Porcelain veneers in Vancouver.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made restorations bonded to the front surfaces of selected teeth to change aspects of shape or appearance. Unlike a crown, a veneer does not cover the tooth as extensively. The enamel available for bonding and the way your teeth meet help determine whether a veneer is suitable.

If enamel is removed during preparation, that change is irreversible. The veneer itself is not guaranteed to last forever and may need repair or replacement. Before treatment, we discuss the proposed preparation and long-term maintenance, not only the appearance of the first result.

Your natural teeth remain underneath and still need care. Porcelain cannot develop a cavity, but decay can affect the tooth around a restoration's edges, and gum problems can still occur. We assess dental health, cleaning access and the amount of preparation before deciding whether veneers are appropriate.

These options address different concerns. A veneer changes the visible surface, a crown may address greater structural damage, and clear aligners move teeth. If position is the main concern, moving teeth may avoid disguising it with restorations; if colour is the main concern, whitening may be enough. We compare options against the change you actually want.

Research shows that about 95 in 100 porcelain veneers remain in place after ten years. This does not mean they need no maintenance or that every veneer lasts that long. Fracture or debonding can require repair or replacement, and your teeth, bite, bonding conditions and ongoing care affect longevity.

Veneer planning starts with your goals and an assessment of the teeth, gums and bite. Photographs and other records help us consider tooth proportions, gum levels and lip movement. A preview or mock-up may be used where appropriate, and the planned appearance, tooth preparation and appointment sequence are explained before treatment.

Maintain regular cleaning and dental visits, and avoid using your teeth to open packaging or bite hard objects. Discuss grinding or clenching and whether protection is appropriate; a night guard does not guarantee that veneers cannot fracture. Report changes in your bite, looseness or damage rather than trying to repair a veneer at home.