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.

Compare our guides to teeth whitening, clear aligners and dental crowns before discussing which option fits your concern.

A 2021 systematic review estimated ten-year porcelain veneer survival at 95.5%. The review considered fracture, debonding, decay and the need for root canal treatment as reasons for failure. That estimate does not mean every veneer will last ten years or remain free of maintenance. 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. The discussion covers which teeth would be treated, how much tooth preparation is proposed, whether a less invasive option could meet your goal, and what repair or replacement may involve. Impressions or scans help make the custom restorations. The veneers are checked for fit and appearance before bonding, with adjustments when needed.

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.