Are Veneers Permanent? What You Need To Know About Reversing Veneers

If you’re thinking about getting veneers from Dr. Mohammad Bawany at Tampa Smile Co., you may have questions about this common cosmetic dentistry procedure. For example, are veneers permanent? Will you need to keep them forever, or can you have them removed if you change your mind? Read on to learn a bit more about porcelain veneers and get all of the answers you need.

Veneers Are Permanent And Are Not Reversible

Dental veneers are considered to be a permanent dental treatment, and they cannot be reversed. Why? Because during the veneer preparation process, a thin layer of enamel (the outer layer of your tooth) must be removed by a dentist near you.

This layer of tooth material is removed so that your veneers will not add any bulk to your teeth, and will not affect the shape or structure of your bite. Removing some enamel also exposes fresh tooth material, which helps veneers bond more tightly to your teeth and strengthens them.

And once your veneers have been placed, your teeth will be just as strong as they were before you got veneers. However, it’s not possible to reverse the enamel removal process. If your veneers were ever removed, the underlying tooth structure would be weaker, more sensitive, and more prone to tooth decay.

Your Veneers Will Last 10 Years Or Longer, But Will Eventually Require Replacement

So, veneers can’t be reversed, and are considered to be a permanent treatment. But do they last forever? Unfortunately, the answer to this is “no.” Like any other type of dental work, veneers eventually may wear out and require replacement. Most people can keep their veneers for between 10 and 20 years.

But at some point, it may be necessary to replace one or more of your veneers as they wear down. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to come to Tampa Smile Co. every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. During your appointment, Dr. Bawany can check on your veneers, make sure they're in great shape, and schedule any necessary replacements if one of your veneers is worn out.

Are There Any Reversible Alternatives To Traditional Veneers?

Yes! While veneers are a very popular procedure, we do understand that some patients may not want to permanently alter their smile. If this is the case for you, dental bonding may be a good alternative to veneers. Dental bonding does not usually last as long, but can deliver similar results, and does not involve removing any tooth material.

Dental bonding uses a composite resin that’s very similar to the material used for tooth-colored fillings. After preparing your tooth, Dr. Bawany will apply this material directly to your tooth. Then, he will shape and sculpt it to restore the shape and appearance of your tooth.

For some patients, another option may be Lumineers. Lumineers are the same as traditional veneers, but they use a special porcelain material that’s much thinner. This means that they can usually be placed with minimal enamel removal. And, in some cases, Lumineers won’t require any enamel removal at all. 

Interested In Veneers In Tampa? Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation Today!

If you’re not sure whether or not veneers in Tampa are right for you, Dr. Bawany can help. As an expert South Tampa cosmetic dentist, he can discuss the pros and cons of traditional veneers with you, and go over your other options for enhancing your smile, like dental bonding and Lumineers.

We’re always accepting new patients in Tampa, and a better smile is just a click or a call away. Contact us online or give Tampa Smile Co. a call right away at (801) 837-2380 to schedule your cosmetic consultation now.