What happens to your teeth underneath veneers?

Smile enhancements are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available.

Creating a bright, white, and straight smile helps boost confidence, and provides a naturally perfected smile.

However, what’s not spoken about regularly is the effect it has on what’s underneath.

Today, we’ll talk through why people get dental veneers, how they’re fixed into position, and some teeth-friendly alternatives that maximise smile health.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that uses a porcelain or composite overlay to perfect one or more teeth.

It can be used to cover discoloration, chips, and breakages, but is also recommended for those who have trouble with their bite.

Benefits of dental veneers

Smile insecurities are a common problem in the US, with people hiding their smiles due to discoloration, wonky teeth, gaps, and chips.

Those hiding their smiles often avoid social occasions and think negatively of themselves, impacting their mental health.

Having a smile to be proud of greatly improves quality of life, self-esteem, and relationships.

Dental veneers can also improve bite function and facial symmetry by creating straight and even teeth.

How are the teeth prepared for veneers?

The way the natural teeth are prepared depends on the dentist you visit and the location. Each has its own way of working and different materials require different preparation techniques.

Veneers in the US

Regardless of the material, dentists in the US use a specialized tool to remove enamel from the top surface of the tooth. They aim to remove as little as possible, but again, this depends on the dentist in question and the look you want to achieve.

More of the tooth will have to be shaved down if you’re hoping for a drastic change in shape or opting for composite veneers as opposed to porcelain.

Veneers abroad

If you’ve ever seen patients get dental veneers abroad, you’ll already know how the natural teeth are prepared.

Dentists unnecessarily shave down the majority of the natural tooth before fitting the veneer (which is often a crown instead), which increases sensitivity dramatically and means you can’t get them removed if you change your mind, without seeking restorative cosmetic treatments. 

How dental veneers are fitted to the teeth

Dental veneers are fitted in different ways depending on the material used.

Porcelain veneers

Once the veneer is ready, your dentist will apply a dental adhesive to the surface of the tooth and attach the veneer.

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are fitted slightly differently.

The composite material is moulded into the desired shape and cured onto the tooth, before being buffed and polished.

How natural teeth are affected

When the teeth are shaved down, it can highly impact the feel and function of the teeth, especially if you go down the cheaper route and go with someone who’s not your usual dentist.

As a new layer is added to the teeth, looking after your natural teeth is more important than ever.

Keeping on top of your at-home oral hygiene routine doesn’t just keep your smile looking good, it also prolongs the lifespan of your veneers. By maintaining the natural structure of the teeth, the veneers will remain intact for much longer.

The natural tooth will be more vulnerable to decay after getting veneers, so it’s vital you brush and floss twice a day to remove bacteria buildup and food debris to reduce infections and pain from developing.

Visiting your dentist regularly is also paramount. They’ll be able to spot any issues before they arise and treat them accordingly.

In severe cases, if the veneer patient doesn’t look after their smile, the teeth can become infected, start to decay, and potentially need to be removed, along with the veneers. They’ll then need to undergo root canal or tooth replacement surgery to restore their smile. 

How to tell if the natural teeth are damaged

Your teeth might look fine under dental veneers, but how are you meant to know if the teeth underneath are rotting?

Here are a few signs your natural teeth will need to be seen to by a professional:

• If your tooth feels…
  • loose
  • sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure
  • sore
• If the veneer is loose
• If the gum is…
  • sore
  • sensitive
  • showing signs of infection.

Can the natural teeth be restored after getting veneers?

Opinions and trends change all the time, so it’s expected that you’ll want a new look later in life after getting dental veneers.

But how easy is it to change?

Getting veneers removed is an option, but you might not like what’s underneath, especially if your natural teeth have been shaved down dramatically.

Even if they look okay, they might not feel too great. Patients who get their dental veneers removed typically experience sensitivity, due to the amount of enamel that’s been removed. It also increases the patient’s risk of infection and severe pain.

Dentists advise patients who get their veneers removed to get other cosmetic treatments to perfect, strengthen, and protect the teeth.

This includes composite bonding (also known as dental bonding), which uses a composite material to build the surface of the tooth into a more desirable shape. 

Non-invasive alternatives to dental veneers

If you want a quick and affordable yet effective way of improving your smile without permanent veneers, snap-on veneers will be perfect for you.

Made bespoke to unique measurements, they can cover up imperfections (including discoloration, misalignment, and chips/breaks) naturally and comfortably.

But the main benefit?

There’s no damage to your natural teeth.

So, if you do change your mind, or want to have a day without the snap-on solution, you can!

Improve your confidence with instasmile

Snap-on veneers from instasmile are a comfortable and effective way of perfecting your smile and boosting your confidence.

It’s easy, too!

After a quick online smile assessment, we’ll send you an at-home impression kit - no need to visit a dentist with us.

We’ll then send your new and improved smile in around two weeks.

To find out more, get started today!