Porcelain Veneers - Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

Porcelain veneers can help make almost every mouth look better. If you have stained or damaged teeth, veneers can help. This article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers.

Q: Can porcelain veneers fix any tooth?

While porcelain veneers can make almost any tooth look better than it currently looks, there are situations in which the tooth is too damaged for the veneers to help. In this type of situation, the cosmetic dentist may recommend that the tooth be removed and may give you other options to help make your smile as beautiful as you’d like it to be.

Q: Does getting veneers hurt?

There can be a slight bit of discomfort during the initial procedure when the cosmetic dentist files down the teeth in order to accommodate for the width of the new veneers. However, having veneers put on is generally not very painful and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.

Q: How long will porcelain veneers last?

The better care you take of your veneers, the longer they’ll last. Most veneers last over 10 years if they’re properly cared for. Practicing good oral hygiene will lengthen the life of your veneers.

Q: How do you take care of veneers?

To start with, it is important that you brush your teeth as you used to, but it is also important to take care of the gums, as the veneer ends right at the gum line. You should make sure that you don’t expose your veneers to forces or sharp impacts, and avoid chewing things that shouldn’t be chewed on, such as ice or finger nails. Grinding your teeth is also bad for veneers, so if you can avoid this it will also help prolong the life of your veneers.

Q: Are porcelain veneers expensive?

The cost of veneers varies from dentist to dentist. It is a good idea to check more than one cosmetic dentist in your area so that you can discover what the average cost for veneers in your area is.

Q: Can veneers fix a gap between teeth?

If the gap is very large, veneers can be put on to minimize the gap, giving you a more natural appearance. If it is a small gap, porcelain veneers can be used to make the gap almost entirely disappear. The answer, then, is yes, veneers can fix gaps in teeth to varying degrees.