Porcelain veneers sit on the surface of your teeth but what happens to the tooth underneath is a question most patients don’t think to ask until after the procedure. Here is what your dentist should tell you before you commit.
How are teeth prepared for veneers?
Before a porcelain veneer can be placed, your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel, between 0.3 – 0.5 mm, from the front surface of the tooth. This creates space for the veneer to sit flush with the surrounding teeth and look natural.
This step is permanent. Enamel does not grow back, which means a prepared tooth will always need to be covered with a veneer or another restoration going forward.
The preparation is done under local anaesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is.
The Tooth Underneath Is Still Alive
One of the most persistent myths about veneers is that they damage or effectively kill the tooth underneath.
The truth is that the tooth beneath a veneer remains fully vital. The nerve, blood supply, and root structure are all intact and functioning normally.
Sensitivity After Veneer Placement
Most patients notice some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days immediately following placement. This happens because enamel removal exposes the underlying dentine layer, which responds more readily to temperature and pressure than enamel does.
The sensitivity will settle down within 1-2 weeks of the procedure. If it persists beyond that window, call your dentist promptly.
Can Teeth Decay Under Veneers?
Yes, that’s very possible. A veneer covers the front surface of a tooth, but the margins at the gum line and the sides of the tooth remain exposed. Plaque and bacteria accumulate in these areas exactly as they would on any natural tooth surface.
Before getting veneers, ask your Toronto dentist about the oral hygiene routine required and check whether you can maintain the protocol.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years with proper care. When the time comes for replacement, the process follows a similar path to the original placement. The old veneer is carefully removed, the tooth surface is assessed, and a new veneer is fabricated and bonded in its place.
Because enamel was removed during the initial preparation, the tooth cannot simply be left uncovered. It will always need a veneer or an equivalent restoration.
A good cosmetic dentist in Toronto will explain this to you at your consultation so the decision to proceed is fully informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do teeth continue to age normally under veneers?
Yes. The tooth structure beneath a veneer continues to age as it would without one. The veneer itself does not age in the same way natural enamel does, which is why colour matching at the time of placement matters. Teeth that are not covered by veneers may shift in shade over time while the veneer stays the same.
Can a veneer fall off and leave the tooth exposed?
When fitted by a good cosmetic dentist, it’s very rare as veneers are bonded using a strong dental adhesive. However, biting into very hard foods, grinding, or trauma can dislodge them. If a veneer comes off, contact your dentist promptly.
How do I know if something is wrong with my tooth under a veneer?
Sensitivity that develops or returns after the initial settling period, a change in how your bite feels, visible darkening at the gum line, or any discomfort when chewing are all signs that something’s wrong with the teeth underneath.
