Sometimes referred to as instant orthodontics, porcelain veneers can quickly change or enhance your smile. Crooked, chipped, tetracycline-stained teeth, or simply that you dislike the shape and/or color of your teeth, are some of the reasons to consider laminate veneers.  Current technology and materials enable us to create veneers that truly are life-like.

What Exactly Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers, which are sometimes called dental veneers, are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain material that are tooth-colored and created to cover the surface of natural teeth. We place the shells over the front of the teeth, on the visible side, to change their shape, color, size, or length. To apply veneers, we usually remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth. 

Porcelain veneers look like natural teeth and can correct a variety of issues, including chipped or worn teeth, stained teeth, crooked or misshapen teeth, and uneven gaps between teeth. 

What Are the Advantages of Porcelain over Other Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than resin composite veneers. Well-maintained porcelain veneers can last 7 to 15 years, while composite ones have a maximum lifespan of 7 years. 

Porcelain veneers also offer the most natural look, with a translucence that is similar to natural teeth. They are also less prone to staining and chipping because of the glaze we apply after treatment. They are less porous than composite veneers, so you will not have to adjust your diet drastically to avoid foods that cause stains. 

What Is Involved with the Porcelain Veneer Procedure?

Getting dental veneers begins with a consultation. We will examine your teeth and listen to your goals so that we can decide whether veneers are the right choice for you. We may take X-rays and make impressions of your teeth and mouth. To place a veneer on a tooth, we will reshape the tooth’s surface, removing some of the enamel. Then, we make a model of the tooth, which we send out to a dental laboratory to make your veneer. 

Once the lab sends the veneer, we will trim it and otherwise tweak it so it fits over your existing tooth. We will etch the tooth to prepare it for bonding before adding a special adhesive to the veneer and placing it on your tooth. To harden the adhesive quickly, we shine a special light beam on your veneer to activate the chemicals. 

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last from 7 to 15 years if you follow proper maintenance. You want to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss, use a fluoride mouth rinse, and limit your sweets. Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth as tools, and schedule regular appointments with us to monitor the condition of the porcelain veneers. 

Is Getting Porcelain Veneers Painful?

Since the procedure is minimally-invasive, it is not painful to get porcelain veneers. The only thing we have to do to prepare your teeth for the veneers is remove a thin layer of enamel. We use local anesthetics to minimize any discomfort. If you receive eight or more veneers at a time, your gums may be a bit sore for a few hours, but over-the-counter medications can alleviate the discomfort.