What do teeth look like under veneers?

What do teeth look like under veneers?

Neither Cleveland Clinic nor the ADA's MouthHealthy page describes the appearance of a prepared tooth, so we cannot give a before-and-after description from them. What they say is that some enamel is removed. Cleveland Clinic says porcelain veneers require removing some enamel, which roughens the tooth surface and helps the new veneer stay in place. MouthHealthy says the dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth. Because the veneer replaces the front surface, you do not normally see the tooth underneath once it is bonded.

How much enamel is removed?

Neither source gives a thickness. MouthHealthy describes porcelain veneers as a thin shell, and says composite veneers may require less enamel removal. Cleveland Clinic says even no-prep or minimal-prep veneers still require some enamel removal. Our guide on veneers gives the available detail, and a figure for your teeth is something only your dentist can tell you after examining them.

Is veneer preparation reversible?

Mostly no. MouthHealthy says the treatment is not reversible because enamel is removed. Cleveland Clinic says most veneer types are permanent and irreversible, and that no-prep or minimal-prep veneers are reversible, while still saying some enamel is removed, which is a tension in the page that we report and do not resolve. Ask your dentist exactly what preparation your type needs before you agree.

What are temporary veneers?

Cleveland Clinic says a dentist can place temporary veneers while the dental lab makes the permanent ones, which can take a few weeks. MouthHealthy also says you may wear a temporary one while a porcelain veneer is made. The sources do not describe how temporaries look or feel. Composite veneers do not need impressions, according to Cleveland Clinic, so they may not need a temporary.

What does a veneer look like?

Both sources say veneers are made of tooth-colored composite or porcelain, custom-made to fit your teeth. MouthHealthy says porcelain veneers are natural-looking and the color shade is matched to your natural teeth, and that veneers can improve teeth that are chipped, broken, stained, crooked or misshapen, and can mask gaps. It may take a few days to get used to a veneer, and you should tell your dentist if your bite feels wrong.

Can the tooth underneath get decay?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic lists possible decay in the natural tooth underneath, which is why regular brushing, flossing and dental visits matter. MouthHealthy says cavities can still form under or around a veneer, and that placing veneers over untreated decay or gum disease may worsen those problems. This is one reason dentists check teeth and gums before placing veneers.

What are the risks?

Cleveland Clinic lists loss of at least some natural enamel, being usually irreversible, increased sensitivity to heat and cold, a veneer falling off or dislodging, and decay underneath. MouthHealthy adds that veneers may chip, crack, wear down or loosen, that clenching, grinding or a deep overbite may make them a poor choice, and that unlicensed providers may cause infection and nerve damage. MouthHealthy does not mention sensitivity, so the two pages differ on that point.

How do you look after veneers?

MouthHealthy says to avoid biting your nails and chewing hard objects or foods, wear a mouthguard for sports, limit staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily. Cleveland Clinic says regular dental visits are important. Our guide on how long porcelain veneers last covers lifespan.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your consultation.

• How much enamel will you remove from my teeth?
• Is any version reversible for me?
• Will I have temporary veneers, and for how long?
• Do I have decay or gum disease to treat first?
• What happens if a veneer comes off?

Frequently asked questions