Can You Have Veneers Without Shaving Teeth?
With many different options available for those wanting to improve the overall look of their teeth, not everyone wants extensive work to achieve the smile they want. Understandably, procedures that involve filing down, shaving, or even the removal of teeth may put some people off improving their smiles, so what minimally invasive options are there? Here, we take a look at whether you can have veneers without shaving teeth first, what alternatives there are, and who is suitable for them?
Why Do Teeth Need Shaving?
Firstly, it’s worth understanding exactly why teeth have to be shaved before having dental veneers fitted. The main reason for this is to ensure that the new veneers can fit in place exactly and line up with your existing teeth. As veneers have to be fitted over your existing teeth, space has to be made to enable them to fit and fill in any gaps in between. The only way this can be effectively done without fully removing your teeth is to shave them.
This procedure is not as daunting as it sounds and usually the amount being shaved is minimal, usually enough to accommodate the veneer thickness which can vary between 0.2mm and 0.5mm. Traditional porcelain veneers are some of the thickest when compared to Lumineers which are much thinner. Generally, the thicker the veneer, the more of your teeth needs to be shaved to enable a perfect fit.
The shaving of your existing teeth isn’t a painful experience if this has to be done. A local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the gum and surrounding area. This means minimal discomfort when having porcelain veneers fitted.
Ultra-Thin Veneers
As shaving down teeth isn’t for everyone, modern cosmetic dentistry has created thin alternatives that can improve your smile with minimal interference with your existing teeth. Whilst not suitable for everyone, they are another option to consider and be assessed for. Just like with regular porcelain veneers, patients need to have their original teeth intact as they can’t replace any missing teeth (dental implants will be required instead). Here are some of the benefits of ultra-thin veneers:
Quicker procedure – the overall process is much faster and as no prepping of the teeth is needed first, the dentist can get straight into fitting the veneers.
No shaving required – as they are ultra-thin, this means your existing teeth do not need to be shaved to accommodate them whilst still fitting exactly to fill in any gaps.
No anaesthetic – usually a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area to minimise discomfort when shaving down the teeth. As there is no shaving required, this isn’t a necessary step.
Long-lasting results – although thinner, these veneers are still very strong and durable and will provide many years of great results.
If you have an assessment for veneers, you may find your teeth aren’t suitable for every option. If you have extensively damaged teeth, you may need other options to be completed first such as orthodontic treatment to correct any alignment issues, for example. Also, if you have heavily stained teeth, many of the ultra-thin veneer options may only hide some discolouration. For example, Lumineers are translucent, so they are only suitable if your teeth are naturally white or have little staining to get the best results.
Choosing the Best Option for You
As with any form of cosmetic dentistry, choosing the right solution for your teeth is always best. If the condition of your teeth means extensive shaving to fit veneers is required, you may want to consider your options. The costs involved should also be considered, as you may find veneers without shaving teeth may cost more at some clinics but will vary at others. This is because although there is less work involved in the procedure, the materials used can be more expensive when compared with composite veneers.
Here at Vera Clinic, if porcelain veneers aren’t the right choice for you, we can also offer Lumineers if they are suitable. As these are much thinner than porcelain veneers, you will experience a much quicker turnaround time for the procedure and be able to keep your natural teeth as they are underneath. You can correct minor issues such as cracks or chips with these as well as minor discolouration.
As a leading clinic in Turkey, we can provide expert treatment that costs much less than having the same procedure in the US or UK, providing the same impressive results you are looking for. To discuss your suitability for ultra-thin Lumineers or other cosmetic procedures we provide, please contact us to book a consultation today.