Porcelain Veneers

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers, are thin porcelain shells that are designed to fit over the surface of your teeth to create a more beautiful smile. They can conceal common imperfections affecting the teeth such as chips, stains, gaps, and even some cases of misalignment. Porcelain veneers can easily enhance the appearance of your teeth and improve certain functional issues. At The Art of Dentistry, your porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the shade and shape of the adjacent teeth for natural-looking, long-lasting results.

• Porcelain Veneers Benefits
• Porcelain Veneers Procedure
• Porcelain Veneers Recovery
• Porcelain Veneers Results
• Porcelain Veneers Cost
• Porcelain Veneers Alternatives
• Additional Porcelain Veneers FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers can restore both form and function to your teeth while creating beautiful results that can last for many years. This popular cosmetic dentistry technique can be used to correct the appearance of a number of tooth imperfections, including:

• Cracks and chips
• Gaps
• Stains or discoloration
• Mild tooth misalignment
• Uneven or worn teeth

With porcelain veneers, our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robin Rutherford, can improve the shape, length, and color of your teeth in just two visits.

What Does the Porcelain Veneers Recovery Process Entail?

There is typically little to no downtime necessary after a porcelain veneers procedure. You may experience some mild tooth sensitivity; however, your teeth should return to normal within two weeks. We recommend avoiding very hot or very cold food and drinks for a short time after treatment to minimize sensitivity and potential discomfort. Though porcelain veneers are made of a durable material, patients who are prone to grinding or clenching their teeth may want to protect their veneers with a night guard.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Results Last?

We strive to provide durable, long-lasting treatments. There are several factors that will influence how long your porcelain veneers last, such as your dental cleaning habits, the type of veneers you have, and certain environmental factors. With the proper care, most patients can enjoy the benefits of porcelain veneers for many years to come.

Although veneers are designed to be strong and long-lasting, they still have the potential to break or fracture like a real tooth. Therefore, biting down on certain types of foods, like ice or nuts, should be avoided. Maintaining your new porcelain veneers can be simple with proper hygiene and routine oral exams to help you keep your smile looking beautiful for many years.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

This procedure is customized for each patient and therefore the cost will vary based on different factors. After discussing your cosmetic goals and dental needs in a consultation, we will provide you with a detailed cost estimate. The overall price will take into consideration the type of dental veneers being placed, the number of veneers utilized, your specific dental needs, and other factors. We accept a wide variety of payment methods and offer dental financing options that can help make your treatment as affordable as possible.

What Alternatives Are There to Porcelain Veneers?

If Dr. Rutherford does not believe porcelain veneers will be beneficial to you, there are likely other advanced dentistry options that can accommodate your needs. We offer a number of procedures that can serve as alternatives for certain conditions and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Patients primarily wishing to correct tooth stains that are not excessively dark or severe may benefit from in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatments. Cosmetic dental bonding is another treatment capable of repairing chips or cracks, and porcelain crowns offer structural and aesthetic improvements by covering damage and discoloration. Dr. Rutherford can talk with you about your goals and determine whether porcelain veneers or an alternative option is the most suitable treatment.

Additional Porcelain Veneers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How old do you have to be to get porcelain veneers?

While there is no age requirement for porcelain veneers, it is typically ideal for younger patients to wait until their jaws, mouth, and teeth have fully developed before having veneers placed.

Does a procedure with porcelain veneers hurt?

At The Art of Dentistry, providing top dental care for each of our patients and creating a beautiful smile is our goal. Dr. Rutherford will do everything possible to minimize any potential discomfort during your porcelain veneers procedure. There is usually some tooth reshaping or reduction necessary before applying the veneer. We can administer a numbing agent to reduce the potential for any pain during the treatment.

How long will the treatment take?

The length of the treatment will vary from individual to individual, depending on how many veneers are being placed and other factors. Porcelain veneer treatments typically require two separate visits. The first visit will detail your treatment plan and begin the steps necessary to create the custom-designed veneer. The second visit will involve the actual placement of the veneer on the affected tooth. Dr. Rutherford will go over all aspects of the process during your consultation.

Can I just get one porcelain veneer or will I need a whole set?

Depending on your general oral health and specific cosmetic goals, you should be able to get as many porcelain veneers as needed to achieve your desired results. Some patients may opt for only one porcelain veneer to correct a particular tooth, while others may need several or a full set of veneers for a smile makeover. No matter how many veneers are included in your treatment, Dr. Rutherford customizes each veneer to blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth for beautiful, natural-looking results. During your consultation, Dr. Rutherford will discuss with you how many porcelain veneers he thinks will be best for your smile goals.

What determines the color of my porcelain veneers?

The color of your porcelain veneers will most likely be determined by the color of your existing teeth. By matching shades, you can receive a consistent and natural-looking smile. Dr. Rutherford can help you select the right shade to compliment your features and match adjacent teeth as much as possible.

Will my porcelain veneers require special care?

As with any dental procedure, our first recommendation is to implement an excellent oral hygiene routine. This can help maintain the health, beauty, and function of your new porcelain veneers. No other special care or maintenance is required.

Can you whiten veneers?

Veneers cannot be whitened as the porcelain material does not respond well to bleaching or whitening treatments; however, porcelain veneers are crafted to be stain-resistant. If you do find that you want your veneers to be a whiter shade, you may have to get them replaced to achieve the look you desire.

Do porcelain veneers stain?

High-quality porcelain veneers, such as the sturdy veneers we offer at The Art of Dentistry, are extremely resistant to discoloration. Other types of veneers that are made of composite resin tend to dull and even turn yellow over time. If you currently have composite veneers and would like them to be replaced with porcelain veneers, Dr. Rutherford would be happy to assist you in the process.

Will porcelain veneers change the way I talk?

Porcelain veneers should not change the way you speak. When adhered properly, veneers should have little to no impact on the way you talk by feeling natural and not disrupting tongue movements.

Are porcelain veneers reversible?

Porcelain veneers are typically considered irreversible because a small amount of tooth material is usually removed before the veneers are placed; however, most patients are greatly satisfied with their results and don’t desire veneer removal.

Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?

The majority of insurance companies will not cover porcelain veneers, which are often considered a purely cosmetic treatment. That said, we still encourage you to check with your insurance company to go over your benefits and see if any coverage is possible. We would also be glad to assist you in communicating with them if necessary.

To learn more about porcelain veneers, please contact The Art of Dentistry today. A member of our staff will be happy to provide you with more information or schedule you a consultation with Dr. Rutherford.