Dental veneers have helped many people regain their confidence by fixing their smiles for the longest time. This is because they cover chipped, crooked, unevenly-surfaced, and discolored teeth, just to mention a few. But what happens to teeth after veneers are removed? And why would you need to remove them?
Although veneers are usually designed to last long, they may eventually wear out or get discolored, and you may need to get another set. This article highlights how veneers are removed, why they are removed, and other questions, so keep reading!
Are Dental Veneers Permanent?
The simple answer is no. All dental veneers are not permanent because you will need to replace them. If you maintain them correctly, most veneers are designed to serve you for 10 to 20 years. When the veneer gets damaged due to wear and tear or accidentally, you might need a replacement.
However, the procedure you undergo to get a veneer is considered to be permanent. Why? Because it involves stripping part of the enamel to leave some room for placing the veneer.
Since the enamel doesn’t grow back and it is the protective cover of the tooth, you will always need to cover the tooth using a veneer.
How Are Veneers Removed?
Removing veneers is a complex procedure that only qualified dentists can perform to prevent damage to your enamel. Usually, a dental tool is used to get rid of the worn-out veneers, after which a replica is made for replacement. Can you get veneers removed? Yes, it usually entails the procedure below:
- Your teeth will first be numbed by administering a local anesthetic. This is done using an injection. If your teeth are not too sensitive, the procedure can continue without this step.
- Veneers are extracted from the teeth using a low-frequency laser which debonds the veneer from the enamel surface by deactivating the cementitious material used to attach it.
- The surface of the exposed enamel is treated to ensure that any decay or remaining cementitious material is removed.
- Impressions of the veneers to be removed are collected and taken to a laboratory to help design the new veneers.
- You will receive temporary veneers that will be cemented to your teeth to help you maintain your appearance.
- Finally, once the permanent veneers are ready, the temporary veneers will be detached and replaced using the same procedure.
Can You Remove Porcelain Veneers?
Removing porcelain veneers to revert to your more natural look is impossible. This is because a thin layer of the enamel is usually removed prior to putting the veneers on the teeth.
What do teeth look like after veneers are removed?
They look unnatural and exposed. You will have to replace the porcelain veneers for them to look good and be protected. That is why porcelain veneers are sometimes referred to as permanent veneers.
Removing porcelain veneers will also set you back a few thousand bucks. Therefore, you must weigh all your options before settling for a porcelain veneer. Check out veneers whole mouth cost to know the exact pricing of porcelain veneers.
How to Know When to Replace Dental Veneers
Can veneers be removed and replaced? Yes. But how will you know when it is the right time to replace them? Dental veneers can go up to 20 years without getting damaged. It all depends on how you look after them.
However, no matter how good you care for them, they will eventually deteriorate. Here are some signs that your veneers need to be replaced:
Chipping or Cracking
The most obvious sign is the chipping or cracking of the veneer. This is brought about by years of chewing hard food. For example, when you bite meat. Over time, the veneers could get damaged and ruin their appearance or functionality.
Stained Veneers
Consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks regularly will eventually lead to the discoloration of your veneers. This becomes even worse when you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene.
If you’ve tried cleaning your tooth, but they remain stained, then it is time to schedule your appointment.
Decay Under The Tooth
Veneers are usually tightly cemented to the enamel of the natural teeth to get rid of spaces that can breed bacteria. However, as the veneer ages, it may detach from the tooth forming perfect environments for decay bacteria. So if you notice any rot, visit your nearest dentist.
Pulling Back of the Gums
If you notice this sign, then your veneers are in dire need of replacement. Gums usually pull back if you have gum disease or don’t observe proper oral hygiene. Get your veneers checked out, or you risk them dropping off one by one.
Are Dental Veneers Reversible?
Some dental veneers are reversible, while some are not. It all depends on whether the preparation for the veneer-placing procedure involves removing some parts of the enamel from the tooth or not. Veneers that allow you to revert to your natural teeth anytime are known as reversible. There are two main reversible veneers: snap on veneers and no-prep veneers. So, if traditional veneers don’t seem a good option for you, you can always check out snap on veneers review to expand your choices.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The different types of veneers mentioned above have lifespans ranging from 5 to 20 years. Porcelain veneers are permanent and thus last the longest. Some studies even suggest that you can stay for 20 years without needing a replacement after carrying out a porcelain veneer procedure.
Composite veneers take approximately 5 years before they start wearing out, while no-prep veneers can last 10 years. But the question is, can veneers be removed even after all those years? Well, if you are tired of them, you can still have them changed.
FAQ
Sources
- A Novel Approach to Veneer Removal: A Clinical Case Report Using Er,Cr:YSGG Laser (2018). Retrieved 7 June 2022, from https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/a-novel-approach-to-veneer-removal-a-clinical-case-report-using-ercrysgg-laser/
- The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type. (2018). Retrieved 7 June 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
