You’ve seen them on celebrities and maybe even on friends. Porcelain veneers have a reputation for transforming smiles, and for good reason. But like any dental treatment, they aren’t right for every situation.
At Great Basin Dental in Reno, we believe in being honest with our patients about what veneers can, and cannot, do. If you’re considering veneers, here’s a realistic look at what they offer.
What Exactly Is a Porcelain Veneer?
A veneer is an ultra-thin shell of porcelain that bonds to the front surface of your tooth. It’s like a new face for your smile. We custom-make each veneer to match the color, shape, and size that looks natural on you.
The process usually takes two visits. At the first, we gently remove a tiny bit of enamel from the front of your tooth, about the thickness of a fingernail, so the veneer will sit flush. We take impressions, and you get temporary veneers while the lab crafts your permanent ones. At the second visit, we bond them in place, and you walk out with a brand-new smile.
What Veneers Can Fix
Veneers are remarkably versatile. They can address several common cosmetic concerns:
- Stubborn discoloration: Some teeth don’t respond to professional whitening. Tetracycline stains, deep fluorosis spots, or simply teeth that have darkened with age can be covered beautifully with veneers.
- Small chips: If you have minor damage that doesn’t threaten the health of your tooth, a veneer could cover it flawlessly.
- Gaps between teeth: Veneers can help close small spaces without the need for orthodontics.
- Slightly crooked or misshapen teeth: If a tooth is a little uneven or out of alignment, a veneer could create a more uniform appearance.
- Worn edges: Teeth that have been ground down over time can be built back up to their proper length and shape.
For these issues, veneers are often the most efficient and esthetically pleasing solution. They can completely change the look of your smile in just two appointments.
What Veneers Cannot Fix
This is just as important to understand. Veneers are cosmetic shells. They don’t fix underlying structural or health problems:
- Severe decay: If a tooth has a large cavity, it needs a filling or crown, not a veneer. The decay must be removed first.
- Active gum disease: Veneers are for healthy mouths. If your gums are infected, we’ll need to treat that before we even talk about veneers.
- Large structural damage: A tooth that’s broken down extensively, such as missing a large portion of its structure, usually needs a crown, which covers the entire tooth, not just the front.
- Major bite problems: Veneers can’t fix a bad bite or severe misalignment. That requires orthodontics or other treatments.
- Teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, veneers can chip or crack. We’ll usually recommend a nightguard first or discuss whether veneers are a wise choice at all.
Veneers Are Permanent
We always tell patients this upfront: once we remove that thin layer of enamel to place a veneer, you can’t go back. You’ll need some kind of restoration on that tooth for life.
That’s not a reason to avoid veneers, they’re a fantastic treatment, but it is a reason to be sure. We’ll walk you through the decision carefully, showing you mock-ups and helping you visualize the result before we commit.
The Alternatives
If veneers aren’t right for you, don’t worry. We have other options:
- Professional whitening for simple stains
- Bonding for small chips (less expensive, but less durable)
- Crowns for teeth that need full coverage
Dr. Sievert and Dr. Guillen will sit down with you, examine your smile, and talk through all the possibilities. We don’t push one treatment over another. We present honest choices and let you decide.
A Smile That Fits You
Veneers are a powerful tool, but they’re not magic. They work best when they’re used for the right reasons on the right teeth. If you’re curious about whether veneers could help your smile, come see us. We’ll give you an honest assessment and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your goals, your health, and your budget.
Your ideal smile is within reach. Let’s find the best path to get there, together.