Porcelain Veneers Questions

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers, sometimes called dental veneers, are thin facades of dental ceramic that are fitted to the front surfaces of teeth to give cosmetic improvement.

What can porcelain veneers accomplish?

Porcelain veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth that are:

• Discolored
• Chipped or broken
• Misshapen
• Crooked
• Gapped

For many of these conditions porcelain veneers remain the best treatment available.

When are porcelain veneers a better option for teeth whitening?

Chemical teeth whitening has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years. However, there are many times that it is not adequate for giving you the results you desire. Porcelain veneers can often do what teeth whitening cannot, improving the appearance of teeth that are intrinsically discolored, such as:

• Teeth discolored by trauma
• Non-vital teeth (teeth with a dead nerve)
• Teeth stained by antibiotic use
• Teeth stained by fluoride use

During your consultation, we will discuss your teeth whitening options and decide which is best for you.

Does it hurt to get porcelain veneers?

Tooth sensitivity varies greatly between individuals, so it’s impossible to say how much discomfort you will experience. However, preparation for receiving porcelain veneers is minimal and generally results in little discomfort. We also use a local anesthetic so you will mostly feel pressure at the time of the procedure, and some minor soreness for a few days following. Discomfort is typically controllable with over-the-counter medications.

How long does it take to get porcelain veneers?

There are four appointments required to complete your porcelain veneer procedure:

• An initial consultation to plan your procedure
• At your convenience, we will schedule a visit to prepare your teeth for veneers and make a mold for fabrication of the veneers. You will wear temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being crafted.
• About two weeks after the molds are sent to the lab, your permanent veneers will be ready. Then you will have a visit to fit them to your teeth.
• A few months after fitting, you will have a follow-up procedure to ensure your veneers still fit well, are secure, and feel comfortable. 

How long do porcelain veneers last?

You may think porcelain veneers are fragile, but they are made of an advanced ceramic manufactured using the latest techniques, making them very durable. A study published in the January issue of the International Journal of Prosthodontics examined the 5, 10, and 20-year survival rate of porcelain veneers. According to the study, 94.4% of veneers survived five years, while 93.5% survived 10 years, and 82.93% were expected to survive 20 years, though actual data that far out are limited. In practical terms, if you have six porcelain veneers placed, then five of them will likely survive 20 years or more.

To learn more about porcelain veneers and whether they are the right option for you, please contact Bella Dental Services, helping patients in Decatur and Tucker, Georgia.