Porcelain Veneers: FAQs

Placing Porcelain Veneers is one of the simplest and most effect way to improve a smile. As with any dental procedure, it’s best to ask questions and to know what to expect before getting it done, so that your expectations are met and you have the best outcome possible. Here are some questions that our patients ask when they are thinking about having Porcelain Veneers placed:

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain, about as thin as a rose petal, that are placed directly onto a tooth to improve the appearance of the tooth.

Why Are Porcelain Veneers Used?

Porcelain Veneers are used to correct a variety of problems. There are many situations when a simple veneer can make a big difference, such as:

• changing the color of a discolored tooth
• improving the shape of a chipped, fractured or otherwise damaged tooth
• changing the contour of a tooth
• filling gaps between teeth
• improving bite-related problems
• replacing worn enamel on a tooth
• improving the appearance of tooth alignment
• covering teeth that don’t respond to whitening or bleaching treatments

What is the Process Used to Place Porcelain Veneers?

During the initial visit, you and Dr. Stone talk about your goals and expectations. He answers your questions and assesses the health of your teeth, to make sure that you are a good candidate for veneers.

An x-ray and dental impression will be taken so that a perfect veneer can be made. We have an in-house laboratory that ensures a perfectly crafted veneer, as well as lower costs and no waiting for an outside lab.

At your next visit, the veneer will be put into place. A very thin layer of the tooth (less than a millimeter) is removed to make room for the veneer.

Before the veneer is permanently placed on the tooth, it will be placed with a temporary bonding agent, to make sure that it fits properly and looks great. The veneer will be shaped and contoured until it is a perfect fit.

Once the fit is perfect, the tooth is cleaned, polished and etched so that the Porcelain Veneer will bond to the rough surface of the tooth. The veneer is placed on the tooth with a special resin that hardens when placed under a curing light.

Dr. Stone will ask you to come back for a final assessment, to make sure that the Porcelain Veneer looks and feels good.

Is the Porcelain Veneer Process Painful?

No. For people with sensitive teeth, a local anesthetic may be used to avoid discomfort. Sometimes, people with sensitive teeth will experience some sensitivity to hot or cold. This will resolve in a few days.

How Do You Care for Porcelain Veneers?

The care for Porcelain Veneers is much the same as for natural teeth. Brushing, with a non-abrasive toothpaste, and flossing are all that you need to do at home. Regular check-ups and professional cleaning, as recommended by Dr. Stone, will keep veneers looking wonderful.

What are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?

• Veneers look and feel like natural teeth (only you know that there is a veneer in place)
• Porcelain Veneers are stain resistant, even to coffee and tea stains
• Veneers are strong and resilient and last five to ten years, or longer
• Your natural tooth remains in place, so there is no bone loss
• The procedure is simple, with beautiful and natural looking results

What are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers?

• The process is not reversible but new veneers can be put in place, if needed
• The tooth under the veneer can decay, like any natural tooth
• Like natural teeth, veneers can chip. If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Stone can make a mouth guard to protect your teeth.

What is the Cost of Porcelain Veneers?

The cost of Porcelain Veneers range from $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on where you live and who places the veneer. Some insurance companies will pay for a portion of veneer placement.

Considering how natural they look, how long they last and how resilient they are, Porcelain Veneers are worth the cost.

How Do I Know If Porcelain Veneers Are Right For Me?

The best way to know if Porcelain Veneers are right for you, is to come in for an assessment. Discussing how you want to improve your smile and what options are available, is a good start. Dr. Stone and his staff are available to answer your questions and help put together a treatment plan that works for you.