Veneers

Veneers are designed to be a permanent fixture on the surface of teeth. The bonding agent used to attach the porcelain to the tooth needs a rough surface to stick. To create this roughened surface, Dr. Sharma will have to sand the delicate enamel that covers the tooth.

Once the surface has been prepared, she’ll attach the bonding agent to the tooth and apply the veneer to it. The veneer will be allowed to cure so the bonding agent has time to firmly secure the two surfaces together. Once the process is finished, the veneer will remain in place permanently.

On average, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years. 20+ is years is possible with top-tier oral hygiene and no damaging habits.

Pros of Porcelain Veneers

• Natural-Looking Aesthetics – Mimic the translucency and shine of real teeth for a seamless smile.
• Stain Resistance – Porcelain resists coffee, wine, and tobacco stains better than natural enamel or composite.
• Durability – With good care, they can last 10 to 15 years or more.
• Minimally Invasive – Requires less tooth reshaping than crowns while still delivering dramatic results.
• Custom Fit & Versatility – Corrects chips, gaps, discoloration, uneven shapes, and mild misalignment in one solution.

Cons of Porcelain Veneers

• Irreversible Procedure – Some enamel must be removed, so veneers are a permanent commitment.
• Higher Cost – More expensive than composite veneers, especially for multiple teeth.
• Potential for Damage – While durable, they can still chip or crack under pressure (e.g., nail biting, grinding).
• Not a Fix for Major Issues – Not suitable for severe misalignment, decay, or major structural problems.
• May Require Replacement Over Time – Even well-maintained veneers typically need replacing after 10–15 years.

The average lifespan of composite veneers is typically 5 to 7 years. With great care and no bad habits (like grinding or nail biting), some can last up to 10 years.

Benefits of Composite Veneers

Pros of Composite Veneers

• More Affordable – Typically less expensive than porcelain veneers, making them budget-friendly.
• Quick Application – Often completed in a single visit, with immediate results.
• Minimally Invasive – Usually requires little to no enamel removal, and is sometimes reversible.
• Easily Repairable – If chipped or damaged, composite can be repaired directly without replacing the entire veneer.
• Customizable in Real Time – Can be sculpted and adjusted chairside during the appointment.

Cons of Composite Veneers

• Shorter Lifespan – Less durable than porcelain veneers. Typically lasts 5 to 7 years.
• More Prone to Staining – Composite material absorbs stains more easily, especially from coffee, tea, and wine.
• Less Natural Shine – Doesn’t mimic the light-reflecting quality of natural enamel as well as porcelain.
• Can Wear Down Faster – May chip or wear more easily, especially for patients who grind their teeth.
• May Require More Maintenance – To keep them looking fresh, touch-ups or polishing may be needed more often than with porcelain.

Since veneers require a natural tooth structure to bond to, no, veneers are not a solution for missing teeth.

Here’s Why

• Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of existing teeth.
• If a tooth is missing, there’s nothing for the veneer to attach to.

Alternative Options for Missing Teeth

• Dental Implants – Permanent, natural-looking replacements anchored in the jawbone.
• Bridges – Fill the gap using crowns on adjacent teeth.
• Dentures or Partial Dentures – For multiple missing teeth or full arches.

If Missing One or More Teeth, Veneers May Still Be An Option

Veneers can be combined with implants or bridges as part of a full smile transformation. For example:

A patient with several healthy front teeth and one missing tooth might get veneers on the natural teeth and a matching crown on the implant to complete the look.