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Do You Need to Shave Your Teeth for Veneers?

A woman smiling widely while pointing at her teeth

Are you thinking about getting veneers? Veneers can give you that perfect, Hollywood smile you’ve always dreamed of. They are thin shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, that cover the front surface of your teeth. They’re a fantastic way to improve the appearance of your smile by covering up imperfections like chips, stains, gaps and minor misalignments. 

But you might have heard some buzz about needing to “shave” your teeth to get Veneers. Let’s dive into what that really means and whether it’s necessary. 

Online Trends Related to Veneers

Social media is booming with misinformation when it comes to medical practices and soon enough many become trends without any value to the claims. It was in 2020 that influencers started filing down their teeth with nail files and sandpaper to achieve the “perfect smile”. Soon enough dental practitioners warned people of the damage this does to the enamel and its detrimental effects on oral health. Many of these influencers themselves were uneducated on the matter as they were getting dental crowns but were promoting them as veneers to their audience. 

Teeth don’t have to be shaved down to pegs for veneers, this is only practised when getting full coverage crowns. Before attempting DIY dental hacks it’s best advised to speak to a cosmetic dentist for necessary treatment.

Do You Really Need to Shave Your Teeth?

Short answer: Yes, but it’s not as scary as it sounds!

Here’s the deal: To ensure the veneers fit properly and look natural, a small amount of enamel (the outer layer of your tooth) needs to be removed. This process is often called “shaving” or “prepping” your teeth. But don’t worry, it’s just a tiny amount—typically about 0.5mm, which is about the thickness of a fingernail. Dental offices do this with the utmost care so the teeth are not harmed invasively. Book an appointment at PMD Dental for a safe and guided veneer application.

Why Is This Necessary?

Removing a bit of enamel helps the veneers to fit snugly against your teeth, preventing them from looking bulky or unnaturally thick. Shaving your teeth slightly creates a better surface for the veneer to adhere to, ensuring a stronger and longer-lasting bond. It also helps the appearance of your teeth where the veneers sit flush with your gum line, making them look just like your natural teeth. 

What About No-Prep Veneers?

You might have heard about no-prep or minimal-prep veneers. These veneers are thinner and often require little to no enamel removal. Sounds perfect, right? Well, they can be, but they’re not suitable for everyone. They work best if you have small or slightly misshapen teeth. For more significant cosmetic issues, traditional veneers might be the better option as they contain a more solid colour over the translucence of no-prep ones, and they are less expensive.  At PMD we offer the option to request for no-prep veneers and our dentists will assess your teeth to see if it is possible to give you the best smile with this option.

The Shaving Process: What to Expect

The thought of someone shaving your teeth might sound daunting, but here’s what actually happens in 5 steps:

  1. Consultation: Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals to determine if veneers are right for you.
  2. Preparation: If you go ahead with traditional veneers, your dentist will gently remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. With the numbing used, the process will be painless. 
  3. Impressions: Next, they’ll take impressions of your prepped teeth to create custom veneers that fit perfectly.
  4. Temporary Veneers: While you wait for your permanent veneers to be made (which can take a couple of weeks), you’ll likely get temporary ones to protect your teeth.
  5. Bonding: Once your custom veneers are ready, your dentist will place them on your teeth to check the fit and appearance before permanently bonding them.

For those concerned about the irreversible nature of tooth shaving, alternatives such as composite bonding or orthodontic treatments may be considered. These options can address cosmetic concerns without the need for enamel removal.

Aftercare: Keeping That Smile Sparkling

After getting your veneers, it’s crucial to take good care of them. Here are a few tips:

  • Brush and Floss: Just like your natural teeth, brush twice a day and floss daily.
  • Regular Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
  • Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of biting into hard foods that could damage your veneers.
  • Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your new smile.

Getting veneers is a big decision, but it can be a life-changing one for your confidence and smile. Yes, it involves a bit of tooth shaving, but it’s a small step for a massive upgrade. If you’re still unsure, chat with our dentists at PMD Dental for a run-through on what to expect. They’ll provide personalised advice and guide you through the entire process.