How do Porcelain Veneers Affect your Teeth?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit over the front of damaged, misshaped, or discolored teeth. Minimal prep is needed, which means the structure of your tooth can be preserved. However, the procedure is not considered reversible. A thin layer of enamel must be removed from your tooth in order for the veneer to lay flush with the nearby teeth, delivering the beautiful, natural look that has made porcelain veneers so popular.

Dr. Jorge Paez is a cosmetic dentist with many years of experience treating patients with porcelain veneers. Due to the unrivalled durability, stain-resistance, and customization options associated with porcelain veneers, he frequently recommends this treatment to patients seeking a long-term solution for improving the appearance of a tooth.

How Invasive are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are minimally invasive, with preparation and placement most often done without the need for anesthesia. With that said, Dr. Paez is sensitive to the needs of those with dental anxiety and will work with you to find the best way of keeping you comfortable at your appointments. At your porcelain veneer prep appointment, Dr. Paez will remove just enough enamel to allow the veneer to sit in line with your natural teeth. To place the veneer, Dr. Paez will gently etch the tooth and then use a bonding agent to secure the veneer to your tooth.

Most patients are considering porcelain veneers because of existing damage or imperfections. When it comes to cracked, crooked, gapped, misshapen, or worn teeth, having a tiny amount of enamel removed in order to restore a more aesthetically pleasing smile is rarely a deterrent to having the procedure.

Can Veneers Ruin your Teeth?

The removal of enamel from your tooth means that you will not be able to revert back to your natural tooth. However, if you are self-conscious about a damaged tooth or teeth, you probably do not intend to remove the veneer and reveal the original tooth.

Tooth sensitivity is a possible effect of having enamel removed at your veneer prep. Typically, sensitivity is temporary and subsides within a few days of getting your porcelain veneer placed.

Dr. Paez takes care to make sure existing oral health issues are resolved before placing veneers and that your veneers do not disrupt your bite or cause gum irritation. As a result, with proper care for your veneers and your oral health, your porcelain veneers can last for many years without affecting the integrity of your teeth.

Is there an Alternative to Porcelain Veneers?

Dental bonding and dental crowns are two alternate methods of addressing imperfections.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a non-invasive method of improving the appearance of teeth. No enamel is removed, so the treatment is reversible. Dr. Paez can achieve beautiful results with dental bonding. However, bonding material is not as strong as porcelain and is susceptible to staining, so you may not enjoy your results as long as you would with a porcelain veneer. With that said, if you do not want to permanently alter your tooth by having enamel removed, dental bonding may be a good solution for you.

Crowns

If you have significant decay or structural issues, a dental crown may be necessary to protect the tooth from further damage and make the tooth functional again. In order for the crown to fit over your whole tooth and blend into your smile, a thin layer of enamel must be removed from multiple surfaces of the tooth. A crown procedure is irreversible, but you get the benefits of regaining the ability to use your tooth and restoring an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Call Us to Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

To find out if porcelain veneers are a solution for your cosmetic dental concerns, call us at 702-737-3553 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Paez. We serve patients in the Summerlin, Spring Valley, and Las Vegas areas.