A part of aesthetic dentistry, veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells used to cover the front surface of the teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, ceramics, and similarly colored composites that go with the natural aspects of the teeth. Veneers cover the imperfections of the teeth, such as tooth discoloration, broken teeth, stains, chips, gaps, and misalignment.
Veneers are of different types and are completely different from crowns, which cover the entire tooth to protect and strengthen it. Besides porcelain veneers, there are composite veneers, removable veneers, and non-prep veneers that are less intrusive. The entire process of getting a veneer, including the consultation time, takes around three weeks and there are a few steps that need to be followed to complete the procedure.
One of these steps that takes place at the beginning of the procedure is teeth shaving. So, is teeth shaving necessary to get veneers? In certain cases, yes. But it’s totally possible to get veneers without shaving your teeth. You don’t believe me? Keep reading!
Why Shave Teeth To Get Veneers? Is It Necessary?
The primary reason why they shave teeth to fix veneers is to make space. The standard thickness of a porcelain veneer is 0.5mm and when the teeth don’t naturally have enough space between to accommodate the veneer, shaving becomes necessary.
- Veneers on shaved teeth appear more natural
- Fixing veneers after shaving teeth creates a closer bond
- Closer bonds reduce the chances of the veneer getting displaced
- A securely bonded veneer increases the time frame for which it will last
Shaving is inevitable in individuals with no space between their teeth or have a crooked set of teeth with crossbites. Those leave no space to install the veneers unless a small layer of the teeth is ground down.
The Process Of Veneer Teeth Shaving
The medical term for teeth shaving is odontoplasty or enameloplasty. Although it might worry you a bit to imagine losing a part of your teeth, especially if you have no idea how much of it will be ground down, the process isn’t that extensive.
Teeth shaving is meant to create a suitable space and surface for the veneers to bond securely. It involves shaving a thin portion of enamel while retaining the natural structure and shape of the teeth. Even though the process is called teeth shaving, it doesn’t touch the teeth but the enamel and only a small layer of it, about 0.5mm. Unless you are someone with a serious structural issue or misaligned teeth, that’s all you are going to lose by shaving your teeth.
You might also like to read: How Long Does A Cavity Filling Take? A Comprehensive Guide For Patients!
Pros And Cons Of Veneer Teeth Shaving
Although you can get veneers without shaving your teeth, there are certain benefits to doing it as part of the procedure.
- Thin overlays with a seamless look
- Stable fix without the risk of getting displaced
- Better functionality and improved bite
- Increased longevity and durability
Teeth shaving also has its drawbacks. No matter how safe and unproblematic people claim it to be, removing a natural part of your teeth is certain to have some repercussions like,
- Irreversible damage to natural teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity especially once the veneers are removed
- Increased risk of tooth infections and tooth caries
- Potential nerve inflammation and discomfort
- Discoloration and increased risk of chipping and cracking
What Aftercare Is Needed For Veneers?
Teeth shaving and veneers require proper maintenance and aftercare to increase their longevity, functionality, and durability. Shaving makes your teeth sensitive to extreme temperatures and acidic food items. To avoid that, go with food items that are soft and mild, and don’t require the teeth to work too much. After getting veneers,
- Brush twice daily and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The toothpaste must be fluoride-based to reduce sensitivity and increase strength.
- Use mouthwash in between, especially after having something sweet.
- Floss after every meal, or at least once daily.
- Get regular checkups and get your teeth professionally cleaned, if advised.
- Do not bite on hard substances like cork, or use your teeth to open or break things
Is It Possible To Avoid Having Your Teeth Shaved?
It totally is. Since teeth shaving is meant to create space to fix the veneers, individuals with gaps in their teeth, short teeth, and small teeth often do not require to get their teeth shaved. It might also be possible to avoid shaving with bigger teeth if the veneers are made to be thinner. However, it is not recommended especially with the transparency and durability issues of such veneers.
The Bottom Line
So, in conclusion, teeth shaving is not necessary to get veneers. People who already have enough space between their teeth to accommodate the veneers do not need them at all. However, when people with bigger teeth and no space opt for veneers without grinding down their teeth, it will have an impact on the appearance and durability of the veneers. In such cases, the veneers might not give a seamless look and might appear protruded. Also, the thickness of such veneers which is often less than 0.5mm will affect the strength and the period for which it will last on the teeth.
There are two sides to getting your teeth shaved. Fixing veneers after shaving teeth will look close to natural and will be stable with increased longevity. They also have better functionality and a reduced risk of displacement. However, getting your teeth shaved might result in increased sensitivity, and without proper maintenance and aftercare, might lead to infections and tooth decay. So, getting veneers and shaving your teeth are decisions that should not be taken lightly. Being a permanent commitment, it needs to be decided after weighing the benefits and the pros and cons of the procedure in the long term.
FAQs
No, you cannot. Even though veneers are removable, teeth shaving is permanent, making it a lifetime commitment.
Tooth shaving often doesn’t even need an anesthetic since the chances of experiencing any pain during the procedure are almost nonexistent. The tools won’t touch the roots or tooth pulp but the outermost layer of the enamel.
No, you cannot. Teeth shaving is a procedure that requires the utmost precision and can only be done by a professional.
Teeth shaving is one of the initial procedures for getting veneers. The purpose of this process is to create a bonding surface and space for the veneers that will be cemented later.
Shaving increases the longevity of veneers. Shaved veneers will last for 4 to 24 years depending on how you maintain them.
The cost of teeth shaving depends on how many teeth need to be shaved and the place you opt for the procedure. In the US, it costs between $50 to $300 for a minor reshaping.
