Porcelain Veneers

• What Are Porcelain Veneers?
• Porcelain Veneers Benefits
• Porcelain Veneers Candidates
• Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns
• Porcelain Veneers Procedure
• Porcelain Veneers Recovery
• Porcelain Veneers Results
• Porcelain Veneers Longevity
• Porcelain Veneers Cost

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, durable restorations that are custom-crafted using high-quality, tooth-colored porcelain. A popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, porcelain veneers can dramatically enhance the smile by altering the color, shape, size, or length of the teeth. They can also provide a solution for various dental imperfections, such as discoloration, chips, and gaps.

At Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC, all of our cosmetic dentists are prosthodontists who have been extensively trained in every aspect of porcelain veneers, from advanced smile planning techniques to expert veneer placement for long-lasting, natural-looking results. If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, we invite you to examine the informative content we have provided below or contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Before

After

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Whether you seek improvement in the appearance of one tooth, a series of teeth, or your entire smile, porcelain veneers may provide an effective aesthetic solution. Dental veneers are very thin, highly customized porcelain laminates that are bonded to the front side of teeth to enhance the appearance of their color, shape, size, length, and/or alignment. Unlike porcelain crowns, which require the removal of a significant portion of the tooth to accommodate the restoration, porcelain veneers allow for the conservation of more healthy tooth material, helping to preserve natural tooth structure and strength. Despite being relatively thin, veneers are fabricated from durable, stain-resistant, all-ceramic porcelain materials, and they can potentially last for upwards of a decade with proper care. Furthermore, today’s dental ceramics look more natural and realistic than ever before, closely mimicking the natural coloration and visual properties of beautiful, healthy teeth.

Who Is a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Candidates for porcelain veneers often wish to address the following aesthetic concerns:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misalignment 
• Gaps
• Discoloration
• Worn down or irregularly-shaped teeth

To be deemed eligible for porcelain veneers, patients should be in relatively good dental health. Those with severely damaged teeth, advanced periodontal disease, or other more serious concerns may be better suited for a restorative treatment, such as a dental crown or bridge, to encourage optimal tooth strength prior to undergoing a cosmetic procedure. If you are interested in porcelain veneers or one of our other options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at our practice.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns

Although veneers and dental crowns are sometimes confused, they serve distinct purposes and are applied differently. On the one hand, veneers are designed to cover only the front surface of a tooth, often making them ideal for addressing cosmetic concerns. Meanwhile, crowns encase the entire tooth and are intended to protect and support damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth. For this reason, crowns almost always require more extensive enamel removal than veneers.

While high-quality crowns are crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural smile, they are typically recommended for both functional and aesthetic restoration. Veneers, by contrast, are primarily considered a cosmetic treatment. If you are unsure whether veneers, crowns, or another option is best for your needs, our team will be happy to guide you through your choices during your initial consultation.

What Does the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Involve?

The porcelain veneers procedure is a virtually painless process that is typically completed within a single visit – once your custom restorations have been fabricated at our on-site, state-of-the-art dental lab. With this in mind, the process may require two or three steps if your case is more complex (i.e., there are other oral health concerns to be addressed prior to veneer placement).

To begin the procedure, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth in order to make room for the veneer. The amount removed is usually equal to the thickness of the veneer that will be added to the tooth’s surface. Before the veneer is permanently attached, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to allow for a strong bonding process. A dental cement is applied to the veneer, which will then be placed on your tooth and secured with a special light beam. After the veneer is bonded, your dentist may make a few final adjustments, such as trimming excess material or perfecting the veneer’s shape.

What Does Recovery from the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Entail?

Recovery after porcelain veneers is typically quite straightforward, with most patients needing little to no downtime after the procedure. In fact, patients are usually able to return to their normal activities immediately. Moreover, you may experience mild soreness for a few days as your teeth adjust to the veneers; any lingering discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

What Are the Typical Results of Porcelain Veneers?

The versatility and aesthetics of porcelain veneers allow our dentists to accomplish stunning smile transformations that adhere to ideal standards of natural beauty and dental precision. As an added benefit, veneers can be cared for just like natural teeth, and no extra hygiene or maintenance (apart from regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings) is required. The remarkable, long-lasting results our patients have achieved with porcelain veneers are a testament to the expertise of our dentists and the exceptional quality of our dental lab.

Before

After

If you are considering veneers, we encourage you to explore before-and-after photographs of our patients’ porcelain veneers results to view examples of our dentists’ work. 

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), veneers tend to last for approximately 10 years.* While porcelain veneers are designed to be a long-lasting cosmetic solution, their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene practices, lifestyle habits, and regular dental visits.

To maximize their lifespan, be sure to maintain a consistent routine of brushing, flossing, and attending professional cleanings. Additionally, avoiding behaviors like teeth grinding, chewing ice, or using your teeth as tools can help prevent wear and damage.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

At our practice, the cost of porcelain veneers is contingent upon several factors, not limited to: 

• The number of veneers being placed 
• The complexity of the procedure
• The incorporation of additional treatments (such as other cosmetic procedures, or even restorative options like dental bridges or implants)
• The number of appointments needed to complete the process 

Our skilled prosthodontists advise patients to consider veneers an investment for their smile. While higher-quality treatments are liable to cost a bit more, patients typically find the results more than worth the price – especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified oral health expert. After veneers are applied, our patients are generally thrilled with their new smile and gain a renewed sense of self-confidence. 

Contact Schweitzer & Schweitzer

To find out if porcelain veneers are the right option for you, please contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Together, you and your dentist will determine the best approach for improving the long-term health and appearance of your smile.

Medical Resources*

American Dental Association (ADA)