Frequently Asked Questions: Porcelain Veneers

Are you considering porcelain veneers but feel unsure about where to start? You’re not alone! At Maitland Ave Smile Co., we get a lot of questions from our patients about what veneers are, how they work, and how to know if they’re the right choice. In today’s blog post, let’s break down the most frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers so you can feel informed and empowered before taking the next step toward a brighter, more confident smile.

To start, what are veneers?

Also called dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, veneers are thin, custom-made, tooth-colored shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and change their appearance. Veneers are bonded to your natural teeth, allowing you to alter the color, shape, size, and/or length. Common reasons for veneers include hiding a crack, making your teeth look bigger, or removing a space between your teeth without orthodontics.

More specifically, what are porcelain veneers?

Veneers can be made from resin composite materials or porcelain. At Maitland Ave Smile Co., we offer porcelain veneers because they resist stains better than resin veneers. They also reflect light in a more natural way. When applying porcelain veneers, your dentist removes some of your enamel to create a rough surface that helps to keep the veneers bonded to your teeth.

Other types of veneers include:

Lumineers: This type of porcelain veneer is much thinner but also less durable. While they require less prep work than other options, there’s a likely chance that they’ll need to be replaced more frequently.
Pop-on veneers: These veneers snap on and are easily removable. As the least expensive option, they instantly change the look of your smile and can be taken out when needed. However, many people struggle to eat and talk normally while wearing them.
Composite veneers: This option helps to fix minor issues, like a small gap or a cracked tooth. In this case, your dentist applies a composite resin directly to your teeth, allowing the treatment to be completed in a single visit.
No-prep veneers: Although easier to apply than other types, this option still requires the removal of some enamel. These are particularly good at hiding small gaps in your teeth.

When would I need porcelain veneers?

While we’ve mentioned some instances above, here is a complete list of common reasons that patients need veneers.

Discolored teeth: A patient may experience discoloration after a root canal treatment, after taking certain medications, from excessive fluoride consumption, or other causes.
Worn-down teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Crooked or uneven teeth
Oddly-shaped teeth: Some patients struggle with teeth that have craters or bulges.
Teeth with gaps in between

What can I expect at my appointments?

Porcelain veneers typically require three visits to the dentist. First, you’ll have a consultation to ensure that veneers are the right choice for you. Be prepared to discuss the types of results you want. Your dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays or impressions of your mouth.

At your next visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth or teeth for the veneers. They’ll remove enamel that is roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer, allowing the veneer to more easily “fit” on your tooth. Your dentist will make an impression or model of your tooth to send to the dental laboratory that will make your veneers. Your dentist will most likely apply temporary veneers, as it can take up to four weeks for the lab to produce your permanent ones.

At your final appointment, your dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to check the fit and color. Once they have been trimmed to the proper size, they’ll prepare your teeth for bonding by cleaning, polishing, and etching them. Then, a special cement is applied to the veneer before it’s placed on your tooth. After it’s in the correct position, your dentist will shine a light that quickly activates chemicals to harden the cement. As a final step, they’ll remove extra cement, check your bite, and make any necessary adjustments. Your dentist may also require that you come in for a follow-up visit after a few weeks.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of veneers?

Let’s start with the benefits! They look like natural teeth and don’t stain easily, making them a great, long-lasting alternative. They are stronger and look better than crowns; plus, they don’t require as much shaping of your natural teeth. Additionally, your gums usually aren’t sensitive to porcelain.

As for the downsides, the process is costly and cannot be undone, so it’s important to be absolutely sure that you’re ready to take this step. Veneers can’t be repaired if they chip or crack, so if you grind or clench your teeth, they may not be a good choice for you. If you only get one or a few veneers, you may notice a subtle difference in color between them and your natural teeth. Lastly, because enamel has been removed for bonding, you may notice increased sensitivity in your teeth, especially when consuming hot or cold food and beverages.

Porcelain veneers can be a life-changing solution for achieving your dream smile — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you still have questions or want to find out if veneers are the right fit for you, contact us today. We hope you’ll choose Maitland Ave Smile Co. for your dental care!

Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Explore our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like your family’s dental routine, gum disease, and more.