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Laser Veneer Removal

Minimal Drilling, Gentle On Teeth

laser-veneer-removal-lasermachine

What is Laser Veneer Removal?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and are securely attached to your teeth using dental adhesive.

Veneers are a popular choice for achieving a natural-looking, long-lasting smile makeover. Although veneers are durable and designed to last for many years, they might need to be removed or replaced over time.

Conventional veneer removal often involves using dental drills to grind away the veneer layer. At Dental Designs Clinic, we also offer modern laser technology to remove dental veneers. This method is gentle, efficient and minimises harm to your natural teeth.

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Why do I need to remove my veneers?

Cracked Or Damaged Veneer

Veneers can chip or break, especially if you bite into hard foods or put too much pressure on them. A damaged veneer must be replaced to protect the tooth underneath.

Decay Of Underlying Tooth

Veneers only cover the front of the tooth, leaving the rest exposed. If the underlying tooth gets decayed, the veneer must be removed so the tooth can be treated.

Veneer Wear and Tear

The adhesive holding the veneer in place may weaken over time, causing it to become loose. This creates spaces where bacteria can build up, potentially leading to tooth decay or gum irritation.

Personal Preference

Sometimes, individuals want to update their veneers to improve their smile, such as choosing a different shape, size or shade for their teeth to better match their desired look.

The Science Behind Laser Veneer Removal

Dental veneers are attached to your teeth with a strong adhesive so that they stay in place. But this also makes their removal a delicate procedure.

 

Modern laser technology provides an contactless, efficient solution that protects your natural teeth during removal. Here’s how it works:

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Breaking the Bond

When the laser is directed at the veneer, the laser energy passes through it and is absorbed by the water molecules in the thin adhesive layer beneath. This causes the water molecules to expand rapidly, weakening the bond that holds the veneer in place. 

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Gentle Detachment

As the laser continues to pass over the area, it creates a wave-like motion, effectively breaking the bond between the veneer and the tooth, causing the veneer to gradually loosen. This process ensures the veneer can be removed carefully without damaging the tooth underneath.

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Miminally Invasive

In some cases, the veneer might be especially tight or “locked in place.” When this occurs, a drill is used to gently break the veneer into smaller sections. The laser still handles the bulk of the removal process, minimising the use of invasive tools.

laser-veneer-removal01
Breaking the Bond

When the laser is directed at the veneer, the laser energy passes through it and is absorbed by the water molecules in the thin adhesive layer beneath. This causes the water molecules to expand rapidly, weakening the bond that holds the veneer in place. 

laser-veneer-removal02
Gentle Detachment

As the laser continues to pass over the area, it creates a wave-like motion, effectively breaking the bond between the veneer and the tooth, causing the veneer to gradually loosen. This process ensures the veneer can be removed carefully without damaging the tooth underneath.

laser-veneer-removal03
Miminally Invasive

In some cases, the veneer might be especially tight or “locked in place.” When this occurs, a drill is used to gently break the veneer into smaller sections. The laser still handles the bulk of the removal process, minimising the use of invasive tools.

Studies have shown that this laser technology will not damage the underlying tooth because the energies used for breaking the bond are up to 20 times less than what is needed to ablate natural tooth enamel and dentin.

Morford CK, Buu NC, Rechmann BM, Finzen FC, Sharma AB, Rechmann P. Er:YAG laser debonding of porcelain veneers. Lasers Surg Med. 2011 Dec;43(10):965-74. doi: 10.1002/lsm.21144. Epub 2011 Nov 29. PMID: 22127785.

Is Laser Veneer Removal Painful?

Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Unlike conventional methods that use a dental drill to grind or cut the veneer, laser removal is contactless which lowers the risk of harming the tooth. If any mild sensitivity or discomfort does happen, it can usually be managed with numbing agents.

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The Role Of Technology During Laser Veneer Removal

At Dental Designs Clinic, we embrace modern dental technology while keeping strong dental principles in place. Veneers are thin, and removing them requires accuracy to protect your natural tooth underneath. With modern tools, our dentists can carefully remove veneers while preserving your healthy teeth.

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Microscope with Augmented Visualisation

One of the key tools we use is a microscope that goes beyond simple magnification—it also has a fluorescence feature that makes healthy tooth structures glow, making areas of concern stand out. This helps us pinpoint any problem areas and deliver accurate treatment in a controlled manner.

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Biolase Waterlase Laser System

This system features an Erbium, Chromium:YSGG laser that is FDA-approved for removing ceramic/porcelain veneers. The water spray helps cool the area, preventing heat buildup, and the contactless nature of the laser avoids pressure on tooth, ensuring the procedure remains safe and comfortable.

zeiss-extaro-300-product-image-surgical-microscope
Microscope with Augmented Visualisation

One of the key tools we use is a microscope that goes beyond simple magnification—it also has a fluorescence feature that makes healthy tooth structures glow, making areas of concern stand out. This helps us pinpoint any problem areas and deliver accurate treatment in a controlled manner.

waterlase-biolase-laser-machine-system
Biolase Waterlase Laser System

This system features an Erbium, Chromium:YSGG laser that is FDA-approved for removing ceramic/porcelain veneers. The water spray helps cool the area, preventing heat buildup, and the contactless nature of the laser avoids pressure on tooth, ensuring the procedure remains safe and comfortable.

laser-veneer-removal-fluorescene-microscopy

How Does a Microscope Help in Laser Veneer Removal?

Microscopes play an important role in making laser veneer removal safe and efficient. Here’s how-

1. Enhanced Visualisation: A microscope magnifies the tooth and veneer surface, allowing the dentist to see everything much more clearly. With this level of detail, they can carefully remove the veneer without damaging your tooth underneath.

2. Accurate Identification: Microscopes with fluorescence features are especially helpful. They highlight healthy tooth material, areas with decay, and any leftover veneer material. This makes it easier for the dentist to make sure nothing is missed.

3. Efficiency and Comfort: When lasers are used alongside microscopes, the dentist can work faster and more accurately. This means your procedure takes less time and feels more comfortable overall.

Benefits Of Veneer Removal With Laser

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Since laser removal is a contactless procedure, it reduces the risk of damaging the underlying tooth, helping to preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Laser technology can also reduce the time it takes to remove veneers, cutting the process from about half an hour (using dental drills) to and average of 5 minutes (using laser) per tooth.

Lasers offer great precision, allowing dentists to target only the veneer and adhesive, minimising any impact on the surrounding tooth structure.

Laser technology is gentle, which generally results in less discomfort compared to traditional drilling methods. Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure.

Can Laser Remove PFM Crowns? 

Laser veneer removal technology works best with non-metal restorations like porcelain and composite veneers. PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) restorations have a metal base, which the laser can't penetrate. Because of this, PFM restorations need traditional methods, like drilling, to remove the metal part or break the bond.

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When Is Drilling Required?

 

Dental veneers may need to be removed using a high-speed dental drill. In this case, the dentist will gently grind down the veneer or break it into smaller pieces for easier removal. This process ensures the veneer can be safely taken off without causing damage to the natural tooth underneath.

Veneers

Curious about Veneers in Singapore?

Grab our Veneers guidebook to find out more

Cost of Laser Veneer Removal in Singapore

The cost of laser veneer removal is determined by the individualised treatment plan created by your dentist as well as the number of veneers to be removed.

During your consultation, our dentist will assess your specific needs and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, enabling you to make an informed decision about your treatment and budget accordingly.

Starts From

$177.67*

Veneer Removal $177.67 per tooth

*Price are inclusive of 9% GST

Creating Smiles, Changing Lives

Over 28 reviews

The service and doctor is the best in town! The customer service and receptionists are very friendly! Dr Phillip Miller and Dr Noah Teo is very nice and very professional on their skill! They also very patient to explain to me about the treatment!

Will come back again!

Thank you very much!

李岳侨
Beautiful and friendly dental clinic, was recommended by my colleague. Been coming here for dental cleaning and fillings. Always a good visit!
J. Kho

This dental clinic has very good staff who are well trained and friendly. The dentists are also very good and will explain the treatment in detail before starting treatment. The equipment is very high tech and I believe they are able to do high quality work as I did my crown here and it looks much better than my colleague who also recently did his at another place. The waiting room is also very comfortable. good job!

C. Zheng De

This clinic is one of the best I have ever seen. I saw dr Justin for my implant which I did many years ago, the tooth was loose, and other drs told me to remove it as they could not find out what brand it was but dr Justin was able to take 3d xrays and locate the brand and specially ordered the part in. he saved me from having to do a surgery to remove and put a new implant which would have cost me a bomb. the tooth looks even better than the original thanks to the experieced dental technician Katsuya from Japan. 

Very happy and will keep coming back for my regular dental. 

G. Hock An

my workplace is close by and I had a problem with my tooth for a few days, so I made an appointment to come down. The receptionist who booked my appointment was very helpful and friendly to explain the way to the clinic from my office. I saw Dr Nicholas who was able to do a root canal treatment on the same visit so that I didn't need to come back. I felt safe and comfortable to do my dental treatment here as the dental picks are all wrapped up and sterilized and only opened before each treatment when im inside. 

P. Wendy
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What Happens After Laser Veneer Removal?

 

It largely depends on whether your teeth were shaved down when the original veneers were placed. If your teeth weren’t altered, you’ll simply have your natural smile back. However, if your teeth were shaved to accommodate the veneers, they can’t be left exposed after removal. In this case, we’ll need to protect your smile with new veneers. At Dental Designs, we have an in-house lab where each veneer is custom-made and carefully hand-painted to match your natural teeth.

Hear From Our Happy Patients

The service and doctor is the best in town! The customer service and receptionists are very friendly! Dr Phillip Miller and Dr Noah Teo is very nice and very professional on their skill! They also very patient to explain to me about the treatment!

Will come back again!

Thank you very much!

李岳侨
Beautiful and friendly dental clinic, was recommended by my colleague. Been coming here for dental cleaning and fillings. Always a good visit!
J. Kho

This dental clinic has very good staff who are well trained and friendly. The dentists are also very good and will explain the treatment in detail before starting treatment. The equipment is very high tech and I believe they are able to do high quality work as I did my crown here and it looks much better than my colleague who also recently did his at another place. The waiting room is also very comfortable. good job!

C. Zheng De

This clinic is one of the best I have ever seen. I saw dr Justin for my implant which I did many years ago, the tooth was loose, and other drs told me to remove it as they could not find out what brand it was but dr Justin was able to take 3d xrays and locate the brand and specially ordered the part in. he saved me from having to do a surgery to remove and put a new implant which would have cost me a bomb. the tooth looks even better than the original thanks to the experieced dental technician Katsuya from Japan. 

Very happy and will keep coming back for my regular dental. 

G. Hock An

my workplace is close by and I had a problem with my tooth for a few days, so I made an appointment to come down. The receptionist who booked my appointment was very helpful and friendly to explain the way to the clinic from my office. I saw Dr Nicholas who was able to do a root canal treatment on the same visit so that I didn't need to come back. I felt safe and comfortable to do my dental treatment here as the dental picks are all wrapped up and sterilized and only opened before each treatment when im inside. 

P. Wendy
Submit A Review

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