What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are like "acrylic nails" for teeth. They are thin layers of porcelain applied to the front (cheek side) surface of the tooth to change the color and/or shape of the tooth. Sometimes the veneer will be designed so it ends on the side of the tooth to give the tooth a wider appearance or different shape to the tooth s original form. Veneers can make crowded or crooked teeth appear straighter. The amount of change in size and shape is limited by the location and angle of the roots of the teeth. If you change too much, the tooth looks distorted. But in many cases, a small change can make a big difference in the overall appearance of the smile. There is very little tooth structure removed to make space for the porcelain and the bonding material that holds the porcelain in place. As such the prepared teeth often don't require temporary crowns while the porcelain is being crafted in the dental lab. Some patients can tolerate the procedure without anesthetic, but I typically prefer to have the soft tissue (gums) numb so we can work around them without anxiety or discomfort.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Many factors play into the life expectancy of any dental restoration. Teeth are placed under a heavy load while the patient is functioning in biting or grinding their teeth. The teeth will flex causing bending at the neck of the tooth. If the tooth has too much pressure on it, the bonding of the veneer will fail. In rare cases, the porcelain itself will break. But most often the bonding material wears out---typically in the range of 7-15 years, depending on the size, location, material used and functional stressors placed on the teeth.

Will porcelain veneers look like my natural teeth?

Yes. Veneers allow light to be reflected much like natural teeth. They are a great choice in the right case.