Veneers usually require enamel to be removed but in comparison with crowns the amount of enamel removed is much less. However, it can still be worrisome that removing enamel will impact the health of teeth, therefore when fitting veneers professional’s will take into account the patient's case to achieve the best results.

Veneers in numerous clinical cases are used for repairing small areas of damage to teeth. Veneers can also be used to cover stained teeth, chipped teeth and improve the shape of teeth. This is why veneers have proven popular amongst those who want to have the perfect smile.  

Why is enamel removed for veneers? 

This will be determined by the repair method, in most cases veneers are thin translucent shells of porcelain bonded to the front of the tooth to cover the imperfections and reshape the tooth. If the enamel is not removed the bond between the veneer and tooth is less effective also for the veneer to fit and create the same thickness as your natural tooth enamel will have to be trimmed if not your tooth will look unnatural and very thick.    

How much enamel will be trimmed?

Generally speaking only a very thin layer of enamel will be removed from the tooth but this will depend on how thickness of the veneer, patient’s teeth and the material of the veneers. For example there are ultra-thin veneers so the thinner the veneers the less enamel is trimmed.  

Of course it is only the tooth or teeth being fitted with veneers that require enamel trimming, therefore it is the patient's decision about how many veneers they want fitted. For example if it is only one tooth that is damaged then only one veneer is required, if it's the central incisors that need repairing then two veneers can be fitted. For those who want a bright white smile then veneers can be fitted on the teeth that are on show when they smile.

For that reason veneers only require the tooth or teeth that need repairing to be trimmed of enamel. The procedure will not harm the other teeth, it is best to follow the advice of a professional dentist.