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What to Expect After Porcelain Veneers

Undergoing a smile makeover or cosmetic repairs with porcelain veneers can be a big decision, which is why many of Dr. Michael Kosdon’s patients often have a lot of questions. Get his answers to some of the most common inquiries he receives regarding porcelain veneers results and what to expect after treatment.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Immediately following the placement of your porcelain veneers, you may experience some temporary tooth sensitivity. This effect is typically mild and should resolve on its own within a couple of weeks. Ibuprofen and/or brushing with toothpaste for sensitive teeth may provide some relief. Once any tooth sensitivity is gone, you should not experience any problems with your brand new veneers. Your teeth should feel natural, function normally, and look great. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about your veneers, we strongly encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible.

How Strong Are Porcelain Veneers?

Our veneers are made of high-quality porcelain, which is known both for its natural shine and durability. The material is used for cosmetic dentistry procedures to both emulate the appearance of your natural teeth and provide advanced stability and strength. As such, when placed by a top cosmetic dentist, porcelain veneers are typically very strong. Dr. Kosdon also pays close attention to creating a proper bite, which helps prevent unexpected veneer wear and chipping. If you clench/grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, Dr. Kosdon will likely recommend protecting veneers with a mouthguard customized for your needs.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

The high-quality porcelain veneers that Dr. Kosdon places can potentially last for decades with proper care. Some may even last for a lifetime! The durability, strength, and aesthetics of today’s ceramic materials greatly surpass porcelain of the past, which is why Dr. Kosdon exclusively uses high-end ceramics for veneers. When you consider the state-of-the-art materials and fabrication processes our ceramist uses to create porcelain veneers, combined with Dr. Kosdon’s decades of experience designing and placing veneers, it’s easy to understand why these new smiles can remain in top condition for so long.

How Do I Care for My Porcelain Veneers?

While your porcelain veneers will be exceptionally strong, durable, and stain-resistant, they are not invincible. To keep your veneers in great condition, it is important to maintain good dental health. This means not only brushing and flossing twice daily, but attending all of your scheduled dental cleanings and exams (usually twice per year or more), as well. When your dentist recommends dental work, do not wait, as delaying only allows problematic conditions to get worse. Using soft-bristled toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste can also help keep your smile shining bright. As a general rule, avoid biting down on hard substances or using your teeth as tools to prevent accidental damage. Finally, if you have any problems with your veneers, please contact our office as soon as possible so that we can schedule you for an appointment immediately. Any necessary repairs or replacements will be handled with the same attention to detail and quality as your initial procedure.

Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?

Today’s ceramic materials are stain-resistant! This means your high-quality porcelain veneers can remain colorfast and stain-free throughout their lifetime. The occasional polish may be recommended to restore brightness, shine, and luster as needed. It’s also important to note that while natural tooth material yellows with age, your porcelain veneers can remain youthful-looking and bright as the years go by.

Can Porcelain Veneers Be Whitened?

While modern porcelain veneers can be polished to maintain brightness, they cannot be whitened in the same way natural teeth can (i.e., with a teeth whitening treatment). That said, patients rarely desire to whiten their veneers, as they are created to match the teeth’s white shade and do not experience discoloration the way natural teeth do. We also advise you not to try at-home whitening remedies for your veneers, as these usually fail to work and even sometimes contain dubious ingredients.

Are Porcelain Veneers Reversible?

Because the in-depth preparation process for veneers involves the removal of a small amount of enamel, the treatment is not considered reversible; however, the veneers themselves can often be replaced. If you are interested in replacing your veneers, Dr. Kosdon will gladly accommodate you.

If you have additional questions about porcelain veneers, we invite you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosdon. During your appointment, he will take the time to address your unique concerns and explain every aspect of the veneers procedure.

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