How Do Porcelain Veneers Work? A Cosmetic Dentist In Plano Explains

By now, most people have heard about what a fantastic option porcelain veneers are for transforming the appearance of their teeth. In fact, a cosmetic dentist in Plano can use them to mask everything from chips, cracks, stains and gaps to completely change the way your smile looks. However, it’s still quite common to have questions beforehand such as “How are porcelain veneers adhered to my teeth?” and “What is the procedure like?” In this blog, you’ll get the answers to those questions and more so you have the information you need to make the best decision. Learn more below!

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are strong, thin shells of porcelain that are custom-created in a dental lab. You and your dentist will choose the size, shape, and color so your veneers blend in with your smile and look very natural. Then they’re cemented to the front surfaces of your teeth and are considered a semi-permanent restoration. With proper care, including good oral hygiene habits and regular checkups, they can last 10-15 years. 

What Is the Procedure Like? 

After you’ve had a consultation to make sure veneers are a good choice for you, the procedure is done in two visits. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Although veneers are very thin, they still add an additional layer of thickness to your teeth. To create room for them, the first step is numbing the area and prepping your teeth by removing a small amount of surface enamel. 
• Then impressions will be taken to send to the dental lab. They’ll create your veneers to the exact size, color and shape specifications provided by your dentist. 
• Temporary veneers will be put on so that your teeth look and function normally until your second visit. 
• Then you’ll return about 1-2 weeks later to have your permanent veneers cemented into place. The type of cement used is very similar to what’s used to secure dental crowns, so it’s very strong and durable. 

Do Porcelain Veneers Damage Your Natural Teeth? 

Porcelain veneers don’t damageyour natural teeth, but they do alter them by removing a layer of surface enamel. In fact, porcelain veneers are considered non-reversible because you wouldn’t want to remove your old veneers for any reason without putting new veneers on. Although your natural teeth underneath are still healthy, they’ll always need a veneer or other type of restoration to act as a protective outer layer. 

Having said that, porcelain veneers are considered much less invasive and more conservative than options like dental crowns, which involve removing a lot more of your natural tooth structure. 

And with nothing more than basic care and maintenance, you’ll be able to maintain your porcelain veneers and enjoy your beautiful smile for many years! 

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali is a general and cosmetic dentist in Plano and a firm believer in the power of an attractive smile to enhance her patients’ self-confidence. From the initial placement to long-term maintenance, she always educates her patients on how to keep their veneers looking great for many years. If you’re considering porcelain veneers and have any questions, she can be reached via her website.