Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent? Everything You Need to Know About Veneers

In past decades, cosmetic dentistry was mostly reserved for celebrities and people with deep financial pockets. However, modern advances in cosmetic dental procedures have made these life-changing aesthetic treatments more accessible and affordable. There’s no reason anyone should settle for a smile they don’t love. If your front teeth don’t look exactly how you want them to look, porcelain veneers may be the answer you’ve been looking for. 

Porcelain Veneers Explained

To make porcelain veneers, technicians use durable ceramic porcelain reduced to a thin shell that is nearly translucent. The veneers are custom-made to match your teeth’ natural shape and color accurately. Then, dentists use a special bonding agent to make these veneers adhere to teeth shaved down for veneers. 

Porcelain Veneers: A Permanent Solution

Before porcelain veneers can be bonded to your teeth, the dentist has to remove a small amount of your natural dental enamel. This ensures that the veneers have a natural appearance. When a tiny bit of enamel is removed, the veneers sit flush with the gum line. This keeps the teeth from looking unnatural or bulky. Also, the veneers adhere more securely to your teeth when removing some of the enamel. Since dental enamel is removed to place veneers, veneers are a permanent solution that cannot be reversed. 

A Fix for More Than Just Stained Teeth

Porcelain veneers are well-known as a solution for covering teeth that have been stained or discolored by aging, decay, tobacco use, and foods. However, veneers can also be useful in disguising or camouflaging other aesthetic dental issues, including:

• Teeth that are oddly shaped
• Gummy smiles
• Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Teeth with gaps between them
• Slightly crooked teeth
• Worn-down teeth

The Durability of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is similar in strength and hardness to dental enamel. For this reason, porcelain is considered the best material for dental veneers. The porcelain used to make veneers is made with medical-grade ceramic. This material is resistant to cracking or chipping, along with the normal wear and tear that your teeth endure daily. 

A Long-Lasting Cosmetic Dental Solution

Porcelain is naturally stain-resistant, so with proper care, your veneers will look beautiful for many years. In terms of durability, porcelain veneers can last for between 10 and 15 years. To help your veneers last as long as possible, avoid biting your nails, chewing on hard foods or objects, and grinding your teeth. Equally important, continue visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups. 

Your Best Choice for Porcelain Veneers in Granite Bay, California

If you’re curious about whether porcelain veneers are permanent, Granite Bay, CA, Dr. Colby Smith and the staff at Granite Bay Dentistry are here to answer this and any other questions you have about veneers and cosmetic dentistry. Call (916) 735-4720 to schedule your consultation today.

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