Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veeners

Dental veneers (porcelain, ceramic, veneers or laminates) are very thin shells of  materials designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve your smile.

Porcelain Veneers are permanently bonded to the front of the teeth and changes their color, shape, and size.

Reasons to get Porcelain or Ceramic Veneers
  • Chipped, broken or fractured teeth
  • Gaps or diastema between teeth (to close the space between teeth)
  • Discolored Teeth because of internal or external staining. (fluorosis, tetracycline staining, stained bonding material)
  • Worn down teeth due to grinding or other bad habits
  • Irregularly shaped or misaligned teeth
Material Used for Veneers
  • Porcelain
  • Ceramic
  • Composites
What to Expect when Getting Veneers
Porcelain Veeners

There are two types of veneers, one that needs tooth recontouring and the other where the teeth do not need it.

If a patient needs the teeth recontoured for veneers a decision should be made if teeth needs numbing or not.

Generally, 0.5mm of the tooth structure is removed and a mold is taken, a custom shade is chosen and it is sent to the lab. In 2 to 3 weeks, veneers come back from the lab and your dentist check it in the patients mouth. Once the patient approves the shade, size and bite then the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers made of porcelain can last for up to 20 years. That is, if you take care of them by practicing proper dental hygiene.

What that means is you should brush at least twice a day, floss once a day and have your dentist examine your teeth twice a year.

Just like your regular teeth, you should avoid biting into hard food, such as hard candy, ice cubes, etc. These types of food can cause the veneers or even your regular teeth to chip or crack.

Keep in mind your gum tissue changes over time too. That is another reason why you need to have your dentist examine them and do some alterations (if necessary) before they become an issue.