Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

When most people think of a smile makeover, they think of the transformative power of dental veneers. After all, veneers are the quintessential cosmetic dentistry service for anyone that wants to boost their confidence and improve the aesthetic appeal of their smile.

If you’re considering veneers, you probably have some questions. Here are the answers to seven very popular questions we often hear.

1. What exactly are veneers, and how do they work?

Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry service that gives teeth a new appearance by covering the visible surface in a tooth-colored material. Parmer Lane Family Dentistry provides porcelain veneers because of their durability, longevity, and realistic appearance.

The veneers are individual, ultra-thin shells of porcelain that have been shaped and colored to resemble the ideal tooth. Veneers are custom-made to ensure your smile looks natural but beautiful.

The best thing about veneers is that they don’t require any special care. Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial, but you’ll be able to care for them just as if they were natural teeth.

2. What type of smile flaws can veneers correct?

Veneers excel at treating a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including:

• Permanent stains, discoloration, and yellowing
• Superficial cracks or lines in the enamel
• Mild crookedness or gaps between teeth
• Oddly shaped or uneven teeth
• Gummy smiles with short teeth

Veneers are very versatile and can be used to treat a couple of teeth or your entire visible smile. They can also complement other cosmetic and restorative procedures. For example, you may have a missing tooth replaced with a dental implant or a broken tooth treated with a porcelain crown, and then use veneers to balance the appearance of your smile around these restorations.

3. Are there any problems that veneers can’t treat?

Veneers aren’t suitable for treating:

• Underbites, overbites, and similar malocclusions
• Crowded and overlapping teeth
• Severe damage from tooth decay
• Missing teeth
• Bruxism 

Generally speaking, veneers just aren’t effective if you have functional alignment issues with your smile or severe cosmetic flaws. Instead, your dentist may recommend orthodontic care, porcelain dental crowns, dental implants, and other solutions for these issues.

4. Can anyone get veneers, or are there requirements?

The ideal veneer candidate is a healthy adult who wants to fix minor to moderate smile flaws. Additionally, candidates should have optimal oral health, meaning no tooth decay, active gum disease, or untreated oral disorders, such as TMJ disorder or bruxism.

If you have some of these problems, that doesn’t mean you’re not a future candidate for veneers – just that you’ll need to get treatment before cosmetic care. Your dentist will offer guidance on what needs to happen to achieve candidacy or, if you’re not a candidate, alternative treatment options so you can still get the smile of your dreams.

5. What is the treatment process like for veneers?

Getting veneers is a straightforward process that your dentist will complete over two different appointments.

During your first appointment, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and prep them for veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel. The prepping process is pain-free and minimally invasive.

After prepping, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to begin the design process for your permanent veneers. These impressions and additional information, such as the desired color for the veneers, will be sent to a dental lab for creation. Finally, you’ll be fitted with a set of temporary veneers to wear until your permanent set is sent back in two to three weeks.

During your second appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary veneers, clean your teeth, and apply the permanent set with a special bonding adhesive. After the permanent veneers are bonded and cured, your dentist will make any necessary touch-ups and check that they fit comfortably. It’s normal to feel a minor, temporary soreness following this appointment as you get used to the feel of your new smile.

After a few weeks of enjoying your new veneers, your dentist may have you return for a follow-up visit to ensure you are happy with their appearance and comfort.

6. How long can I expect my porcelain veneers to last?

Porcelain veneers have a very impressive long-term success rate. Studies show that close to 94% of veneers will survive for a minimum of 10 years, and 83% will last for 20 years. 

Numerous studies have found that three persistent factors shorten the lifespan of veneers: poor oral hygiene, smoking and tobacco use, and bruxism. You can get the longest life from your veneers by maintaining optimal oral health, stopping all tobacco use, and getting treatment for your bruxism.

7. Can I have my veneers removed if I change my mind?

Porcelain veneers are a permanent decision because the treatment process requires the removal of some of your natural tooth enamel. Your natural teeth will always need the protection of veneers. However, if you find yourself unhappy with the appearance of your current veneers, you can have them replaced with a new set.

Schedule your one-on-one dental veneer consultation today.

A consultation is a perfect way to learn more about veneers, get answers to further questions, and find out if you’re a candidate.

Dr. Garcia and her team provide family and cosmetic dentistry in Austin, TX. She can help you achieve your smile makeover dreams and continue to care for your and your family’s oral health for life. Consultations with Dr. Garcia are a pressure-free way to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and the possibility of veneers for your smile.

Book your consultation at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry via phone or online request.