Porcelain Veneers 101: What They Are, How They Work, and Who They Help

Veneers are one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures in the country, and for good reason. A well-made veneer can cover discoloration, close small gaps, and reshape a chipped or worn tooth in as few as two or three visits. But veneers are also a permanent commitment, since a small amount of natural enamel is removed to make room for them, so it is worth understanding exactly what they are and whether you are a good candidate before you book a consultation.

Here is what you need to know about veneers, from the materials your dentist can choose from to how to make them last.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of a tooth. They are shaped and shaded to mimic the look of natural enamel, then bonded directly onto the tooth to improve its appearance, correct minor damage, and add a layer of protection. Because a thin layer of enamel is typically removed to make room for the shell, veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic procedure.

Veneers differ from crowns in one important way: a veneer only covers the front, visible surface of the tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth. That makes veneers a more conservative option when the underlying tooth structure is still healthy and only the appearance needs correcting.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: What’s the Difference?

Veneers are typically made from either porcelain or composite resin, and each option comes with tradeoffs.

• Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and tend to last longer, which is why they are also the more expensive option. They are custom-fabricated in a dental lab from an impression of your teeth.
• Composite resin veneers are more affordable and can often be completed in a single visit, since the material is sculpted directly onto the tooth. They typically require less enamel removal but are more prone to staining and chipping over time than porcelain.

Your dentist can help you weigh cost, durability, and the number of visits involved to decide which material fits your smile goals and budget.

Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are commonly used to address one or more of the following concerns:

• Yellow or otherwise discolored teeth that don’t respond well to whitening
• Short teeth, or teeth that appear worn down
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Enamel damage from wear, acid erosion, or old fillings

Veneers are also popular among adults dealing with the cosmetic effects of long-term gum disease. Gum disease is far more common than most people realize: the CDC estimates that nearly 42% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontitis, which over time can change the appearance of the gumline and the teeth it supports. If gum disease is active, it needs to be treated before any cosmetic work, including veneers, so your dentist will check the health of your gums first.

Veneers are a purely cosmetic and restorative option, so if you are also dealing with misaligned teeth, your dentist may recommend Invisalign first, or alongside your veneer treatment, to make sure the final result lines up correctly.

What Happens During the Veneer Process

Getting veneers is typically completed over two to three visits to your cosmetic dentist:

• Consultation: your dentist examines your teeth and gums, discusses your goals, and may take X-rays or digital impressions to plan your veneers.
• Preparation: a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth being treated, then an impression is taken and sent to a dental lab if you are getting porcelain veneers. You may wear temporary veneers while your permanent set is fabricated.
• Placement: your dentist bonds the finished veneer to your tooth, then checks your bite and trims the edges for a natural, comfortable fit.

Composite veneers can often skip the lab step entirely, since your dentist sculpts and bonds the material chairside in a single appointment.

Benefits of Veneers

• A natural-looking way to correct discoloration, chips, gaps, and wear in a single treatment
• Porcelain veneers resist staining better than natural enamel, so your results stay bright
• Less tooth structure is removed compared with a crown
• Results are immediate and can dramatically improve confidence in your smile
• With good care, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade

Veneers vs. Bonding vs. Crowns: Which Is Right for You?

Veneers are not the only way to improve the appearance of a damaged tooth, and your dentist may recommend a different option depending on how much of the natural tooth structure remains:

• Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin applied directly to the tooth. It is more affordable and reversible, but less durable and stain-resistant than porcelain veneers. Good for minor chips or small cosmetic fixes.
• Veneers cover just the front surface of the tooth and are a good middle ground when the tooth is cosmetically compromised but structurally sound.
• Crowns cover the entire tooth and are typically recommended when a tooth is significantly decayed, cracked, or has had a root canal.

You can read more about dental bonding or dental crowns on our site, or ask about any of these options at your next cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Why Veneers Should Always Be Placed by a Licensed Dentist

In recent years, some non-dental businesses and social media personalities have marketed themselves as “veneer technicians” offering veneer-like products without a dentist involved. The American Dental Association has publicly warned against this trend, noting that veneer placement is an irreversible procedure that alters the tooth structure and should only be performed by a licensed dentist who can properly diagnose your oral health first. Risks associated with unsupervised treatment include infection from improperly sterilized materials, nerve damage, and veneers placed over untreated decay or active gum disease.

At Railroad Dental Associates, every veneer case starts with a full evaluation by a licensed dentist to confirm your teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment before any enamel is removed.

Caring for Your Veneers

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. You can still get cavities under or around a veneer, since the rest of the tooth is still natural enamel.
• Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging or bite down on very hard objects, which can chip a veneer.
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a nightguard to protect your investment.
• Keep up with routine dental visits so your dentist can check the seal and condition of your veneers over time.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With good care and routine dental visits, porcelain veneers commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer before they need to be replaced. Composite veneers typically have a shorter lifespan, often in the 5 to 7 year range, since the material is more prone to staining and chipping. Either way, veneers are not a “set it and forget it” treatment. The teeth underneath still need the same daily care and regular checkups as the rest of your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental veneers made of?

Veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain is more stain-resistant and durable, while composite is more affordable and can often be applied in a single visit.

Are veneers permanent?

Yes. Because a thin layer of enamel is removed to place them, veneers are considered a permanent, irreversible cosmetic procedure.

How many visits does it take to get veneers?

Porcelain veneers typically take two to three visits, including a consultation, preparation and impressions, and final placement. Composite veneers can often be completed in a single visit.

Can you get a cavity under a veneer?

Yes. A veneer only covers the front surface of the tooth, so the surrounding and underlying tooth structure still needs regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.

How long do veneers last?

Porcelain veneers commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care, while composite veneers typically last 5 to 7 years.

Schedule a Veneers Consultation

If you are ready to talk about whether veneers are right for your smile, our team at Railroad Dental Associates is here to help. Learn more on our veneers page, or call our Manassas Park, VA office at (703) 365-0230 to schedule a consultation. You can also request an appointment online.