How much shaving is required for porcelain veneer?

Question

I am planning for porcelain veneer. But I am worried about the health of the teeth because the average life of the veneer is approximately 10 yr according to my dentist. After that I visited a cosmetic dentist and I discussed my concern and he added that while re-veneering there is further shaving of the teeth required for new veneers. So guide me what to do, I am highly interested to get veneers done but the only concern is shaving the teeth every time would compromise the health of teeth.

Beau Keller, DDS · Answer

Your concern about how much tooth structure is removed for porcelain veneers is very valid. One of the most important decisions you can make if you choose veneers is finding a cosmetic dentist who emphasizes conservative, minimal-prep veneer preparation.
There is a tremendous amount of variation in how teeth are prepared for veneers. If you look at veneer preparations online, you may see everything from teeth that have had very little enamel removed to much more aggressive preparations. How much reduction is necessary depends partly on your existing tooth position, color, bite, and the changes you are trying to make, but it also depends greatly on the dentist’s philosophy, training, and experience.
In appropriately selected cases, no-prep veneers can sometimes be placed without removing any tooth structure at all. Not everyone is a good candidate for no-prep veneers because adding porcelain without creating enough space can make the teeth look bulky. However, many patients can be treated with minimal-prep veneers, where only a small amount of enamel is removed. Preserving enamel is particularly valuable because porcelain bonds extremely well to enamel.
Regarding the statement that veneers last approximately 10 years, I would consider 10 years an estimate rather than an expiration date. Well-designed and properly bonded porcelain veneers can often last considerably longer. Their longevity depends on many factors, including the porcelain used, the bonding system, how conservatively and smoothly the teeth are prepared, the accuracy and fit of the veneers, your bite, oral hygiene, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Materials such as e.max porcelain are commonly used because they can provide an excellent combination of strength and natural translucency.
Your dentist is also correct that replacing veneers in the future can require additional tooth reduction, which is one reason I think the initial preparation is so important. If very little tooth structure is removed the first time, there is generally more healthy enamel available if the veneers eventually need to be replaced.
There are also newer techniques for removing porcelain veneers more conservatively. Certain dental lasers can sometimes be used to weaken the bond between the veneer and the tooth, allowing the porcelain to be removed with less conventional drilling. This is generally referred to as laser veneer removal. It is not appropriate or equally effective in every situation, but it is another tool that may help preserve tooth structure during replacement.
If preserving your natural teeth is one of your biggest concerns, I would specifically look for a cosmetic dentist who routinely performs minimal-prep and no-prep veneers. Review their website and social media, look at a large number of their before-and-after cases, and ask directly how much enamel they anticipate removing in your particular case. I would also look for extensive patient reviews showing that their veneer patients have been happy with their results over time.
Veneers do not necessarily mean aggressively shaving down your teeth. With proper case selection and a conservative approach, porcelain veneers can often be done while preserving a very large percentage of your natural tooth structure.

Leslie A. Nason, DDS · Answer

Veneers can last longer than 10 years. It is also how well they are done and how well you keep them clean. Keeping up with your routine dental cleanings is important. Wearing a guard to help protect them at night is an option as well. We would be happy to show you some videos on how the process works and discuss it further.

How much shaving is required for porcelain veneer?

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Hate my top 4 veneers. Feel like they are very noticeable and unnatural looking. What can be done to fix them? (Photos)

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