A Comprehensive Guide to Porcelain Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are precisely cut, thin slices of porcelain that are permanently and seamlessly bonded to the surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance. In doing so, veneers are one of the most efficient ways for a smile makeover.
Modern-day porcelain is inherently a strong, durable, and nonporous material, often stronger than the natural enamel of your permanent teeth. As a result, porcelain veneers enhance the aesthetics of your smile and have a long life expectancy.
They are known to resist common staining agents such as coffee and cigarettes (although smoking is still not recommended) and repel odor-producing bacteria. They are also biocompatible, esthetic, insoluble, and quite hard.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, dental porcelain rates at a 7, which is on par with quartz. Generally speaking, dental porcelain is the industry standard for life-like, durable, and aesthetically pleasing dental work materials.
The first thing 8 out of 10 people notice about others is their smile.
Dr. Reza Khazaie, DDS, Prosthodontist
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers last, on average, about 10 to 15 years. They can last 20+ years and still look great with the right maintenance.
The longevity of porcelain veneers usually comes down to proper care and good oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth, which are prone to decay with a lack of oral hygiene, dental veneers can become stained when exposed to beverages and food without proper oral hygiene.
What is The Process for Getting Porcelain Veneers?
Typically the whole veneers process will require just three appointments.
First Appointment
The first is merely to identify which treatment or procedure is best suited for your needs and budget. Then, once it has been determined and decided that porcelain veneers are the way to go, a second appointment will be necessary to prepare the teeth.
Second Appointment
During this second preparatory visit, the dentist will lightly buff your teeth to remove a small portion of the enamel to accommodate the proposed veneers.
On the same visit, molds of the teeth to be treated will be taken and sent to a lab to fabricate the porcelain veneers.
Third Appointment
Finally, on the final visit, the dentist or prosthodontist will bond your custom dental veneers to your teeth utilizing a powerful, specialized bonding agent.
Once this process is complete, you are done!
Your veneers are now an extension of your natural teeth.
Are Dental Veneers Permanent?
Dental veneers are permanent, but they are not forever.
Let me explain; bonding cement is a substance that microscopically creates bridges from your real tooth to the porcelain so that it adheres to your tooth and becomes one. Think of it as the glue for a press-on nail—only you can’t get this one off once it’s on.
After the bonding, cement is in place, and the dental veneer is on your tooth.
The bonding cement is then cured with a tiny handheld UV light to secure everything in place.
Dental veneers are permanent, but they are not forever.
Dr. Reza Khazaie, DDS, Prosthodontist
With that said, with good oral hygiene, dental veneers could easily last 20+ years, at which point they will need to be replaced.
To replace dental veneers, the dentist carefully drills off the old veneer around the natural tooth. Once completed, the process starts over.
How To Take Care of Porcelain Veneers
To help your dental veneers to last many years or even decades, I recommend the following steps.
1. Practice proper hygiene.
Though porcelain veneers do not decay, portions of the teeth can be exposed and at risk of decay.
Therefore, I recommend you brush twice a day.
I also highly recommend an electronic toothbrush to reach areas a traditional toothbrush often cannot reach because of the veneers.
I also recommend you floss at least once a day.
2. Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth.
Today’s porcelain veneers are mostly stain-resistant. The problem is the adhesive used to keep your dental veneers attached is not stain resistant.
Avoid drinks such as wine, coffee, and sodas.
I recommend using a straw when drinking beverages that are prone to stain.
3. Use a quality toothbrush and toothpaste.
Be sure when brushing your teeth to use a soft toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes will damage your dental veneers. Also, avoid toothpaste with harsh abrasives.
4. Don’t smoke.
Smoking is a bad habit. Break the habit. It will eventually cause your veneers to become discolored and stained; if you want teeth that look pristine, no smoking, or vaping.
5. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
Grinding or clenching your teeth will eventually cause severe damage to your porcelain veneers and prematurely wear down the veneer.
If this is a habit, you have to be sure to mention it to your prosthodontist for a solution.
6. Get frequent dental checkups.
Keep regular scheduled dental appointments.
I recommend at least two dental checkups a year. This will prolong the life of your dental veneers.
Porcelain Veneers Before and After
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
Porcelain veneers generally are more expensive than composite resin alternatives.
Traditional porcelain veneers generally cost between $900 and $2,700 per tooth and have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on your personal hygiene habits and care.
Composite veneers cost approximately $400 to $1,500 per tooth but will often only last 5 to 10 years.
The cost of porcelain veneers depends on several factors, which I’ll review below.
Porcelain Veneer Cost Factors
Several factors can determine the cost of dental veneers. The following are some of the most common influences on porcelain veneer costs:
- The quality of veneer (resin or laminate)
- The size of the dental veneers that you will require
- The number of teeth being treated
- The artistic and skill of the dental professional, like a Prosthodontist or a dentist
- Different locations across the country can influence the price
At Willow Pass Dental Care, we provide affordable dental veneers.
Am I A Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Most people who are looking at getting veneers are wanting to correct a dental issue.
For example, some don’t like the color of their teeth or want to get rid of crooked teeth without getting braces. Others have front teeth that are chipped, and some patients have veneers who want a more natural finish than what they currently have.
You would be a good candidate for any of those reasons mentioned above as long as you have healthy gums and good oral hygiene.
Dental Veneers Near Me
Did you know there are over 400 searches each month from people searching “dental veneers near me” that generate 482 clicks to a website like Willow Pass Dental Care?
That’s a lot of searches and clicks for dental veneers!
Maybe you didn’t find us by searching “dental veneers near me,” but we are glad you are here.
Call us at (925) 326-6114 or click the chat icon along the bottom right-hand corner of the page, or complete the online form to book an appointment with Dr. Reza Khazaie. We look forward to meeting you.
