Dental Veneers – Are They A Permanent Treatment or Not?

Your smile has some imperfections that, while not significant, are still a source of embarrassment for you. It could be that you have some tooth discoloration that has not been receptive to whitening treatments, or you have a tooth with a minor chip or crack. Whatever the case may be, porcelain veneers could be the answer. 

If you are in the Sandy, Utah area and are interested in learning more about veneers, Drs. Michelle and Glen Taylor at Taylor Dental Care would love to answer any questions you may have. If you are on the fence about veneers, you may wonder if they are a permanent solution or if they can be easily reversed at a future time. Read on so that you can make an informed decision about this cosmetic dental option.

Are Veneers Permanent, or Can They Be Removed?

To start, let’s answer this question. Veneers are a permanent cosmetic dental solution. They are crafted to remain in place for the rest of your life or be immediately replaced when broken. The lifespan of a veneer is typically between 10 and 20 years. If one of your veneers ever becomes loose or breaks, it will need to be replaced. As of now, this is not considered a reversible treatment. 

You may be reading this thinking, “But why?”. The reason veneers are not reversible is that the enamel of your teeth will need to be trimmed down before you can receive your veneer(s). Once your enamel is removed, it cannot be reversed. While the removed layer of enamel will be very thin, it will still need to be covered by a veneer to ensure that the tooth is adequately protected.

Once your tooth is prepared and the veneer cemented in place, it will completely cover the tooth’s surface. The bond holding the veneer in place will be quite tight, keeping the tooth strong and in good condition. 

In many cases, having a veneer applied to a tooth can even strengthen it. 

If your veneers are removed for any reason, the tooth that remains would be weaker due to the removal of enamel, increasing the risk of damage or decay. Because the health of your tooth is always your dentist’s top priority, veneers are considered a permanent dental treatment.

Be Ready To Commit or Consider Other Options

Veneers have proven to be an excellent method of restoring your smile, but because they are not reversible, you will want to ensure they are right for you before committing to the treatment. They require the proper care to get the best results. Make sure you follow a well-regimented oral hygiene routine and avoid damaging habits such as chewing on hard objects. 

If you are not a fan of such a permanent (non-reversible) treatment, there are alternatives you could consider when visiting your local dentist. Teeth whitening, for instance, is a great non-invasive choice for treating teeth that have become stained or yellowed. 

Dental bonding could be another great alternative if you are interested in concealing a misshapen tooth or a minor crack or chip. 

Explore Your Options at Taylor Dental Care

When you visit Taylor Dental Care, you will work with a team with your best interests at heart. If you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to a treatment such as dental veneers, our team will arm you with the knowledge necessary to make such an important decision. We will answer any questions about the procedure and guide you towards alternative treatment if veneers are not the best fit for you. To schedule an appointment at our Sandy, UT office, please call (801) 285-6607 today.