Before traditional porcelain veneers near you are put in position, a dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth or teeth to be covered with veneers. By removing that thin layer of enamel, the staff at your dental clinic in Flagstaff will ensure that the veneer will fit flushly and securely without adding any perceptible bulk or edge to any portion of your tooth.
Porcelain veneers properly placed on and bonded to a well-prepared tooth can last for as long as 15 years as long as you do your part to keep the underlying tooth or teeth healthy. At somewhere around the 15-year mark, though, those porcelain veneers will need to be replaced. Replacement may be required earlier if the underlying tooth is damaged by tooth decay or periodontal disease, or if your veneer is damaged by clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, chewing fingernails or ice, or using your teeth like tools.
When the time comes when it is necessary to replace your dental veneers in Flagstaff, what will happen next? Your dentist will review the condition of your underlying teeth, including to ensure that your tooth has enough enamel to allow for the tooth to be prepared and the new veneers to be bonded in place. Typically, the first replacement of a set of veneers can happen without difficulty because there will be enough enamel in place to allow for the preparation and placement of your second set of veneers. Having said that, every individual’s situation is different and decisions will be made based on a careful review of the specific condition of your teeth. If it isn’t possible to replace your first or second set of veneers with a second or third set of veneers, what will happen next?
Porcelain veneers do not bond as well to dentin — the layer in your teeth beneath the enamel layer — as to enamel. If there is insufficient enamel on your teeth to place your new veneers, your dentist will recommend the placement of dental crowns instead. Crowns fit over your tooth — much like a thimble over the end of a pencil — but not onto your tooth. Even a tooth that has minimal enamel can support a crown as long as the dentist can achieve a good bond between your crown and your tooth at the edge of your gums.
Dental crowns are an incredibly versatile and powerful dental restoration that can achieve all of the cosmetic functions performed by veneers. Your dentist will craft crowns that will blend with your remaining natural teeth while projecting the profile of a perfect tooth.
Only a very thin layer of enamel needs to be removed from a tooth before veneers can be put in place. For the vast majority of patients, that’s not a significant concern but your dentist will confirm that you have adequate enamel in place to allow that step. If you or your dentist are concerned about the extent of your enamel layer, your dentist will explain the advantages of prepless veneers. Prepless veneers are not appropriate for every situation and patient, but do offer the advantage of requiring the removal of very little enamel — or none at all.
Whatever are your cosmetic dentistry goals, discuss them with a dentist at a dental clinic near you who is familiar with your medical and dental condition, lifestyle, commitment to oral and dental health, budget and timeline. Your dentist and their staff will ensure that you understand all of the options available to help you to achieve your goals.
