What Are Porcelain Veneers & How Do They Work?

Some people are blessed with great dental genes that serve them for their whole lives. But many of us will need restorative dental work from time to time. And one of the most common oral health procedures is the installation of porcelain veneers.

This cosmetic procedure is popular with all kinds of patients, from young to old. But exactly what are porcelain veneers? And are they reliable? In this article, we will delve in to help you decide if porcelain veneers are right for you.

Porcelain Veneer Definition & History

For many patients, tooth decay, tooth discoloration, and poor tooth structure are a daily embarrassment. But a beautiful smile can be found in porcelain veneers!

So, what are porcelain veneers made of? Porcelain veneers are, true to their name, small pieces of porcelain. These pieces are designed to look like natural teeth. However, it is worth noting they are not the same as dental implants.

These thin layers of porcelain are colored and shaped to match to a patient’s natural dental aesthetic. Each piece of thin porcelain is affixed, tooth by tooth, until a full, symmetrical smile is achieved.

The veneer procedure is quick, easy, and pain free. And many patients can enjoy its benefits almost instantaneously.

The concept was first invented by Charles Pincus in 1928. And since then, it has become an immensely popular dental care procedure. In fact, porcelain veneers became the second most requested procedure in the United States in the last few decades.

Surely, porcelain veneers are a massive hit in the dental community.

Porcelain Veneer Durability

Don’t let the “porcelain” in the name fool you. While we commonly think of porcelain as a delicate and fragile material, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The material is crafted to withstand all of the common wear that your teeth experience day to day.

But how long do porcelain veneers last? The good news is there are countless studies on this unique material’s durability.

Unlike temporary veneers, porcelain veneers are intended to last for years.

In fact, porcelain veneers have an average survival rate of 93% over a 15-year period. For the vast majority of patients, it’s possible to enjoy a healthy smile for years. And it’s long before dental intervention is needed.

Porcelain Veneers Color

Porcelain veneers are designed to match the natural tooth color of your smile.

Many patients ask, “Do porcelain veneers stain?” The answer is a resounding no. They have amazing stain resistance. The porcelain is sealed and is non absorbent.

This is what makes them so durable.

So go ahead and enjoy that extra cup of coffee or tea. Your porcelain veneers won’t mind either way! We do want to remind you, though, that porcelain veneers are not a replacement for good oral hygiene. So remember to brush and floss!

Porcelain Veneers Cost

While we’d like to be able to give an exact number, every patient is unique. And every patient’s situation is unique as well. Countless factors will determine the porcelain veneers cost in a patient’s care plan. This includes:

• The number of teeth requiring a porcelain veneer fitting
• What technology is used to model the veneers
• Whether other structural work is needed to support the veneer
• The patient’s dental insurance coverage, premiums, and deductibles
• And more.

Because these factors can determine how involved a dental procedure is, investigation is needed. We recommend speaking with your cosmetic dentist about potential porcelain veneer cost before undergoing a procedure.

Common Porcelain Veneers Brands

If you are wondering what are the best porcelain veneers, we’ve got some great insights:

• Ivoclar is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of porcelain veneers
• Emax is celebrated for its durability
• Empress is a perfectly great brand

Truly, there are many veneer brands to consider when talking with your doctor.

Get a Smile Makeover With Porcelain Veneers

Dr. Courtney Davydyuk has extensive experience guiding patients through the porcelain veneer process. And her successful patient outcomes speak for themselves, with smiles for miles.

Transform your smile with porcelain veneers from Cosmetic Dental Implant Solutions!