Top 10 Questions About Porcelain Veneers

Do you have questions about porcelain veneers? We have answers! 

First, let’s make sure you know what veneers are. Porcelain veneers are thin, strong ceramic coverings that fit over front teeth to permanently makeover a smile. They can go on top and/or bottom teeth. Each veneer is handmade to look, feel, fit, and function like a natural tooth. If you have stubborn dental stains, chips, minor overlapping, or wide spacing between front teeth, veneers can give you a completely new look. Your confidence will soar, and you’ll love showing off your head-turning smile!

We investigated the top 10 questions people ask in Google Search when they want to learn more about porcelain veneers. In today’s blog, we will answer these top 10 questions about veneers:

1. Who is a candidate for veneers?
2. How much do they cost?
3. Does getting veneers hurt?
4. How long do they last?
5. Is there a downside?
6. Can I eat an apple with veneers? Can I drink coffee and red wine with veneers?
7. Can the dentist put me to sleep while I get my veneers?
8. How do I care for porcelain veneers?
9. Can I get cavities with veneers?
10. What happens to the natural teeth?

If your question isn’t addressed in this blog, call Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA, at 678-736-8633. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions or schedule a one-on-one consultation so that you can ask Dr. Silverman or Dr. Morton all of your questions.

1. Who is a candidate for veneers?

Anyone with generally good overall and oral health may qualify. Severe dental misalignment, chronic bruxism (grinding and clenching teeth), and thin tooth enamel may disqualify a patient from candidacy. Also, patients who habitually chew on their fingernails, ice, or non-food items need to break their habit prior to getting veneers. These bad habits can harm veneers, as well as natural teeth.

In addition, veneers are only for patients who have fully developed dentition. This means that we prefer to place them on male patients who are over 18 and female patients over age 14-16. Due to jaw growth, teeth move up until these age ranges. Placing veneers on a patient whose jaw is still growing will result in crooked veneers. There is no upper age restriction.

2. How much do they cost?

In all transparency, veneers are costly. However, they are permanent and can allow a patient to avoid the expense of braces, bonding, crowns, and teeth whitening. (Veneers repel stains better than natural enamel. It’s a good idea to whiten your teeth prior to selecting a shade for your veneers. This will ensure that your veneers match your brightest smile.) The cost is reasonable in light of these facts. 

Insurance does not pay for cosmetic dentistry, and this is considered a cosmetic procedure. We offer low- and no-interest financing options for patients who need to make payments for their dental work. If you need financing, please ask!

3. Does getting veneers hurt?

No. We don’t ever want our patients to be in pain. We offer local anesthesia, as well as sedation dentistry for patients concerned about pain or anxiety. If you fear the dentist or have physical pain sitting through a dental procedure, ask us about sedation dentistry.

4. How long do they last?

Porcelain veneers can last 20 years or more if the patient consistently practices daily oral hygiene at home and attends six-month exams and cleanings. Some estimates extend the lifespan of veneers to 30 years. 

5. Is there a downside?

Before placement, teeth must be prepared. This entails removing some tooth enamel to make space for the veneers to line up properly with neighboring natural teeth. Because prep is necessary, this is a non-reversible procedure. Veneered teeth will always need a veneer or dental crown to remain strong and healthy, and to provide comfortable oral function.

6. Can I eat an apple with veneers? Can I drink coffee and red wine with veneers?

Yes and yes! However, if you eat apples, carrots, and other crunchy foods regularly, we suggest cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Eventually, coffee, tea, and red wine may alter the color, as well as your natural teeth. Remember that dental restorations will not whiten with chemical teeth whitening systems. Only natural tooth enamel can be whitened.

7. Can the dentist put me to sleep while I get my veneers?

We offer sedation for anxious patients. 

With sedation dentistry, you can opt for an oral sedative, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation. We don’t “put you under,” though. IV sedation puts patients in a twilight state, so he remains able to respond to instructions. The patient may remember little, if any, of the procedure once the sedative wears off.

8. How do I care for porcelain veneers?

Care is simple! Treat your veneers like natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss once, and see Dr. Silverman or Dr. Morton for checkups and cleanings every six months. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and your toothpaste of choice. Avoid whitening toothpastes. They will not be effective at whitening porcelain and can actually scratch your veneers.

9. Can I get cavities with veneers?

Veneers, like all dental restorations, cannot get cavities. If the seal of a dental crown or porcelain veneer is interrupted and bacteria gets beneath the restoration, a cavity can form. This is rare, and it’s another great reason to visit Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA, for six-month checkups and cleanings. The earlier we find tooth decay, the less invasive the treatment will be. 

10. What happens to the natural teeth?

Before placing veneers, teeth must be prepared. This involves removing some tooth enamel. Once a veneer is placed, it’s permanently sealed to the front of a tooth. The prepped tooth, then, is protected. 

Remember, veneers are non-reversible. Once you decide to have a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, the treated teeth will always need a protective covering, like a veneer or crown. Veneers can last well beyond 20 years.

Discuss Veneers with a Cosmetic Dentist

Are you interested in porcelain veneers? A brilliant smile with straight, white teeth will boost your confidence in personal, social, and professional pursuits. Studies show that people with an attractive smile are more likely than others to seem intelligent, friendly, wealthy, happy, healthy, and successful.

Call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA, today at 678-736-8633 to schedule an appointment with Dr. SIlverman or Dr. Morton. The dentist will take time to answer all of your questions and conduct a thorough oral health exam to determine your candidacy for veneers. You deserve an unforgettable smile!