How Durable are Porcelain Veneers?

How Durable are Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are extremely thin, tooth colored shells that are permanently affixed to the front of teeth that are in need of cosmetic repair or improvement.

Porcelain is the material often used for its translucent appearance, and when cemented to the front of teeth, provides added strength and stability to treated teeth.

What are some of the dental imperfections suitable for treatment with veneers?

  • Correct stubborn stain – Teeth discolored from medications, fluorosis, or intrinsic stains not removable with cleaning or teeth whitening will benefit from veneers.
  • Chipped, broken or misshapen teeth – Veneers offer a minimally invasive procedure that can visually enhance the appearance of teeth without extensive cosmetic repair.
  • Gaps between teeth – Spaces are OK for some, but if they bother you, veneers are the perfect option that appears to close those unwelcome spaces.

Composite resin veneers are fabricated and placed by your cosmetic dentist in one visit.

Porcelain veneers are sent to the dental lab for fabrication. Dental impressions coupled with the instructions of your dental provider will provide the mold for the porcelain veneers. In about two weeks, a return visit to the dentist will allow the completion of your veneer makeover.

Porcelain provides multiple benefits. It is stain resistant, and gum tissue tolerates porcelain very well. For teeth suffering from chips or cracks, the added strength of the porcelain permanently cemented to the teeth makes them stronger. And though porcelain is not indestructible, it is very durable. Veneers are permanently cemented into place, and may only need to be replaced every ten years or so.

On delivery day, your cosmetic dentist will place the veneers to guarantee a perfect color and contour match to surrounding teeth. If adjustments are needed, they can be completed on the spot.

The treated teeth have had a very small amount of dental enamel removed about the thickness of the veneer. Teeth are treated with a product that will aid in setting the veneers. The cement can be tinted to enhance the color match, if needed. Once the veneers are placed on the teeth, a curing light or laser is used to speed up the hardening process.

Caring for veneers is no different than the regimen you should follow for your natural teeth. Daily flossing and brushing along with twice yearly visits to the dentist for cleaning and exam should suffice.

Contact our experienced dentist in grand prairie at 972-264-5795 to schedule a cosmetic consultation today.