What are porcelain veneers?

Veneers are thin custom-made pieces of porcelain that are bonded to teeth in order to improve their shape and appearance. There are two main types of veneers: traditional and "no-prep."   Both techniques generally require two visits to make a veneer. Traditional veneers typically involve some small amount of tooth preparation. With "no-prep" veneers, as the name implies, it is not generally necessary to make alterations to the teeth. While it is still possible that modifications to your teeth may be necessary, in those rare cases the adjustments tend to be slight, and most of the time still won't require anesthesia. Your dentist will be able to discuss the pros and cons of each technique. Then, based upon your circumstances and preferences can help you to decide which is best for you. Also, an entirely new alternative has recently been developed, which is not made out of porcelain, but is a form of veneer as well. This is called a SnapOn Smile and is a thin resin-polymer that is custom crafted in the laboratory. It is not cemented like porcelain veneers and only has a life expectancy of three to five years, but it may be an affordable alternative for patients who need and want to improve the appearance of their smile, yet cannot afford the higher cost of conventional veneers. Some patients also elect to make a SnapOn as a way of previewing their look with permanent veneers. As with no-prep veneers, the dentist usually does not have to make changes to the shape of your teeth.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

With proper care veneers can provide many years of service. Just as you would expect to care for your natural teeth, routine brushing and flossing are necessary. Dietary factors must also not be ignored. It is important to remember that while a veneer covers the visible portion of your teeth, you still have natural tooth structure supporting it. This tooth structure is subject to decay, so good hygiene is essential to maximize the life of your restorations. Habits such as pencil chewing or fingernail biting can also chip or break your veneers. One should never open anything with their teeth, but this is especially true if you have veneers. If you or your dentist suspect that you clench or grind your teeth, a night guard or splint is generally a wise investment to help protect your veneers. It will cost you a fraction of the replacement cost of one veneer. Tooth clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to fracturing of natural teeth, let alone artificial replacements. It may even be one reason some people consider veneers in the first place, so one would be wise to keep the problem from recurring.