Yes — getting veneers is considered a permanent (irreversible) treatment, because a thin layer of enamel, usually a fraction of a millimeter, is shaped so the veneer fits naturally. The veneers themselves are not forever: they can be replaced when they wear out. Done properly, veneers do not "ruin" your teeth — your natural teeth stay underneath.
What happens to your natural teeth
For most porcelain veneers, the dentist removes a very thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth so the veneer isn't bulky. The rest of the tooth — its core, its root and most of its structure — stays intact. This is very different from a crown, which covers and reshapes the whole tooth.
Can veneers be removed?
Veneers are bonded, so they don't come off by themselves. A dentist can remove and replace them, but because the enamel was prepared, the tooth will need a new veneer (or other restoration) rather than being left bare.
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Not when they are planned conservatively. Problems appear when teeth are over-prepared — filed down to stumps for full crowns marketed as "veneers" — which is the story behind many "Turkey teeth" photos. What to watch out for.
Are there no-prep veneers?
Some very thin veneers can be placed with little or no preparation in specific cases, such as small or worn teeth. Whether you are a candidate depends on your teeth; the free assessment tells you.
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