What Happens to Teeth Under Veneers? A Dentist’s Guide to Veneers San Francisco and Tooth Health

Veneers cover the front of your teeth, but your natural teeth remain underneath, shaped, preserved, and protected. The process involves removing a thin layer of enamel to ensure a snug, natural fit. The teeth under veneers are not removed, but they are slightly altered to accommodate the porcelain veneer or composite veneer.

At Me Dental, we provide some of the best veneers San Francisco, designed to maintain the integrity of your tooth structure while delivering a radiant, confident smile makeover. Whether you're curious about tooth preparation, longevity, or overall dental care, we’ll break down exactly what happens to your natural teeth when you opt for veneers.

Understanding the Veneer Process

A veneer is a wafer-thin shell that bonds to the surface of your teeth to correct cosmetic flaws. Commonly made from porcelain or composite materials, veneers are customized to match your surrounding natural teeth. They're especially popular for patients dealing with discoloration, damaged teeth, dental imperfections, or misaligned teeth.

At our dental office in the Bay Area, the typical veneers San Francisco process includes:

  • Consultation with a cosmetic dentist to assess your smile goals
  • Evaluation of dental conditions and any necessary dental treatment
  • Light reshaping of the natural tooth enamel
  • Impressions to create your custom veneers
  • Application of temporary veneers if needed
  • Final bonding of your porcelain dental veneers

The goal is to ensure your veneers look seamless while preserving as much of your original tooth as possible.

Do Teeth Get Shaved Down?

No, your teeth aren’t completely shaved down, they're just slightly shaped. The process is called tooth preparation, and it involves removing about 0.3 to 0.5mm of enamel from the surface of your teeth.

This allows the porcelain veneer or composite veneer to sit flush without appearing bulky. While it’s irreversible, this step ensures a natural, comfortable fit.

Some patients may qualify for prepless veneers or prepless porcelain veneers, which require little to no enamel removal. These options are available at Me Dental, depending on your unique dental conditions and goals.

Are the Natural Teeth Still There?

Yes, your natural teeth are still there, just altered slightly. The tooth structure remains strong and functional under the veneer. We never remove the entire tooth unless there’s a major issue, like infection or structural damage, in which case a dental implant or dental crown may be recommended instead.

Veneers are thin, protective, and durable. With proper care, the dental materials used will support the integrity of your natural tooth for many years.

Can You Get Cavities Under Veneers?

Yes, it's possible, but only if the veneers are not properly bonded or cared for. Porcelain restorations like veneers are strong and stain-resistant, but the existing teeth underneath can still decay, especially at the gumline.

To prevent this:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss around your veneers and natural teeth
  • Visit a dentist in San Francisco regularly
  • Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams

At Me Dental, we focus on long-term dental care and follow-up to ensure your veneers in San Francisco last as long as possible without underlying dental issues.

Do Veneers Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Some sensitivity is normal after placing veneers, especially to hot or cold temperatures. This happens due to the removal of some natural tooth enamel during tooth preparation.

Usually, this sensitivity fades within a few days or weeks. If it persists, we’ll evaluate whether your bite needs adjusting or if your temporary veneer or final porcelain veneer is causing undue pressure.

What Happens if a Veneer Falls Off?

If a veneer comes off, the tooth underneath may feel sensitive and look slightly different in color or shape. It’s important to have it replaced promptly to avoid dental problems such as:

  • Exposure to food and bacteria
  • Chipped or damaged teeth
  • Pain when chewing or drinking

At Me Dental, we provide fast repairs and even offer questions about porcelain veneers support to guide patients through issues like detachment or replacement. We’re also proud to offer same-day consultations for dental restoration emergencies.

Can I Still Whiten My Teeth?

You can whiten natural teeth, but not the porcelain veneer itself. Porcelain veneers are color-stable. That means they resist stains, but they also won’t respond to teeth whitening.

If you plan to whiten your existing teeth, it’s best to do so before your veneer placement. That way, your custom veneers can be shaded to match the brighter tone.

Will I Need to Replace My Veneers?

Yes, veneers are not permanent. On average, porcelain dental veneers last 10–15 years, depending on the material and proper care.

Signs you may need new veneers include:

  • Chips or cracks
  • Gum recession
  • Stains along the edges
  • Changes in bite or alignment
  • Wear on the thin shells

During your regular dental visits at Me Dental, we’ll monitor the integrity of your porcelain veneers in San Francisco and advise on when it’s time for a replacement.

Do Veneers Protect or Harm the Tooth?

Veneers protect teeth, especially when placed by a leading cosmetic dentist San Francisco patients trust. They act as a strong outer layer, shielding natural teeth from further damage or dental imperfections.

However, poor technique or inferior materials can lead to problems. That’s why we recommend choosing an aacd-accredited dentist or a top cosmetic dentist like our team at Me Dental.

We use only best porcelain veneers in San Francisco, applying the highest standards in restorative and cosmetic care.

Are Veneers Right for Everyone?

Veneers are the right solution for many patients, but not all. Good candidates include those with:

  • Cosmetic concerns like discoloration, chips, or gaps
  • Dental imperfections from wear or trauma
  • Healthy gums and tooth structure
  • No active decay or severe dental issues

If you’re unsure, a consultation at Me Dental will help you explore the types of dental veneers best suited for your needs, whether traditional veneers, prepless veneers, or natural porcelain veneers.

Why Choose Me Dental for Veneers San Francisco?

At Me Dental, we’re proud to be a trusted provider of veneers in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our reputation as a cosmetic dentist in San Francisco is built on excellence, artistry, and precision.

Why patients love our cosmetic treatment approach:

  • Custom veneers for every smile
  • Options for prepless, composite, or porcelain restorations
  • Conservative approach to tooth preparation
  • Use of modern dentistry tools and techniques
  • Expertise from a cosmetic dental team committed to results

We are also affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), showcasing our dedication to industry-leading standards.

Ready for Your New Smile?

Discover why we’re the best cosmetic dentist choice for veneers San Francisco residents trust. Whether you’re correcting discoloration, dental imperfections, or aiming for a total smile makeover, we’re here to help.

Learn more about our veneer services. Call us or book an appointment online.

Get your perfect smile with the best veneers in the Bay Area. Schedule your consultation with Me Dental today.