Porcelain Veneers
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental Veneers (sometimes called Porcelain Veneers or Dental Porcelain Laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.
Porcelain Veneers are a highly effective way to transform your look completely. They are popular with celebrities for their ability to create picture-perfect smiles.
Porcelain Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells custom designed for your unique teeth. They attach to the front side of your teeth to cover up a variety of flaws, including:
- Wide spaces between the front teeth
- Discoloration and stains
- Chips and small missing pieces teeth
- Crooked front teeth
Types of Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers. They also better mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.
If you want an ultra-thin option that usually needs little or no enamel removal, read about our Lumineers.
- They provide a natural tooth appearance.
- Gums tolerates porcelain well.
- Porcelain veneers are stain resistant
- A color can be selected to make dark teeth appear whiter.
- They generally don’t require as much shaping as crowns do, yet they are stronger and look better.
What Is the Veneer Procedure Like?
Getting veneers usually takes a few visits.
- Consultation. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, talks through what you want to change, and checks that veneers suit your teeth.
- Preparation. Your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth, often around half a millimeter, so the veneer sits flush. Enamel does not grow back, so veneers are a long-term decision.
- Impressions and temporaries. Your dentist takes impressions or digital scans for the lab and fits temporary veneers while your custom ones are made.
- Bonding. Your dentist checks the color, shape, and fit, then bonds each veneer to your tooth and polishes the edges.
With good care, porcelain veneers often last 10 to 15 years or more.
How to care for veneers
Porcelain veneers need the same daily care as natural teeth, plus a few habits that protect them:
- Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily, especially along the gumline where the veneer meets your gum
- Avoid biting ice, pen caps, fingernails, or very hard foods
- Never open packages or bottles with your teeth
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth
- See your dentist every six months so a small chip or loose edge gets caught early