Dental Details: 4 Fun Facts About Porcelain Veneers

Have you ever held back a smile because you felt too self-conscious about flaws in your teeth to let anyone see them? If so, your dentist can improve your self-confidence with porcelain veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are color-matched to your natural hue and bonded to the front of your teeth to mask problems. They’re a versatile solution that can improve your appearance by concealing one or more issues simultaneously, making them an incredibly popular treatment.

If you’re on the fence about getting veneers, keep reading to learn 4 facts about them that might sway your mind!

Fact #1: They’re Considered Permanent

Although they can be damaged or eventually worn down, veneers are considered permanent. This is partly because they’re bonded to the front surface of your teeth and aren’t intended to be removed. It’s also worth noting that for them to line up flush against your gums, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate which means it’s an irreversible change. You’ll need to have veneers in place to protect your teeth ongoing.

Fact #2: They’re Resilient

When they’re being created, veneers are coated with a final glaze that’s durable enough to resist a certain amount of staining and breakage. This makes them strong enough to shield the underlying tooth which may already be structurally compromised, preventing potential future harm. That means they can upgrade your looks and support your oral health all at the same time. Plus, they’re known to last 20+ years with the right care, making them an excellent long-term solution.

Fact #3: They’re Versatile

Veneers can be used to address several different aesthetic concerns in your grin, including:

• Stains and blemishes.
• Worn down or misshapen teeth.
• Chips and cracks.
• Small gaps.
• Minor misalignments.

Essentially, they can cover your teeth to hide any problems that you feel are negatively impacting your appearance.

Fact #4: Not Everyone Is a Good Candidate

While they’re an incredibly reliable way to improve your grin, veneers aren’t the right solution for everyone. You might not be able to get them if you have:

• Bruxism. This subconscious teeth-grinding habit can break the ceramic prematurely due to all the added pressure from clenching.
• Significant structural tooth damage. If your pearly white is too decayed or broken, the veneer doesn’t have enough to bond with and can fall off. Tooth repair or replacement may be necessary.
• Crossbite or underbite. These misalignments cause your teeth to take on uneven pressure every time you bite down to chew which can wear down or fracture veneers.
• Poor oral hygiene. If you have issues like cavities or gum disease, these need to be cleaned up, first, because they can impact the results.

With so many benefits to having porcelain veneers, there’s no reason to delay. Contact your dentist and you’ll soon be on your way to having the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell has more than two decades of experience providing patients with a full range of services to enhance their dental well-being, including veneers. He first studied biology at Stetson University and then went on to graduate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He takes a relaxed but effective approach to dentistry to enhance patient comfort and prevent future problems. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, he can quickly identify areas of concern and offer individualized solutions. If you’re interested in porcelain veneers and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (386) 734-8585.