While porcelain veneers can undoubtedly give you a beautiful smile, they also have potential problems. My previous article covered the costs of porcelain veneers and this article discusses common issues with porcelain veneers and what you should consider before getting them.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells glued to the front of your teeth and as a result, they can improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, chipped, or misshapen. Veneers are custom-made for each patient and are designed to look natural and match the colour of your other teeth.

Potential Problems with Porcelain Veneers

Dentine Hypersensitivity

You may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after fitting the veneers. This sensitivity can be caused by removing all the enamel during the preparation for the veneers. This problem is virtually eliminated if the teeth are straightened beforehand.

Tooth Decay

Porcelain veneers can also increase your risk of tooth decay. The bond between the veneer and the tooth is strong but not invincible. If bacteria get between the veneer and the tooth, it can cause decay. This problem is virtually eliminated if the teeth are straightened beforehand. It would be best to visit your dentist/dental therapist every year.

Chipping and Cracking

Porcelain veneers can still chip or crack when you bite down on something hard or grind your teeth. If a veneer chips or cracks, it will need to be replaced. This risk is reduced by:

• Wearing a hard bite guard at night.
• Being careful about biting into hard things and cutlery.
• Ensuring your teeth are straight before the veneers are placed.

Discolouration

Porcelain veneers can still become discoloured over 15-25 years. This will happen if you consume foods or drinks that stain, such as coffee or red wine. If this happens, the veneers may need to be replaced.

What You Should Consider Before Getting Porcelain Veneers

Before getting porcelain veneers, there are a few things you should consider:

The Cost

Porcelain veneers are more expensive (£1000-£2500) than composite bonding because they are much more durable and far more stain resistant. This is because they are custom-made in a dental laboratory using porcelain instead of composite.

The Procedure

Getting porcelain veneers is a multi-step process that requires the preparation of your teeth and multiple appointments with your dentist. Therefore, you should be prepared for the time and effort involved in the process.

The Long-Term Maintenance

Porcelain veneers are not a permanent solution and will need to be replaced at some point. However, they are likely to last a minimum of 3 times as long as composite bonding and require much less maintenance. Therefore, you should be prepared for the long-term care and cost of replacing them.

As a specialist dentist, I have seen many patients who have had problematic porcelain veneers. One patient, in particular, stands out to me. She came to me after experiencing sensitivity and pain with her veneers. You can read more about her treatment here.

Porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful smile but also have potential problems. Before getting veneers, it's essential to consider the cost, the procedure, and the long-term maintenance. If you decide to get veneers, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dental hygienist/therapist every 4-6 months to prevent decay and other issues. Please complete the form below for further information OR to request a free virtual consultation.