Porcelain Veneers & Crowns

What is the difference between porcelain veneers and crowns?

The biggest difference between porcelain veneers and crowns is the amount of tooth structure that needs to be prepared to allow for cementation of the restorations. Porcelain veneers tend to be a more conservative approach to altering and rejuvenating the appearance of your teeth. Otherwise when looking at a crown and a porcelain veneer side-by-side in the mouth, you should not be able to tell the difference.

But not everyone is a candidate for porcelain veneers: The best way to find out if you are is to speak with your dentist.

Do porcelain veneers feel like real teeth?

Porcelain is very similar to natural enamel in the way it looks and reflects light. When the tongue runs across a porcelain veneer, it should feel very similar to natural tooth. Veneers are custom made to fit against your teeth, which also promote a natural appearance and sensation when speaking, chewing and when the mouth is at rest.

How do you care for porcelain veneers?

The best way to care for your porcelain veneers is to treat them like your normal teeth. To prevent chipping of your veneers, avoid chewing on hard objects, like your fingernails or ice. Veneers are more resistant to stains compared to natural enamel. Veneers should be cleaned just like your own natural teeth with regular flossing and brushing and visits to the dentist. A night guard should also be utilized to protect the porcelain from grinding when you sleep.

Can porcelain veneers fall off?

A porcelain veneer can fall off. This can happen as a result of:

• Tooth clenching and grinding.
• Facial injury in which a strong impact is made to the mouth.
• Tooth decay at the margin of the veneer.
• Damaged caused by chewing or biting on hard objects such as a pen cap or ice.
• Frequently eating sticky or chewy candies that are bitten into with front teeth.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers are typically very durable. These tooth-covers withstand normal wear very well. However, they do not last forever. Patients can expect to need veneer replacement 10 to 15 years after the initial procedure. If veneers do not receive excellent daily care, they may need to be replaced in as little as 5 to 7 years.

Can I drink coffee with porcelain veneers?

One of the advantages of porcelain veneers is that this material is a bit more stain resistant than natural enamel. This is because porcelain is nonporous, so there are no tiny tubules into which debris can settle. Patients may enjoy coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth. Keep in mind that these substances can stain enamel. If a natural tooth sits next to a tooth that has a veneer, the natural tooth will likely become dull and discolored over time compared to the veneer.

Is it painful to get veneers?

To get porcelain veneers is not painful. Because the process does involve the slight reduction of enamel, patients may experience mild, temporary tooth sensitivity during their treatment process. Once the veneers have been in place for a few days, this effect should go away.