There are very few, if any, people who can claim they were born with “perfect” teeth. Chips, gaps, misalignment, misshapen teeth, and discoloration are common concerns. As a result, many patients seek to improve the look of their smiles. Porcelain dental veneers from Dr. Donian Shen, our experienced cosmetic dentist, can address a wide range of issues with beautiful, natural-looking results. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, or if you desire the most aesthetically appealing look possible, we can help you achieve an outcome you’ll be proud to show off.
Quick Facts About Porcelain Veneers
- Primary Purpose: Enhance the appearance of the smile by correcting cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, chips, gaps, uneven edges, or minor misalignment.
- How They Work: Ultra-thin porcelain shells are custom-crafted and bonded to the front and side surfaces of natural teeth to instantly improve shape, color, and symmetry.
- Ideal Candidates: Patients with generally healthy teeth and gums who want a long-lasting cosmetic solution and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Key Benefits: Veneers can create a brighter, more balanced smile, resist staining, strengthen weakened enamel, and deliver natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
- Treatment Timeline: Most veneer cases are completed in two visits—one for preparation and design, and another for final placement.
- Results: With proper care, porcelain veneers can maintain their appearance and function for 10 to 15 years or longer.
- Our Dentists’ Experience: Our dentists at Smile By Design bring extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry and a detail-oriented approach to veneer placement, carefully designing each smile to complement facial features, tooth structure, and individual aesthetic goals.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Comprised of a durable porcelain material designed to look and feel like natural tooth enamel, dental veneers are very thin shells that fit over the front surface of your existing teeth. They are custom-made to suit your dental needs and cosmetic goals. Since the shells cover the entire front of the tooth, veneers can address a number of aesthetic and functional concerns. Furthermore, the high-quality material is long lasting, metal-free, and stain resistant.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers?
Besides durability and stain resistance, porcelain veneers from our practice can provide numerous advantages, often faster and with fewer appointments than many other techniques. For instance, dental veneers can:
- Improve the appearance of worn down, uneven, or short teeth
- Correct gaps, spaces, chips, and alignment concerns
- Improve tooth color and radiance
- Strengthen weakened or cracked teeth
- Rejuvenate the appearance of the smile
There are many benefits to updating your smile with porcelain veneers. It’s important to understand, however, that this is considered a permanent procedure due to the tooth shaping.
What to Expect During the Porcelain Veneers Process
Your care, comfort, and understanding are important to Dr. Shen and our entire dental team. When you arrive for your initial consultation, we will walk you through each step of the dental veneer process. Once Dr. Shen evaluates your dental concerns and discusses your cosmetic dentistry goals and personal tastes, she will develop a customized treatment plan that can optimize your outcome.
Advances in dental technology have streamlined the porcelain veneer procedure and now allow us to maintain as much of your original teeth as possible. We can gently reshape your teeth and then apply veneers that are ideally matched to suit the color and form you desire. The entire treatment will generally require two visits to our office. At the first appointment, a mold will be taken of your smile to help guide the process and ensure the most natural-looking and comfortable result possible. Dr. Shen will also prep your teeth for the veneers and have you select the shade of white you want your new smile to be. At the second appointment, your teeth will be cleaned and the veneers permanently bonded utilizing leading techniques and materials.
Do Porcelain Veneers Require Special Care or Maintenance?
Caring for your porcelain veneers is much like caring for your natural teeth — because they are your teeth! Brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups should be a regular part of your oral hygiene practice. Dr. Shen will provide any additional instructions during your final consultation.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Dr. Shen is dedicated to providing a beautiful and lasting result, and most patients can expect their veneers to continue looking their best for about 10 to 15 years, depending on care and other factors. You can help ensure the highest quality form and function of your veneers by brushing and flossing every day, and seeing your dentist regularly. We can provide other tips for keeping your veneers in top shape during your consultation. When your veneers begin to wear down (or should damage occur), we can replace them so your smile never suffers.
“he whole team is very friendly and helpful and Dr. Shen is for sure a very knowledgeable dentist with plenty of experience. Procedures are explained in great detail including their pro and cons and alternatives are discussed as well whenever available. I would definitely go there again.”
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers will vary depending on the number of veneers you need, the complexity of your treatment, and other factors. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the average price of porcelain veneers can range from about $925 to about $2,500 per tooth. These numbers do not necessarily reflect the cost at our practice. We will discuss the estimated price of your treatment with you before beginning the procedure, so that you are well-informed about the expense in advance. We believe this allows our patients to make the best decisions based on their needs, goals, and budget.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?
Because porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment, dental insurance typically does not cover the cost. Our team is happy to answer your questions and discuss financing options available for qualified applicants if you are interested in paying for your procedure in installments.
How strong are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are crafted from durable materials designed to withstand everyday biting and chewing forces. While they are strong, patients should avoid habits such as biting hard objects or using teeth as tools to reduce the risk of damage.
Do porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain is highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, wine, and other common culprits. That said, maintaining good oral hygiene and minimizing excessive exposure to staining agents can help preserve their brightness over time.
Can porcelain veneers be whitened?
Veneers do not respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments. For this reason, it’s important to choose your desired shade before placement. If surrounding natural teeth are whitened later, veneers may not match the brighter color.
Are porcelain veneers reversible?
In most cases, porcelain veneers are not considered reversible because a small amount of enamel is typically removed during preparation. Dr. Shen takes a conservative approach whenever possible and will thoroughly review your options during your consultation.
If you would like to know more about porcelain veneers, contact us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is happy to answer questions and to help you schedule a free consultation with Dr. Shen.
