A. Porcelain
veneers can be done in as little as one to two weeks.
Q. Do porcelains veneers discolor over time?
A. Porcelain
veneers
are very strong and the glazed surface is generally impervious to stains. Just like a porcelain
dinner plate can be washed, porcelain veneers can be cleaned and professionally polished to keep them looking great.
Q. How long do porcelain veneers last?
A. Porcelain
veneers
last for many years. As long as the patient exercises proper home care to prevent decay or gum
problems, gets regular professional cleanings at least twice a year and avoids unreasonable force on their teeth, they
can expect many years of service from porcelain veneers.
Q. Can I eat normally with porcelain veneers?
A. You can eat normally with
veneers. Foods like corn, apples, chicken, ribs, fresh fruits and vegetables, carrots, etc.,
are all fine. So are
sandwiches and bagels. You cannot use your teeth to break open nuts or eat stale breads that would
require a hacksaw without causing veneers to develop cracks or actually break. Repeated abuse of veneered teeth will
weaken them and
then, one day, something might break while you are eating a tuna fish sandwich on white bread.
This would only happen if the veneers had been damaged by prior abuse.
Q. What do you do if something happens to a porcelain veneer?
A. If a
veneer chips or cracks, it can usually be repaired successfully. If it completely breaks, it may need to be replaced.
Q. What is the difference between a porcelain veneer and a crown?
A. A classical porcelain
veneer covers just the outside and biting edge of a tooth and requires a minimal amount of
tooth reduction. A crown
would go completely around a tooth and require more then twice the amount of tooth reduction.
That is why we recommend porcelain veneers unless the tooth is extensively decayed beyond the point where a crown
is necessary. Sometimes, in one patient, we use a combination of porcelain veneers and crowns to get the best
most conservative result.
Q. Can a porcelain veneer close spaces between my teeth?
A. Porcelain
veneers are an excellent way to close spaces in between teeth in just two weeks with no
braces.
Q. Can a porcelain veneer make crooked teeth straight?
A. Porcelain
veneers are an excellent way to make crooked teeth straight in just two weeks with no
braces.
