You may have heard that porcelain veneers are a great way to enhance your smile, but are they the right option for you? What exactly do they repair? How long do they last? There are so many questions regarding veneers and their capabilities that we decided to write a post on some of the most common veneer questions we hear and their answers. As always, feel free to contact our office if your question isn’t answered here, but without further ado, your State College dentist answers frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers.
Do They Stain Easily?
Dental veneers are actually a great way to cover stains or discoloration of your teeth because they are a thin shell made of porcelain that is custom designed to fit over your natural tooth structure. The porcelain is custom blended to match your existing teeth and enhance your smile, and the answer to the question is no – porcelain veneers do not ever stain.
That being said, keep in mind that this means they also don’t respond to whitening treatments. So be sure to discuss with your dentist what shade you would like your permanent smile to be prior to completing your veneer treatment.
What Issues Can Veneers Repair?
Veneers can be used to repair one tooth, or to enhance an entire smile. Some of the common dental issues that veneers are used to repair are:
- Gaps or spacing in between teeth
- Small or misshapen teeth
- Wear or small fractures
- Stains or discoloration
- Small chips or other damage
Consulting with your dental provider is the first place you should start to determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you.
How Long Do They Last?
Veneers are quite durable, and because they’re bonded directly to your tooth they actually add strength to your tooth as well. You’ll be able to brush and floss with your veneers as you always have, and with regular dental check ups your veneers have the potential to last for many years.
Can They Get Cavities?
The dental veneer itself is not susceptible to tooth decay. But remember, the veneer is designed to fit over your tooth, so the natural tooth structure that is behind the veneer, or the lingual side of your tooth, is still susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
For over 25 years Dr. Chris Devlin has been providing high quality dental care to patients in State College, PA. He has years of experience and hundreds of hours of advanced training in creating dream smiles with porcelain veneers. Dr. Devlin can discuss your goals for your smile with you and help you determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you. If veneers are not in your future, there are a number of other treatment options that Dr. Devlin can help you explore.
Call us today; your dream smile awaits you!