I have dental anxiety and am concerned about the pain of preparing my teeth. Do no-prep veneers work only for people with small teeth? If I can find a way to get veneers without the pain of tooth preparation, I would be relieved. – Thank you. Jada from Nashville

 

Jada,

We will begin by answering a question that many people have about porcelain veneers. This can give you a positive view of the process even if your teeth require preparation for healthy, natural-looking results.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Quality, correctly placed porcelain veneers do not hurt. However, it takes the skill of an advanced cosmetic dentist to ensure you are comfortable before you begin treatment. A local anesthetic will give you a painless experience. Then, the dentist will prepare your teeth conservatively—removing only a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel—and avoid any layers beneath the enamel that may provoke sensitivity.

Are No-Prep Veneers Only for Small Teeth?

No-prep veneers are not only for small teeth. Still, not every porcelain veneer case is eligible for no preparation. A cosmetic dentist customizes your treatment plan based on your goals for your smile. Sometimes, achieving natural-looking results and veneers that fit well from the biting edge to the gumline requires preparation. Factors that determine whether your teeth require preparation for porcelain veneers include:

• Your smile goals
• Whether teeth overlap
• Teeth position
• Size
• Shape
• Teeth alignment

Although some brands of porcelain veneers are advertised as requiring no preparation, skilled cosmetic dentists work to provide highly aesthetic results. For example, if a tooth is crooked, a portion of it may stick out. A cosmetic dentist will trim it to harmonize with the position of other teeth. At the end of treatment, people will notice your beautiful, natural-looking smile and not know you have porcelain veneers.

Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you have dental anxiety and are interested in porcelain veneers. In addition to explaining your options for veneers, the dentist will listen to understand your anxiety triggers. The dental team will try to avoid your anxiety triggers and enjoy the experience of getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.