It’s no surprise that porcelain veneers are incredibly popular arguably the most popular cosmetic dental treatment.
Porcelain veneers can completely transform your teeth and help you feel confident in your smile.
Whether you’re seeking an ultra-bright, ultra-white smile (the kind you see on celebrities and influencers), or you’re after a ‘your-teeth-but-better’ look, veneers can give you the smile you’ve always dreamt of.
When receiving veneers from a qualified, highly-skilled dentist, you should be consulted through every step of the process. You should be able to request changes to the shape, size and colour of your veneers and your veneers shouldn’t be applied until you’re completely satisfied with the result.
But if something doesn’t look quite right, can you reshape porcelain veneers?
Generally, the answer is no. Let’s take a look at why.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front surface of the tooth to create a more aesthetically-pleasing smile.
They are bonded to your teeth to correct cosmetic and structural flaws, such as
- Discolouration
- Chipping
- Cracks
- Poorly shaped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Minor bite issues
Porcelain veneers are very effective and there are many benefits to undergoing the treatment.
Veneers are crafted from durable porcelain to create a strong, beautiful and natural-looking smile.
Veneers can be placed on as many teeth as you’d like. For the most natural and cohesive look, we generally recommend at least four to eight veneers.
Depending on the structure of your smile, you might choose to place veneers on just your upper teeth or both your upper and lower teeth.
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution to your dental concerns, meaning once you have veneers, you’ll always need them.
This is because the tooth preparation required for veneers renders your natural teeth unsuitable for use on their own.
Can You Reshape Porcelain Veneers?
In almost all cases, you cannot reshape porcelain veneers.
Once porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, it is very difficult to reshape them. A good dentist will advise against reshaping porcelain veneers.
Reshaping porcelain veneers will cause the smooth surface and glaze to wear away from the porcelain, leaving you with rough and unpolished veneers. Your veneers will no longer look or feel like your natural teeth.
This is why we take great care to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with your veneers before they’re bonded. We will check in with you every step of the way and work with you on any changes or adjustments you’d like to make.
In very few cases, veneers may be reshaped if they are too long or if you’d like the corners to be rounded, though this is rarely recommended. You will require a full evaluation, including scans, before reshaping of your porcelain veneers is considered.
Almost everyone wanting to reshape porcelain veneers will need to have their veneers replaced instead.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Applied?
To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface. This allows the veneer to be neatly placed and bonded to your natural tooth.
While you may have seen rather horrifying images of teeth ground into stumps before veneer application, this is not how your teeth should be prepared for treatment.
This is not best practice and is indicative that the dentist providing the treatment has not been trained properly.
A trusted, highly-experienced and skilled dentist will only remove 0.5mm of your tooth enamel. This allows just enough space for the veneer to be bonded to the tooth safely and effectively.
Here’s what your porcelain veneers treatment will entail.
Consultation
You’ll first meet with our expert dentists to discuss your dental history, current concerns and aesthetic goals. We will look at how you speak, smile and bite, and take scans of your teeth.
We’ll discuss your options with you and begin creating your tailored treatment plan, beginning with your digital smile design.
Digital Smile Design
You’ll be fitted with temporary veneers so that you can trial your new smile. You’ll have the opportunity to work with your dentist on any adjustments you’d like to make to the shape, colour and size of your veneers.
It’s essential that you raise any concerns you may have; after all, your smile is with you for life!
Once you’re satisfied with your veneers, we’ll send this information to our ceramic artisans who will start crafting your final veneers.
Veneer Application
You will then come in for your veneer application.
Your dentist will begin by cleaning your teeth and preparing them for porcelain veneers. At this point, your dentist will remove that 0.5mm layer of tooth enamel.
You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area and, if necessary, your natural teeth will be reshaped slightly so that the veneers will fit properly.
Next, the veneers will be bonded to your teeth. Your dentist will first gently place them onto your teeth and make sure you’re happy with them before cementing them in place.
It’s important to let your dentist know if you’re not completely satisfied, as you won’t be able to reshape the porcelain veneers later.
Can You Replace Porcelain Veneers?
While you can’t reshape porcelain veneers, you can replace your porcelain veneers.
As mentioned, once you have veneers, you’ll need them for life. While porcelain veneers are incredibly durable, there will likely come a time where they need to be replaced.
Veneers can last up to 20 years if properly maintained and cared for. It’s essential to attend your scheduled dentist appointments after getting veneers so that any issues can be addressed early.
You’ll need to take excellent care of your veneers – flossing, brushing twice a day and avoiding chewing ice or other hard substances just as you would with your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene will extend the lifespan of your veneers and save you money down the line.
If you’ve been seriously considering reshaping porcelain veneers, you’ll need to start considering a full replacement instead.
Veneer replacement is typically recommended if
- The veneers are chipped, cracked or very worn down
- The veneers have separated from your gums due to poor dental hygiene or gum disease
- The tooth under the veneer is decayed
- The veneers weren’t applied properly
- The veneers no longer fit
- You are not satisfied with how your veneers look and/or feel
Visit Dental Boutique For Porcelain Veneers You Won’t Want to Reshape
We now know that you can’t reshape porcelain veneers, so it’s vital to get your veneers right the first time around.
At Dental Boutique, your satisfaction with your smile matters as much to us as it does to you. We won’t set our tools down until you’re thrilled with the results.
Our VeneerMe porcelain veneers are crafted to perfection. Made from the finest European porcelain and tailored to suit your aesthetic preferences, our quality is unmatched.
Have another question about why you can’t reshape porcelain veneers? Get in touch with us. We’re here to help!
