Smiles @ Southgate
Smiles @ Southgate
5015 111 St NW #1180 · Edmonton, ABCall (780) 540‑9311
Patient smiling confidently, showing bright teeth with porcelain veneers

Blog

What to Know About Porcelain Veneers: Pros and Cons

3 min read

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry solution in Edmonton for those looking to transform their smile. At Smiles at Southgate, we offer porcelain veneers to conceal imperfections and create a balanced, radiant look. Here’s what you should know about the pros and cons of porcelain veneers, the treatment process, and how to decide if they’re the right fit for your goals.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-designed shells made from high-quality ceramic that cover the front surface of your teeth to conceal imperfections and create a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Porcelain veneers can address chips, cracks, stains, gaps, or misshapen teeth, delivering natural-looking and stain-resistant results. We offer porcelain veneers as part of our cosmetic dentistry solutions.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

The benefits of porcelain veneers include providing a natural appearance, enhancing your smile, and being minimally invasive compared to some other cosmetic options. Porcelain veneers are naturally stain-resistant because their surface is non-porous, unlike natural enamel, which can absorb pigments from foods and drinks over time. Veneers can rejuvenate your smile by hiding imperfections such as discoloration, chips, and misalignment. Porcelain veneers are easy to maintain and can last for many years with proper care. Porcelain reflects light in a way that creates a result indistinguishable from natural teeth.

The Process: Getting Porcelain Veneers

Our three-step porcelain veneer process includes consultation and planning, impressions, and placement. The consultation involves assessing your teeth and your goals, followed by designing a personalised veneer plan. During treatment, a small amount of enamel is removed to create a natural fit for your porcelain veneers. Precise impressions are taken and sent to our dental lab where your veneers are custom-crafted. Veneers are bonded to the front surface of your teeth and adjusted for fit, colour, and bite.

Are Porcelain Veneers a Permanent Commitment?

Veneers require the removal of a small amount of enamel, making the procedure a permanent commitment. We discuss the permanence of porcelain veneers fully during your consultation. When veneers do wear down or need to be replaced, removal is usually more complex and may cause sensitivity.

Cosmetic Issues Addressed by Veneers

Veneers can effectively mask severe stains, reshape uneven teeth, and close gaps, making your smile more uniform and attractive. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring a beautiful and functional result.

Durability, Strength, and Maintenance

Porcelain veneers are created from a sturdy porcelain material that is strong and less prone to chipping or cracking compared to thinner options. With proper care, porcelain veneers are a long-lasting solution. Porcelain veneers can transform your smile, enhancing both the aesthetics and the functionality of your teeth. Our cosmetic dental treatments, including porcelain veneers, are crafted to provide results that look and feel natural.

Limitations and Considerations

Porcelain veneers typically are not covered by most dental insurance plans, as they are considered cosmetic, but we offer flexible payment options. Veneers and composite bonding are both practical approaches for correcting imperfections like chips, gaps, or discolouration, but veneers involve a more permanent solution. Comparing porcelain veneers to alternatives like composite bonding and Lumineers involves considering the amount of tooth preparation, reversibility, and strength needed for your specific dental goals. Porcelain veneers require more tooth enamel removal than Lumineers, and are not considered a reversible treatment.

Get Started With Your Porcelain Veneers Consultation

If you are considering porcelain veneers, booking a consultation allows us to assess your unique needs and help you determine if this treatment is right for you. We invite you to call our office at 780-540-9311 to schedule your appointment and ask any questions you may have about porcelain veneers or other cosmetic solutions. Let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Ready for Your Visit?

Book your
appointment today.