Do my teeth need to be shaved in order to get veneers?

There seems to have always been a stigma against the process of getting porcelain veneers. One of the most common questions patients tend to ask is: Will my shaved veneer teeth look like tiny tic tacs? Well thanks to modern advances in technology, this is not necessarily the case. In this article, we’ll delve into whether teeth need to be shaved to prepare for veneers, and what veneer prep may look like.

First, let’s answer the question of ‘do teeth need to be shaved down for veneers?’. The answer is that it depends. However, if you do need to have teeth filed for veneers, it’s probably not going to be to the same extent that you might see in those online videos.

Let's discuss why veneer tooth shaving is needed in the first place. There are several reasons that teeth may need to be shaved down.

1. To make space: The number one reason is to make space for the veneer. The minimal thickness of a porcelain veneer is realistically 0.5mm. (1) While thinner veneers can be made, their translucency becomes a factor.
2. Desired aesthetics: We find that to achieve a natural look involves hand-layering porcelain which varies its thickness, just like natural teeth. In addition, to achieve incisal translucency (those translucent wisps at the bottom edge) which mimics natural teeth, a strategic incisal reduction is required. (2)
3. Placement: Finally, teeth shaving may be needed to make space for precise placement. (1) We've all seen veneers that are just a little too bulky, touching each other at the wrong place, with an unnatural gum line. The placement of veneers is crucial and incredibly precise. Sometimes, space needs to be made to achieve a precise result.

When it comes to veneers, teeth shaving depends on your individual smile and aesthetic goals. People often believe that in order to get the porcelain added their teeth will need to be trimmed back into fangs, which may not be true. We’ve put together a little guide on what the contributing factors are to how much teeth needs to be shaved:

Straight teeth / Small gappy teeth / Teeth that sit back

Patients with straight or small gappy teeth or teeth that sit back, often don’t need to have any shaving done and the veneers will sit successfully onto your existing teeth. The surface of your tooth, however, will be prepped in order to allow the veneers to grip securely on.

Sandor, for example, did not need teeth filing for his Picasso Porcelain Veneers®. Ten veneers were placed in total to achieve his smile makeover.

His teeth were already relatively straight, and where there was variation, the teeth were sitting back. This allowed veneers to be placed with minimal prep.

Slightly crooked teeth

If your teeth are slightly crooked then there is a chance you will need minimal shaving for the veneers to sit flush and straight on your smile line. The surface of your tooth will also be prepped in order to allow the veneers to grip securely on.

Big Teeth / Crooked teeth / Teeth that sit forward

If you have bigger teeth and want the size of your teeth reduced, it goes without saying that your teeth will be prepped more than others.

If you have crooked teeth or teeth that sit forward, we would always offer an alternative option before considering veneers. These options (such as braces, Invisalign or even jaw surgery) will be presented to you first as the recommended solution for your smile. If you’re still adamant that you want veneers because you don’t like the shape or colour of your teeth (which, unfortunately, braces cannot fix), then we can further explore that route. The dentist will ensure that you are made fully aware that if you have crooked or protruding teeth, your teeth will require some shaving.

Even when this is the case, the amount of prep is different for each tooth, depending on its initial shape and position and the desired shape and position. Below, we have a patient who had already undergone Invisalign to straighten her teeth, then electing for 4 porcelain veneers to reach her desired smile line. In the middle row, the left half of the smile shows prepped (or shaved) teeth, and the right half shows the final placement of the porcelain veneers. As seen, the amount of prep differs between each tooth. The final shape of the chosen veneer also plays a factor, especially the desired amount of incisal translucency.

The good news is that you don’t have to do much to have your teeth filed before veneers.

Your dentist is your best guide through this process, and you should ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Questions like, how much enamel will be removed? Will I need temporary veneers? What will my teeth look like before the veneers are placed? Having an understanding of the process is the best way to feel comfortable.

As always, you should maintain good oral hygiene in the lead up to your appointment – that means brushing and flossing thoroughly, and treating gum disease or cavities in advance. Depending on your sensitivity, you may consider anaesthesia. Tooth shaving is usually painless, but it can be a strange and uncomfortable sensation so more often than not, your will be numbed during the procedure. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to eat a meal beforehand.

If your temporary veneers happen to fall off after you leave the surgery (see our guide on what not to eat when you have temporary veneers), you are most likely going to experience some teeth sensitivity or nothing at all. There shouldn’t be any pain, just minor discomfort and annoyance.

Your temporary veneers may feel rougher and be more prone to staining, so you might be advised to avoid coffee, wine, and hard foods. A desensitising toothpaste may also help.

When it comes to the veneer process, shaved teeth are part of a routine procedure, though there are some slight risks to consider.

• Permanent enamel loss: While not a risk, it’s worth remembering that the enamel that is removed does not grow back, which means your teeth will always need some form of covering (veneers or crowns). If you ever want to remove the veneers, your natural teeth may feel rough and look smaller.
• Nerve damage: If too much enamel is removed, the dentin layer (closer to the nerve) may be exposed, leading to pain or even requiring a root canal. This is more likely if your teeth were already weak or had large fillings. An experienced dentist will be able to mitigate this risk.
• Tooth sensitivity: Since enamel protects the inner layers of the tooth, its removal can make teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweets. Some people experience mild sensitivity for a few weeks, while others may have long-term discomfort.
• Increased risk of tooth decay: Enamel protects against bacteria—removing some can increase the risk of cavities, especially if oral hygiene is poor. Proper sealing with veneers should prevent decay, but if the bond is weak or the veneer is poorly fitted, bacteria can seep in.
• Temporary tooth weakness and discomfort: Right after shaving, your teeth may feel weaker or rougher until the veneers are placed. Temporary veneers (if used) may also feel slightly uncomfortable.

You can minimise these risks by seeking a well-reviewed, highly experienced dentist, maintaining good oral hygiene at all times, and using a desensitising toothpaste where necessary.

Despite what type of smile you currently have, porcelain veneers are an invasive, irreversible procedure. We generally advise that you go to many clinics, get different quotes and do extensive research on what you want. The dentist you see should also have an array of before and after photos for you to reference as well as the knowledge and experience to give you the result that you’ve always desired.

Having your teeth shaved before veneers means you’ll get:

• A more natural appearance, because the veneers will sit flush with your natural teeth, preventing a bulky or oversized look. They will also feel more natural in your mouth.
• Better veneer adhesion, because a smooth, prepared tooth surface helps the veneers bond securely, and reduces the risk of detachment.
• Improved tooth shape and alignment – enamel reduction can correct minor misalignment, uneven teeth, or irregularities.
• Longer-lasting results, as well-prepared teeth lead to stronger, more durable veneers that can last 10–20 years with proper care. A secure fit also reduces the risk of veneers chipping or breaking.
• Reduced risk of gum irritation, as overly thick veneers can press on the gums, causing irritation and inflammation.
• When it comes to veneers, shaved teeth give you more material choices, because you won’t be limited to ultra-thin options like Lumineers. You’ll be able to choose from various types of veneers, like porcelain and composite.

So yes - it is true, that for some, some minor shaving will be required for veneers. However, it is possible to have veneers without any shaving, or minimal prep. Many factors will contribute to the duration of your prep appointment. This includes what type of smile you have to begin with, how many teeth you want veneered and if you already have restorative work done (veneers or crowns done elsewhere). If you have existing veneers or crowns, the length of your prep will be much longer as it does take a while to meticulously remove the existing porcelain or composite.

It's essential that you do your research. You wouldn’t buy a car without some indication of what brand you want (say, a Mercedes or a Toyota), what type (a convertible or SUV), how much you can spend and more importantly if you wanted to buy from a dealership or off gumtree. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and as always, seek a second opinion from a qualified health care professional.