Why a Cosmetic Dentist Needs to Remove Tooth Enamel Before Placing Veneers

A cosmetic dentist performs procedures every day that improve the look of a patient's smile and help build confidence. Veneers are an option for patients who do not like the appearance of the teeth due to shape, size, damage or alignment. Applying veneers involves a multi-step process that includes permanent removal of some of the natural enamel of the teeth, so many patients have questions about the procedure before committing.

Necessary steps a cosmetic dentist takes when applying veneers

Many patients like the results they see on others who have received veneers to correct smile issues. For patients considering a smile makeover or looking for ways to correct damage to the teeth, learning more about the veneer process can help make the decision easier.

Planning

The first step for obtaining dental veneers is planning. The cosmetic dentist evaluates the condition of the teeth and speaks with the patient about the goals and desired outcome. If the patient is not a good candidate for veneers, the dentist can provide other viable options. If the patient is a good candidate, the dentist gives an overview of the process and schedules the necessary visits. Some patients need other types of correction before moving forward with veneers, such as filling cavities, improving gum disease or addressing oral hygiene concerns.

Preparation

Veneers are constructed from porcelain or a dental composite material. First, the dentist cleans the patient's teeth and makes an impression to send to a specialized laboratory. The dentist then removes tooth enamel so the veneer will have a place to attach.

The amount of enamel that must be removed depends on the thickness of the veneer to be used. The removal is necessary to maintain the same thickness as the natural tooth and to give the veneer a proper surface for bonding. Some modern veneers are very thin and do not require an excessive amount of enamel removal. Veneer construction can take a few weeks, so in the meantime the patient may be fitted with temporary veneers.

Bonding process

To bond the veneers to the teeth, the dentist etches the surface of each tooth to make the attachment stronger. A fit test takes place and each veneer is adjusted as needed. The veneers are then bonded to the teeth using a special dental cement or adhesive. The fit is checked again once the veneers have been placed and bonded to the teeth, and any overflow cement is removed. The patient then should schedule a follow-up visit to make sure goals have been met.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in Allendale Charter Twp, MI.

Conclusion

During the consultation with a cosmetic dentist, patients may have many questions about the process of getting veneers. Before veneers can be placed, a portion of the natural tooth enamel must be removed to maintain the proper amount of tooth thickness and to give an abrasive surface to adhere the veneers. Patients who learn more about the veneer process are better able to make an informed decision before moving forward.

Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.

Recent Posts

Practical Care Tips Following Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry refers to the field in which dental professionals focus on improving the appearance, form, and function of the teeth and gums. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that patients feel confident when smiling.Within cosmetic dentistry, there may be a number of dental professionals that patients interact with. However, first and foremost, it is…

Reasons A Cosmetic Dentist Can Benefit Your Smile

Many people see a general dentist to address cosmetic dental issues without ever really considering what a cosmetic dentist could do for them. These professionals work daily to ensure that their patients are happy with their smiles. Keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful is about more than just maintaining your dental health. Many cosmetic dentistry…

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments For Tooth Restoration

The primary goal of cosmetic dentistry is to restore the patient’s smile to a level that makes them feel confident. Tooth restoration is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments, and there is a range of tooth restoration treatment options that are available for patients to choose from.The most popular methods of tooth restoration…

Grand Valley Dentistry

Share
Published by
Grand Valley Dentistry

Recent Posts

Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

When the smile is missing a tooth or three, a general dentist may recommend dental…

3 days ago

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can fill your dental gap and restore your smile. Research shows that…

2 weeks ago

How To Prepare for a General Dentistry Visit

If you had a previous dentist, contact that office to have your dental records sent…

2 weeks ago

What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure

Dental bridges are an option in restorative dentistry that replace missing teeth and restore your…

3 weeks ago

Clear Aligner Teeth Straightening Therapy from a Family Dentist

For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you.

3 weeks ago