Porcelain veneers

Do you have discolored, chipped or misshapen teeth that make you self-conscious? Porcelain veneers might be the perfect solution for you. Keep reading to explore the benefits, process and maintenance tips to ensure you make an informed decision about veneers.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made, thin shells crafted from medical-grade ceramic, bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Once bonded, they create a white and bright smile with beautifully aligned teeth that are shapely as well.

Porcelain veneers vs composite veneers

There is an alternative to porcelain veneers known as composite veneers. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which option is right for you.

Porcelain veneers

• Durability: 10-15 years

• Appearance: Natural, tooth-like translucency

• Stain resistance: Highly resistant to staining

• Cost: Higher upfront cost

Composite veneers

• Durability: 5-7 years

• Appearance: Less natural, opaque

• Stain resistance: Prone to staining over time

• Cost: Lower upfront cost

Benefits of porcelain veneers

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of porcelain veneers. They offer numerous perks that make them an attractive option for anyone looking to improve their smile.

Natural appearance

Mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, ensuring a realistic look.

Durability

Long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, making them a great investment over time.

Stain resistance

Keeps your smile bright and white, unlike other materials prone to discoloration.

Versatility

Effective in correcting a range of dental issues such as discoloration, gaps, minor misalignments and chipped teeth.

How do porcelain veneers work?

Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to getting porcelain veneers:

Consultation

Begin your veneers journey with a comprehensive consultation. Our dentists at Aspen Dental will sit down with you to understand your aesthetic goals, discuss your expectations and assess if veneers are the best option for your dental needs. This initial meeting will help to tailor your veneers journey to achieve your smile goals.

Preparation

To prepare your teeth for veneers, a small but precise amount of enamel will be gently removed from the front surface of your teeth. This step is essential to ensure that the veneers fit seamlessly and look natural, without adding unwanted bulk to your teeth.

Impressions

Following the preparation, we take an accurate impression of your teeth. This mold is then used to create your custom veneers, ensuring they match the shape, size and color of your smile perfectly. This meticulous approach helps to ensure that your veneers will look and feel like a natural part of your mouth.

Temporary veneers

In certain cases, temporary veneers may be applied to protect your prepared teeth and offer you a preview of your new smile. These temporaries are worn while your permanent veneers are being carefully crafted.

Bonding

Once your custom-made porcelain veneers are ready, they are carefully bonded to your teeth using a high-quality dental adhesive. This process is performed with precision and care, ensuring that each veneer fits perfectly.

Final touches

After the veneers are securely bonded, any necessary final adjustments are made. This may involve slight reshaping or polishing to ensure that the veneers not only look exceptional but also feel comfortable and function properly. This final step is crucial for achieving a flawless fit and a stunning, natural-looking smile.

Cost of porcelain veneers

The cost of porcelain veneers is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the number of veneers you require and the specific requirements of your dental case. For instance, a more complex dental situation or the desire for a full set of veneers can significantly impact the overall cost. It's also important to consider that while the upfront cost of porcelain veneers might be higher compared to alternatives like composite bonding or dental crowns, their long-term durability, resistance to staining and aesthetic appeal make them a worthwhile investment.

Maintaining porcelain veneers

Proper care and maintenance of your porcelain veneers are essential for ensuring their longevity and keeping your smile looking its best. Follow these oral hygiene habits in your daily routine so you can enjoy a flawless smile for years to come.

Regular oral hygiene

Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and prevent gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis.

Avoid hard foods

Be cautious when eating hard or crunchy foods like nuts, ice or hard candies, as they can potentially crack or chip your veneers.

Protect against teeth grinding

If you grind your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, consider getting a custom-made night guard. Grinding can cause significant damage to both porcelain veneers and natural teeth.

Regular dental check-ups

Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings every six months. These appointments are essential for maintaining your oral and overall health and ensuring that your veneers are in good shape.

Avoid staining agents

While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, avoid excessive consumption of staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco products.

Replace veneers as needed

Although durable, porcelain veneers will eventually need replacement. Discuss with your dentist the best time to replace them to maintain their benefits.

Porcelain veneers FAQs

How long do porcelain veneers last?

With proper maintenance and care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Adhering to the maintenance tips provided can help maximize their lifespan.

Is it safe to get porcelain veneers?

Yes, getting porcelain veneers is a safe and widely used procedure in cosmetic dentistry. The process involves minimal removal of enamel and has been proven effective for decades.

What are the alternatives to porcelain veneers?

Alternatives to porcelain veneers include composite resin veneers and ceramic veneers. Composite veneers are less costly and require fewer visits but are generally less durable and stain-resistant. Ceramic veneers offer a compromise between durability and aesthetics, providing a stronger, more stain-resistant option than composite veneers, often with a look that closely mimics natural teeth.

Do porcelain veneers look natural?

Absolutely. Porcelain veneers are designed to mimic the natural translucency and appearance of real teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

How are porcelain veneers applied?

The procedure involves an initial consultation to determine your suitability for veneers, followed by preparing your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. After impressions of your teeth are taken, custom veneers are crafted and bonded to your teeth during a follow-up visit.

Are porcelain veneers reversible?

The procedure is generally considered irreversible because a thin layer of enamel is removed from your natural teeth as well as being shaved down and shaped to accommodate the veneers. However, the results are long-lasting and improve the appearance and function of your smile.

Can you whiten porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. However, they are resistant to staining, maintaining their color better than natural teeth. If you want to whiten your smile, it's recommended to do so before getting veneers so they can be matched to your desired tooth shade.