Can veneers be removed? Permanent or reversible?

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Not an easy question to answer because the answer to “can veneers be removed?” is both yes and no. It sounds confusing, but if you stay with us we will explain how this is possible. You know veneers are a permanent dental procedure, whereas just like a tattoo that is known to be permanent, some people still decide to remove their tattoos. Okay, enough with the comparison, let’s see how dental veneers can be removed. 

Permanent or reversible? Can veneers be removed?

Technically speaking yes, veneers can be removed. However, they need to be replaced with another kind of dental facet. You can not be without dental facets once you get them due to tooth enamel reduction, even if it is a light layer of enamel removed during your teeth prep stage.

How are veneers removed?

The removal of veneers is a process that it has to be done by your dentist. In the same way that you can not self-prep veneers.

So, how will your professional dentist remove your permanent veneers? Because of the bonding agent that is used to fix your veneers in place and make them stay on your teeth, your dentist will need special dental tools to be able to remove them. There are two ways to remove your veneers whether using a high-speed diamond bur or dental laser. When the veneer is removed the tooth surface can be prepared so your dentist can apply the bonding material and attach the new veneer to replace the previous one. 

Can any type of veneer be removed?

Yes, but the problem is not the removing part. The problem is whether or not you need veneer replacements.

With ceramic veneers and porcelain veneers, you will need to replace them so your natural teeth will not be compromised due to the enamel reduction. But if you had non-prep veneers which do not require much enamel removal from your teeth, after removing the non-prep veneers you can just go back to your real teeth.

Potential risks and complications of veneer removal

There could be a few potential risks or complications that lurk around the veneer removal procedure. 

  • Your teeth might get damaged
  • Your gum tissue might hurt and bleed
  • You will be left with a big dent in your bank account

The first two risks are rare to happen especially if your cosmetic dentist is experienced enough in esthetic veneers. So, our advice to you is to avoid any inexperienced dentists to have a safe procedure.

The last one unfortunately is inevitable. Since you have to go through the veneer replacement procedure, and we know the cost of veneers is a big investment, hence replacing them will cost you a pretty penny as well. Yeah, we know it doesn’t sound that pretty.

Reasons for veneer removal

Even though the whole veneer appointment process should get you to the point of no return that might not be the case sometimes. The longevity of veneers is a good 10 to 20 years. But anytime before that time in these cases, you would need to go to your expert dentist so they can remove and replace them.

You should go for an emergency dental checkup if you have:

  • Broken veneers
  • Chipped or cracked veneers
  • Loose or poor-fitting veneers
  • Underlying tooth decay
  • Mismatch veneer color

Veneers are durable dental facets and it is highly unlikely for them to break. The same thing goes for the chipping of veneers as well. Nonetheless, if your veneers break, crack, or chip anytime after they are applied to your teeth, you need to make an emergency dental appointment and go to your dentist immediately. If your dentist is not available you can go to an emergency dentist. The dentist will first remove the defective veneer and replace it with a temporary veneer. After your actual veneer is prepared it will replace the temporary veneer.

Whether you get porcelain veneers or composite veneers if they are not properly fitted, they will cause you problems sooner or later. Problems such as inflamed and bleeding gums, and providing environments for decay bacteria to ruin your real teeth.

Other than the fit, if the bonding surface is not properly prepared and disinfected, it could lead to tooth decay, and in that case, your veneers have to be removed to fix your actual teeth and then replace the initial veneers.

Lastly, if the color of your current veneers does not match your teeth, it might make them unappealing instead of a set of attractive veneers. Veneers do not and are not supposed to change color. If your veneer stains or discolor you should get them replaced.

To wrap this part up, you can remove veneers in case of chipping, or breaking, or because they are old. You will not be able to remove veneers permanently. So, you always need to replace them.

Alternatives to veneer removal

As you have read throughout this article so far, after removing your veneers your tooth structure will be more vulnerable to the environment. Therefore you have to either get a dental veneer replacement or you can go with one of these alternatives.

  • Dental bonding
  • Crown
  • Bioclear
  • Whitening 

With dental bonding, your dentist uses a composite resin to reshape any chipped teeth you might have and you will end up with a beautiful smile. Also compared to traditional veneers is pretty quick.

With dental crowns, it takes longer and requires at least 2 appointments to get them. They can also last up to 30 years.

Bioclear is a more advanced technology used to take care of misshapen teeth. More of your natural tooth is preserved and lasts way longer than veneers but also dental bonding as well. 

Teeth whitening can give you an improved smile without damaging your teeth or needing to shave any of the enamel off. With this procedure, you can get rid of discolored teeth.

If you are not sure about these options
Careful consultation with your dentist can set you on the right path that best helps your smile makeover.

Getting veneers for the first time vs removing them: What’s the difference?

The difference between your initial veneer procedure and removing them is just the process of loosening the bonding cement and removing the traditional veneers from your teeth and then prepping your teeth for the new set of veneers you are getting. 

The rest of both procedures would basically be the same. Your dentist makes tooth impressions of your prepped teeth and sends them to the lab. Until your veneers are ready you will be set with temporary veneers. 

Don’t leave with questions in your mind!

Veneers are a big investment when it comes to oral health. So do not take it slightly consider every possible option before getting them and do not go for an ultra-thin veneer just so you might want to remove it someday. Take your initial consultation with an experienced dentist in cosmetic dentistry.

And for that, we recommend contacting us! Here at Dentfix, our medical consultants can arrange your initial consultation in no time and you will end up with the dazzling smile that you deserve!

References:

-Scott, Nina et al. “Presentation and subsequent care of dental injuries sustained by New Zealand adults.” Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, 10.1111/cdoe.12799. 26 Oct. 2022, doi:10.1111/cdoe.12799 Link

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