the type of veneer. Currently, we offer three types: porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and no-prep veneers. Each has a slightly different treatment process, which means the appearance of your natural tooth underneath will vary.
Underneath porcelain veneers, your teeth will appear smaller than before as enamel is filed away. Filing the enamel provides a rougher surface for the veneers to adhere to and creates space so the veneers fit without looking too bulky. This preparation is irreversible — once enamel is removed, the teeth will always require veneers or another restoration.
It's a common misconception that teeth are filed down to stumps for veneers. This is not the case — teeth are filed to create space, but they retain their core structure. However, the process is irreversible, so you will need to maintain and eventually replace your veneers.
As enamel is removed, the tooth surface becomes rougher, and you may experience sensitivity. The colour of the prepared teeth may also appear different, as the enamel layer that gives teeth their white appearance is reduced. This is not visible once veneers are placed.
Learn about our porcelain veneer treatment process.
Some light filing is usually needed before applying composite veneers, which may change the shape of your teeth slightly. Under the composite resin, your teeth will still resemble their natural form. Composite veneers can be removed without requiring replacement in many cases, though you may want to use enamel-strengthening toothpaste afterwards.
Learn more about our composite resin veneer treatment.
Your teeth will look largely unchanged under no-prep veneers. Very little preparation is required, and we rarely need to alter the shape of the existing teeth. In some cases, the tooth surface may be lightly scored or etched to help the veneer bond. No-prep veneers can generally be removed without significant changes to the underlying teeth.
Learn more about our no-prep veneer treatment process.
Veneers are generally well tolerated when placed correctly by a qualified dentist. However, like all dental treatments, there are considerations. The removal of enamel for porcelain veneers is irreversible and can cause sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene is essential to protect both the veneers and the natural teeth underneath.
To support the health of your natural teeth with veneers, follow these guidelines: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, use an antiseptic mouthwash, avoid habits that can damage teeth or veneers (nail biting, chewing ice, smoking), and attend regular dental check-ups.
You can find more details about our veneer aftercare here.
You need a healthy mouth, gums, and teeth to qualify for veneers. If any issues need to be addressed first, your dentist can discuss treatment options before proceeding with veneers.
Teeth free from decay: Ideally, teeth should be free from decay before veneers are placed. Veneers cover the tooth surface, which can make it harder to detect or treat decay underneath. Untreated decay can cause teeth to deteriorate under the veneers, potentially causing them to loosen or fail. Your dentist will assess for decay before recommending veneers.
Healthy gums: Healthy gums free from infection or disease are important. Placing veneers on inflamed gums can aggravate the condition, potentially causing pain and complications. Your dentist will examine your gums and can address any issues before veneer placement.
Sufficient tooth enamel: As enamel is removed during preparation (for porcelain veneers), there needs to be enough remaining to protect the tooth. If enamel is insufficient, veneers may not be appropriate, and alternative treatments may be considered.
Intact teeth: Teeth should be mostly intact. If a tooth has a large filling or significant damage, a crown may be more appropriate than a veneer, as it provides more structural coverage and protection.
No unmanaged grinding: Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down and damage veneers over time. Your dentist may recommend addressing the grinding first, or using a night guard to protect both your veneers and natural teeth.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of veneer treatment include tooth sensitivity during and after preparation; the irreversible removal of natural enamel (for porcelain veneers), meaning the teeth will always require veneers or another restoration; the possibility of veneers chipping, cracking, debonding, or failing over time; colour mismatch between veneers and natural teeth over time; the potential need for root canal treatment if the nerve is affected during preparation; and the need for eventual replacement, as veneers are not permanent.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before treatment.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
If you're considering veneers and want to understand how they will affect your natural teeth, a consultation is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your teeth, discuss which veneer type is appropriate, and explain all risks involved.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.