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. Janai from Memphis, TN

Janai,

We will begin by answering a question that many people have about porcelain veneers because it can give you a positive view of the process even if your teeth require preparation.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Well-prepared and placed porcelain veneers do not hurt. Still, 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 the layers beneath the enamel that may provoke sensitivity.

Are No-Prep Veneers Only for Small Teeth?

No-prep veneers are not for small teeth only. Still, not every case is eligible for no-prep veneers. 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, even if it requires preparing your teeth. 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 they will not know that you have porcelain veneers.

Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

If you have dental anxiety and are interested in porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. 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.

San Antonio, Texas, prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.