Are you curious about the longevity of veneers? This article will delve into whether they are permanent or removable.

What are veneers? 

Veneers are ultra-thin shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance. The most common veneers are made of porcelain or zirconium, serving a vast number of cosmetic purposes from:

• Most typical uses: To hide any staining or discoloration that does not respond to whitening treatments provided for other teeth surfaces.

• Chips or cracks : Veneers may be used to restore teeth from chipping or cracking, returning their shape and function.

• Gaps or spaces between teeth: Veneers may be used to close gaps or spaces that the patient may have between the teeth, making the smile more attractive.

• Misshapen teeth: Veneers can reshape irregularly shaped or uneven teeth.

• Size and Shape: Veneers can be the manipulation used to change the sizes or shapes of teeth, balancing and harmonizing the smile.

Are veneers permanent? 

Veneers are irreversible. Once they are affixed to your teeth with bonding, they cannot be removed without causing damage that involves the tooth structure beneath it.

Why Veneers Are Irreversible:

• Bonding Process: Dental cement is the bonding that coats veneers on teeth; it is meant to be robust and durable after proper setting. It is hard to take off at any point after setting without destroying either the veneer or the tooth structure underneath it.

• Tooth Preparation: This process involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. As enamel is not replaced, veneers become permanent fixtures in your smile.

• Structural Changes: The veneers can change the shape, size, and appearance of teeth. When the veneers are removed, the teeth may not look the same as they did before.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers can last several years as long as they are well cared for. Several factors determine the lifespan of veneers. For instance:

• Material quality: Generally, superior materials like porcelain or zirconia make better quality veneers than inferior materials.

• Oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene measures are effective in maintaining good oral health, brushing twice daily and flossing as well as using a mouthwash can help prevent gum diseases and cavities that affect the longevity of veneers.

• Bite force: High biting forces or parafunctional habits such as bruxism greatly increase the amount of stress placed on your veneers and their life expectancy.

• Diet: Hard or sticky foods should be avoided to prevent any damage to the veneers. 

• Maintenance: Regular dental appointments as well as professional cleaning will help discover and treat any developing problems with the veneers before they worsen.

If correctly looked after, they can survive from 10 to 15 years and even longer.

What happens to the teeth under veneers?

Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure involves bonding a thin, custom-made shell to the front surface of a tooth. A small amount of enamel is first removed from the tooth's surface so that there is space for the veneer. This preparation makes sure that the veneer sticks on well and looks natural when placed over there.

When the veneer is bonded in place, it does not directly affect the tooth underneath regarding such problems as bad smells or the rotting of natural teeth. The veneer essentially provides a protective cover, protecting the tooth against damage and staining.

But it should be noted that the tooth that veneer covers still needs to be healthy. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene , and proper maintenance of the veneer are necessary to avoid any problems in the future.

As far as the enamel is concerned, once it is removed, veneers can actually keep those underlying teeth protected from getting damaged further. Any kind of chipping, cracking, or staining is sealed away, no chance for them to extend any further.

Can you go back to your normal teeth after veneers?

No, veneers cannot be considered a reversible procedure. In the event they are bonded to the teeth, they can no longer be reversed without professional intervention.

The act of applying veneers involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel from the front surfaces of your teeth. This cannot be restored. Hence, the veneers will already be a part of your smile permanently.

Though veneers can be removed by a dentist, it is much more complex as it may affect the underling teeth. Therefore, it is generally not advisable to do so unless there are compelling reasons.

If you are thinking of veneers, think about the pros and cons. Talk to your dentist about it. He can help you to make the right decision for yourself. He can also clear any doubts that you may have.

At Autora Clinic in Istanbul, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge , so we prioritize education to help you make informed decisions and achieve your dream smile. Don't hesitate to contact us now for a free consultation.