AD | Are you considering getting veneers and want to know what your teeth will look like under them? You aren’t alone! We are often asked what teeth will look like under veneers, with customers concerned that their teeth will be reduced to spikes. We are here to put your worries to bed and tell you what your teeth will look like under porcelain, composite, and no-prep veneers.
Featured Image: Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Teeth under porcelain veneers
Your teeth will look smaller than before under porcelain veneers. This is because part of your enamel is filed away to provide a rougher surface for your veneers to stick to. Removing some of the enamel also makes more room in your mouth, ensuring the veneers fit and look natural. You don’t want your veneers to seem too large for your mouth, as this creates an unnatural look!
Many people think that your teeth are filed to stumps before porcelain veneers are fitted, but this is not true! While your teeth are filed and will seem smaller, they will not be filed to stumps that cannot function as teeth. The veneer process is irreversible, though, so even though your teeth are not stumps, you will need to continue wearing veneers once they are fitted.
The appearance of your teeth changes along with their shape when veneers are fitted. Filing your teeth makes them rougher, and you can experience some sensitivity. Removing the enamel changes the colour of your teeth and they can seem duller than before. As your porcelain veneers will cover this you don’t need to worry about the changes to your natural teeth.
Teeth under composite veneers
For composite veneers, your teeth will be slightly filed which can change their shape. They can appear smaller or thinner than before, giving space for the resin to be added to your teeth. Filing not only helps the resin to adhere to your teeth, but it ensures that your new smile will not seem too big for your face. Nobody wants horsey veneers, so by changing the size and shape of your teeth, we can create the perfect smile!
Underneath your composite veneers, your teeth will look like natural teeth. You can remove the resin without needing to reapply it, allowing you to remove it and smile with just your natural teeth if you wish. When removing composite veneers, you will need to use a toothpaste designed to strengthen your enamel to prevent any dental issues.
Teeth under no-prep veneers
No-prep veneers require very little preparation, and your teeth will virtually look the same! Sometimes, the surface of your teeth will be lightly etched to help the veneer adhere to your teeth. The light etching might change the appearance of your teeth slightly, making them a
little thinner, so the veneers do not look too big for your mouth. The no-prep veneers can be removed without your teeth looking any different, allowing you to return to your natural smile if you wish.
What do I need to be a candidate for veneers?
To qualify for veneers, you need healthy teeth, gums, and mouth. You can work with your dentist to address any dental issues beforehand if you do not have all three yet, ensuring you can get the smile of your dreams. The criteria for veneers can vary depending on your dentist, but typically, you will need the following:
Intact teeth
Your teeth should be mostly intact before veneers are applied. If you have a tooth that is damaged or a large filling, a crown might be recommended instead. A crown will offer more protection to damaged teeth, whereas veneers are designed for minor cosmetic enhancements.
Thick tooth enamel
Thick tooth enamel is essential as a layer must be removed before veneers are attached. A thick tooth enamel ensures there is enough enamel left to protect your teeth after they have been filed. Without a thick tooth enamel, you are unlikely to be considered for veneers, but your dentist can discuss other possible options with you.
Teeth free from decay
Your teeth also need to be free from decay before veneers are installed. When veneers are installed, it can be hard to clean any cavities in your teeth, allowing decay to worsen. If decaying teeth are left unchecked, they can rot underneath the veneers, causing them to come loose and fall out.
Your dentist will carry out a full assessment of your teeth and can help to address any tooth decay before your veneers are installed.
Healthy gums
Your gums must also be healthy and free from infection or disease before veneers can be installed. Adding veneers to inflamed gums can make them worse, causing pain in your gums and even gum disease. Your dentist will inspect your gums beforehand and can carry out any work to address gum disease before your veneers are installed.
Start your veneer journey today
While your natural teeth will undergo some changes, they will still look like teeth under your veneers. The amount of work required for your teeth before your veneers are installed will depend on the type you choose, and your dentist can walk you through this in more detail. Dentists like those at Gorgeous Smiles will walk you through your options and the preparation work required, providing you with all the information that you need before your veneer treatment. Reach out to Gorgeous Smiles dentist in Melbourne to start your veneer journey today.
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