Do Veneers Ruin Your Natural Teeth?

A common misconception on social media is that getting veneers means filing your natural teeth down to tiny 'pegs' or 'shark teeth.' This drastic image scares many people away from the procedure. But is it true?

In the hands of a skilled cosmetic dentist, the answer is a definitive **no**.

Traditional veneers do require *some* preparation. To ensure the veneer doesn't look bulky, a very thin layer of enamel (about 0.5mm, roughly the thickness of a contact lens) must be removed from the front surface.

This is minimal. The aggressive 'shark tooth' filing you see online is typically for dental *crowns*, not veneers. Crowns cover the whole tooth; veneers only cover the front.

Removing enamel is irreversible, meaning once you get veneers, you will always need them (or crowns) to protect the tooth. However, the tooth structure underneath remains healthy, strong, and alive. The veneer actually acts as a shield, protecting the front of the tooth from decay and wear.

For some patients, 'no-prep' veneers (like Lumineers) are an option. These are ultra-thin and bond directly over your natural teeth without any drilling. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate.