Porcelain Veneers in Murrieta, CA

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surface of a tooth. Unlike a crown, which covers the whole tooth, a veneer covers only the side people see when you smile.

The ADA says veneers can improve teeth that are chipped, stained or slightly crooked, and they can mask small gaps. Porcelain is strong, long-lasting and natural-looking.

Veneers mainly change how a tooth looks. Cleveland Clinic notes they don’t necessarily strengthen or repair a tooth, so a tooth with a lot of damage may be better served by a crown.

Veneers are one part of the cosmetic dentistry care we provide in Murrieta.

Porcelain vs. composite veneers: what’s the difference?

Porcelain veneers are made in a dental lab and tend to last longer, while composite veneers are sculpted right on the tooth from tooth-colored resin. Porcelain usually costs more.

According to the ADA, composite veneers may need less enamel removed and fewer visits, and they’re easier to repair. The tradeoff is that composite isn’t as stain- or wear-resistant as porcelain.

Composite veneers use the same resin as dental bonding, which Cleveland Clinic says typically lasts 3 to 10 years before it needs a touch-up or replacement. Your dentist can help you decide which fits your teeth, goals and budget.

Who is a good candidate for veneers?

You may be a good candidate if your teeth and gums are healthy and you want to change the color, shape or spacing of the teeth that show when you smile.

Cavities and gum disease need treatment first. Cleveland Clinic says veneers are only an option once you’re free of extensive cavities and gum disease, so a visit for gum disease treatment may come before any cosmetic work.

The ADA notes that people who clench or grind their teeth, or who have a deep overbite, may not be good candidates. If crowding is the main concern, moving the teeth with braces or clear aligners may make more sense than covering them.

What are the steps to getting porcelain veneers?

Getting porcelain veneers usually involves a planning visit, a visit to prepare the teeth, and a visit to bond the finished veneers in place.

• Exam and planning. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums, talks through your goals, and helps you choose a shade.
• Preparing the teeth. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front and sides of each tooth so the veneer sits naturally.
• Impression or scan. A mold or digital scan goes to a dental lab, which makes your veneers. Cleveland Clinic notes this can take a few weeks, and temporary veneers may be placed in the meantime.
• Bonding. Your dentist checks the fit, color and bite, makes any adjustments, and bonds each veneer to the tooth.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

With good care, porcelain veneers last about 10 to 15 years on average, according to Cleveland Clinic, and some last longer. The clinic’s guide to bonding gives a range of 10 to 20 years before replacement.

How long yours last depends on your bite, habits like nail biting or chewing on hard objects, and how well you care for your teeth and gums. Composite veneers generally need attention sooner than porcelain.

What happens after 20 years of veneers?

After about 20 years, veneers often need repair, re-bonding or replacement, since the average porcelain veneer lasts about 10 to 15 years. The ADA explains that a veneer may chip, crack, wear down or loosen over time.

Because enamel was removed to place them, your teeth can’t simply go back to how they were. The ADA notes that veneer treatment isn’t reversible, so a worn veneer is usually replaced with a new veneer or another restoration, such as a crown.

The natural tooth underneath can still decay. Both the ADA and Cleveland Clinic point out that cavities can form under or around a veneer, so regular checkups and cleanings help catch problems early.

If a veneer ever feels loose, rough or different, Cleveland Clinic advises calling your dentist right away rather than waiting.

How do you care for veneers?

Care for veneers the way you care for natural teeth: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day, and keep up with regular dental visits.

• Use a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste, as Cleveland Clinic suggests.
• Don’t chew ice, pens or other hard objects, and try not to bite your nails.
• Wear a mouthguard for sports.
• Limit coffee, tea and red wine, which the ADA and Cleveland Clinic both list as common stain sources.
• Skip whitening products on your veneers. They won’t lighten porcelain, and Cleveland Clinic notes they can scratch veneers.

What are the alternatives to veneers?

Depending on your goal, whitening, tooth-colored bonding or fillings, crowns, or straightening may work instead of veneers.

• Professional teeth whitening for yellowing and surface stains on otherwise healthy teeth.
• Tooth-colored bonding or tooth-colored fillings for small chips and repairs. Cleveland Clinic notes bonding usually doesn’t require removing enamel.
• Dental crowns for teeth that are cracked, weak or heavily filled and need strength as well as a better look.
• Braces or clear aligners, such as the Invisalign system, for crooked or crowded teeth.

Questions & answers

Common questions