What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are paper thin shells of ceramic material applied to the front of the teeth in order to create a more esthetically pleasing smile.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

They can last for a long period of time. Not indefinetly but usually from two to five years without any noticeable problems.

Do Veneers cause any risk to a tooth's structure?

As with any interventive service, a preparation on a tooth even a minimal one, can create difficulties down the road. Sensitivity may occur to cold. Decay may occur if hygiene is poor on the patient's part. If the veneer need to be removed in the future, it will have to be cut away from the tooth using a drill. Even the "no prep " veneers can cause such problems. Usually we find that such no prep systems may be bulky at the gum line and can create a trap for bacteria which could cause decay.

Does a veneer protect the tooth from decay?

No, it does not. Decay will start under anything the doctor places, if the patient does not take care for their teeth and have them looked at to detect for any margin flaws that may be occuring at the "tooth/restoration interface. "

What is the average cost of a veneer?

A veneer made in a laboratory cost almost as much as a crown to fabricate because of the labor involved. Added to that the intricate cementation appointment, and the final cost is usually similar to what the doctor will charge for his crowns.

Will porcelain veneers look like my natural teeth?

That depends upon the final color selection, the opacity of the material and the actual material that is chosen in the final selection. Many times I see a poor choice in color because people want the whitest smile ever. No one takes into account their skin tone and age in that process which is something that need to be discussed with the patient. I also see many veneers that are fabricated without translucent characteristics in them so they have that "deadend opaque " look in them which is totally unnatural.