Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material which your dentist bonds to the front of your teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers can mask discolorations, brighten teeth, and improve a smile. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Why would you recommend a porcelain veneer?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and they are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or chipped or worn teeth should also consider porcelain veneers.
What happens during the procedure?
To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, your dentist will lightly buff the teeth to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half millimetre of the tooth is removed, so the patient may require a local anesthetic. We will take an impression of your teeth at this appointment then send it to the laboratory for veneer fabrication.
Will it hurt?
No. During the procedure you should experience no discomfort. We painlessly freeze, or numb, the area, and other than having to open your mouth for a period of time, there is no pain involved. Of all cosmetic treatments, veneers cause the least discomfort and offer the most immediate results.
How will my teeth look between the two visits?
In the first visit we prepare the teeth and create temporary veneers that come as close as possible to the look we will be working to achieve. Your smile always looks better after the first visit, and after the second visit it will look great. Unlike other forms of cosmetic treatment, veneers require no healing time.
How many teeth need veneers?
That varies from patient to patient. If you look in a mirror when you smile, you can see how many teeth actually show. You should keep in mind that people often smile wider when they have no concerns about the look of their teeth. For many patients it may be six teeth, for some eight, and for others more.
If just my upper teeth have veneers, won't my bottom teeth look strange or as if they don't match?
That also depends on the patient’s smile. Most people show only a very small portion of their lower teeth. In cases where the lower teeth are more visible, whitening can reduce contrast. In some situations, both upper and lower teeth need veneers.
Are there any risks to tooth structure?
Generally no, although there can always be an exception. Because your dentist will remove approximately one half millimetre or less from the tooth to make room for the veneer, veneers are not reversible. The porcelain veneer that replaces the removed surface is incredibly strong, bonds tightly to the tooth, and protects the treated area. Dentists remove significantly less enamel for a veneer than for an ordinary cap or crown. Risk exists for any procedure, but this treatment method has been proven extremely reliable.
What does a veneer cost?
The cost of one porcelain veneer is slightly less than that for a crown.
How long will a veneer last?
Veneers usually last more than 10 years. Please be aware, however, that you must take care of your veneers and your gums. Regular periodontal maintenance will prevent your gums from receding and making the veneers obvious.