Here you are going to find out why teeth are filed down for veneers. You should not feel scared due to any widespread misinformation about teeth filed for veneers. 

If you think you need veneers, you should know everything about them. Before you get started, you should know that a little bit of teeth shaving is necessary for getting veneers. This is worrisome for many people but it really is not as bad as it sounds. So if you want to know “Do they file your teeth for veneers?”, the answer is yes. 

Overview 

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that can transform your smile. Thin, shell-like coverings are placed over your teeth to cover up imperfections like stains, chips, and discoloration. If you take proper care of your veneers, your veneers may last up to 2 decades. 

Generally, veneers are created from porcelain or composite resin. These materials are most suitable for creating veneers. However, porcelain veneers are considered to be more durable, stain-resistant, and most natural-looking. They are often the first choice of dentists and patients. 

Veneers are always customized according to the shape of your teeth. This is why shaving down teeth for veneers is always necessary. Each veneer is shaped specifically to fit a single tooth and to last for a long time. 

Do They File Your Teeth For Veneers?

You should know that if you decide to get veneers some degree of filing is necessary to make sure that the veneer sits perfectly on your teeth and blends in with the surrounding teeth. If no filing is done, the veneer may look artificial or uneven. The front part of your tooth is filed very slightly to make sure that your dental veneer blends in perfectly with the surrounding teeth. 

You should know that only the front part is filed down for veneers. If you do not want to get your teeth filed down for veneers, you may consider other options. 

Always go to a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist who has access to the latest technology in cosmetic dentistry. A skilled dentist will shave down your teeth minimally (no more than 0.5 mm), however, it really depends on your case. Everything will be discussed during the early stages of the examination. 

Does It Hurt When You Get Your Teeth Filed Down For Veneers?

You will not feel much discomfort while getting your teeth filed down for veneers. Your dentist may even finish the whole teeth filing process without using anesthesia. Just a thin layer from the front of your teeth is removed. In some cases where the patient needs utmost comfort, local anesthetics or inhalation sedation may be used. If you are having any discomfort during the process, ask your dentist about it. 

There may be some mild soreness after the filing is done. This will usually resolve in a few days with OTC drugs like Tylenol. 

Are Teeth Filed For Veneers Necessary?

If you really want to get dental veneers but don’t want to have your teeth shaved down, you may consider other options. The best option is to get No-prep veneers. No prep veneers are fixed over natural teeth without the need for filing. 

The most well-known brand of no-prep veneers is “Lumineers”. They are very thin compared to regular porcelain veneers. They are not very noticeable since they are thin and delicate. Since no-prep veneers are very delicate and thin, they do not last as long as regular veneers. No prep veneers are not right for everyone since they require your mouth shape to be a certain type. You need to have extremely healthy teeth to be a good candidate for no-prep veneers. 

If you don’t want to get your teeth filed down for veneers, you can consider getting Lumineers. But make sure you find a very skilled dentist because it takes an experienced and trained cosmetic dentist to place these thin veneers perfectly. 

So shaving down teeth for veneers may not always be necessary. 

Are You The Right Candidate For Dental Veneers?

Before thinking about teeth filing for veneers, you should first find out whether you are the right candidate for veneers. 

• Do your teeth have imperfections that no other easy treatments can resolve? For example, whitening? 
• Are your teeth strong and structurally intact? If your teeth are not structurally strong or intact, you may want to consider dental crowns

If your answer to both of these questions was yes, you may be the right candidate for dental veneers. 

What Level Of Prepping Is Needed For Getting Veneers?

If your teeth are slightly crooked, then some shaving may be required to ensure that the veneers sit perfectly on the surface of your teeth. Some surface prepping will also be done to prepare your teeth for veneers. 

If you have extremely crooked or malaligned teeth, you may be advised to first get an alternative treatment like braces, Invisalign, or jaw surgery depending on your condition. If you still want veneers, your dentist will inform you of the techniques that may be used to prepare your teeth. These techniques may include teeth shaving. 

You should know that each tooth will require a different level of prepping. High-definition imaging technology is used to create perfect veneers that are customized for each patient. Cosmetic dentistry can transform your teeth and give you a radiant smile. 

Conclusion 

High-quality veneers can last for a long time if you take care of your teeth. You should always take the advice of a qualified and experienced dentist. You should always ask the dentist for before and after photos of their previous patients. This is an invasive procedure and is often irreversible. Well-placed veneers can totally transform the appearance of your smile and give you the radiating confidence that you always desired. 

You should contact us at Morgan Hill Dentistry if you want to get veneers that last for a long time. Our experienced orthodontists will ensure that your doubts are clarified. We always listen to our patients and suggest the best possible treatment.