VENEER FAQs
 
Everything you want to know about porcelain veneers — answered by dentists who focus on veneers every day.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, porcelain veneers are the primary focus of our practice. Our doctors have been involved in thousands of veneer cases, including minimal-prep veneers, no-prep veneers, replacement veneers, worn teeth, crooked teeth, gaps and complete smile makeovers.
 
Below are answers to the questions patients ask us most often about veneers, smile design, cost, tooth preparation, longevity and choosing a cosmetic dentist.
 
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COST & FINANCING
 
1. How much does a smile makeover cost?
 
The cost of a smile makeover depends primarily on how many teeth are being treated and whether any additional procedures are needed. At Da Vinci Dental, porcelain veneers are $1,850 per tooth.
 
For example:
 
4 veneers = $7,400
6 veneers = $11,100
8 veneers = $14,800
10 veneers = $18,500
12 veneers = $22,200
 
The right number of veneers is different for every patient. We look at how many teeth show when you smile, the width of your smile, the color of the untreated teeth, tooth proportions and the overall result you want.
 
A wider smile may require more veneers than a narrower smile because we generally want the transition between porcelain and natural teeth to occur outside the most visible part of the smile.
 
Learn more: Porcelain Veneers Cost & Smile Makeover Pricing →
 
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2. How much do porcelain veneers cost per tooth?
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Porcelain veneers at Da Vinci Dental currently cost $1,850 per tooth. The total treatment fee is determined largely by the number of veneers needed to create the desired smile.
 
A patient receiving eight veneers, for example, would have a veneer fee of $14,800. Ten veneers would be $18,500.
 
Price is important, but patients should also consider what is included in treatment, the dentist’s experience, the amount of natural tooth preparation, the porcelain being used, who designs the smile and the quality of the practice’s actual before-and-after results.
 
Learn more: How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost Per Tooth? →
 
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3. Are veneers or Invisalign more expensive?
 
Veneers and Invisalign have very different costs because they accomplish different things, so neither treatment is automatically more expensive in every case.
 
Invisalign moves the patient’s natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can change the visible color, shape, size, proportions and apparent alignment of the teeth at the same time.
 
Someone who needs orthodontic movement alone may be better served by Invisalign. Someone seeking a more complete cosmetic transformation may find veneers accomplish changes that orthodontics cannot.
 
The correct comparison is therefore not simply price. It is which treatment actually solves the patient’s concerns.
 
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4. Does dental insurance cover porcelain veneers?
 
Dental insurance usually does not cover porcelain veneers when they are performed primarily for cosmetic reasons.
 
Coverage can vary when a tooth also requires restoration for structural or functional reasons, but patients should not assume cosmetic veneer treatment will be covered.
 
We recommend checking the specific benefits of your plan directly with your insurance provider.
 
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5. What financing options are available for porcelain veneers?
 
Financing can allow qualified patients to divide the cost of porcelain veneers into monthly payments rather than paying the entire treatment fee at once.
 
Da Vinci Dental works with financing providers including Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit. Available terms and approval depend on the financing company and the individual applicant.
 
Because programs and promotional terms can change, current financing options should be reviewed when treatment is being planned.
 
Learn more: Veneer Financing & Monthly Payment Options →
 
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VENEERS VS. OTHER TREATMENTS
 
6. What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
 
A porcelain veneer primarily covers the visible front and portions of the sides of a tooth, while a dental crown surrounds essentially the entire visible portion of the tooth. Crowns therefore usually require substantially more tooth preparation.
 
Veneers are commonly used when the underlying tooth is relatively healthy but the patient wants to improve color, shape, proportions, spacing or alignment.
 
Crowns may be appropriate when a tooth has significant decay, fracture, structural weakness or extensive previous dental treatment.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, preserving healthy natural tooth structure is extremely important to us. When veneers are appropriate, we focus on minimal-prep and no-prep approaches whenever the individual case allows.
 
Learn more: Veneers vs. Crowns →
 
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7. Veneers vs. Invisalign for crooked teeth: which is better?
 
Invisalign physically moves crooked teeth, while porcelain veneers can change how the teeth look without moving their roots. Which treatment is better depends on whether the main problem is tooth position, appearance or both.
 
Invisalign is particularly useful when significant tooth movement or bite correction is needed.
 
Veneers can simultaneously improve apparent alignment, tooth shape, size, color, length and proportions. That makes them particularly powerful for patients looking for a broader cosmetic transformation.
 
Some patients achieve their best result by combining orthodontics with veneers.
 
Learn more: Veneers vs. Invisalign for Crooked Teeth →
 
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8. Composite bonding vs. porcelain veneers: which lasts longer?
 
Porcelain veneers generally maintain their color, polish and appearance longer than composite bonding, while composite bonding is often less expensive and easier to repair.
 
Composite bonding can be an excellent conservative choice for a small chip or limited shape correction.
 
For larger smile transformations, porcelain veneers usually provide better stain resistance, surface stability and long-term aesthetics.
 
Neither material is indestructible, and the best treatment depends on the size of the correction, the patient’s bite and the desired result.
 
Learn more: Composite Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers →
 
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9. Can teeth whitening fix yellow or dark teeth, or do I need veneers?
 
Teeth whitening can lighten many naturally discolored teeth, but whitening can only change color. Porcelain veneers can change color, shape, length, proportions and apparent alignment at the same time.
 
Some types of deep or intrinsic discoloration also respond less predictably to bleaching.
 
If a patient likes the shape and position of the teeth and wants only a lighter shade, whitening may be the more conservative choice.
 
When the patient wants a major shade change along with changes in tooth form, veneers may provide a more complete solution.
 
Learn more: Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers →
 
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10. What is the best treatment for a gummy smile?
 
The best treatment for a gummy smile depends on why excess gum tissue is showing. Gum contouring can help certain patients, but not every gummy smile has the same cause.
 
In appropriate veneer cases, carefully planned gum contouring can expose additional natural tooth structure and create better tooth proportions before the final veneers are designed.
 
Planning the gumline and the veneers together can be especially effective because the final tooth size and shape can be designed around the new gum position.
 
Other causes of excessive gum display may require different treatment.
 
Learn more: Veneers & Gum Contouring for a Gummy Smile →
 
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11. Can veneers close a gap between my front teeth without braces?
 
Yes. Porcelain veneers can often close spaces between teeth without braces, especially when the patient also wants to improve tooth shape, size, color or proportions.
 
The dentist must make sure the final teeth remain appropriately proportioned. Simply making two front teeth excessively wide to close a large space can create an unnatural appearance.
 
Larger gaps or spacing caused by significant tooth-position or bite problems may be better treated orthodontically.
 
Learn more: Closing Gaps With Porcelain Veneers →
 
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12. Do veneers damage or ruin your natural teeth?
 
Porcelain veneers do not automatically require aggressively shaving down or ruining the natural teeth. The amount of tooth preparation depends on the starting position of the teeth, the desired result and the dentist’s treatment philosophy.
 
Some patients may be candidates for no-prep veneers. Others require a small amount of reshaping so that the final veneers do not look bulky or over-contoured.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, our philosophy is to remove as little healthy tooth structure as reasonably possible while still creating a beautiful, properly contoured and durable result.
 
That is why we focus heavily on minimal-prep and, when appropriate, no-prep veneers.
 
Learn more: Do Veneers Damage Your Natural Teeth? →
 
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13. Can veneers fix a chipped tooth, or is bonding better?
 
A small chipped tooth can often be repaired conservatively with composite bonding, while porcelain may be more appropriate when the damage is larger or the patient wants broader cosmetic changes.
 
Bonding is especially useful for localized corrections because it can often be completed with little or no tooth preparation.
 
Porcelain may provide better color stability and durability when a larger portion of the tooth needs to be restored or when multiple teeth are being redesigned.
 
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14. What is the difference between a smile makeover and full-mouth reconstruction?
 
A smile makeover primarily improves the teeth visible when a person smiles, while a full-mouth reconstruction typically involves restoring most or all of the teeth because of extensive structural or functional problems.
 
A cosmetic smile makeover may involve veneers, whitening, gum contouring or replacement of visible restorations.
 
A full-mouth reconstruction is usually much more extensive and may be needed because of severe wear, major bite problems, missing teeth, damaged teeth or widespread restorative needs.
 
Our philosophy is to leave healthy teeth alone whenever possible rather than treating teeth simply because they are present.
 
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15. Are snap-on or clip-in veneers a good alternative to porcelain veneers?
 
Snap-on or removable veneer appliances are fundamentally different from permanently bonded porcelain veneers and should not be considered the same treatment.
 
A removable device covers the teeth rather than becoming part of the tooth surface. Depending on the design and how it is used, food, plaque and bacteria may collect underneath it.
 
Removable cosmetic appliances can also affect speech, bite and comfort.
 
Anyone considering one should have the health of the teeth and gums evaluated by a dentist.
 
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THE PORCELAIN VENEER PROCESS
 
16. How many visits does it take to get porcelain veneers?
 
Porcelain veneer treatment commonly involves two major clinical appointments: one appointment for preparation, records and temporary veneers, and another for evaluation and bonding of the finished porcelain.
 
Consultations, smile-design appointments and follow-up visits are separate from those two main treatment appointments.
 
At the first major appointment, the teeth are prepared as conservatively as the case allows, records are taken and temporary veneers are placed.
 
At the final appointment, the completed porcelain veneers are evaluated for fit, appearance and overall smile design before they are bonded.
 
Learn more: The Porcelain Veneer Process Step by Step →
 
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17. Does getting porcelain veneers hurt?
 
Most veneer treatment is performed while the teeth are numb, and many patients find the procedure much more comfortable than they expected.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, we take the numbing process very seriously. Before injections, we use a strong topical anesthetic gel and give it time to take effect.
 
Many of our patients tell us they felt little or nothing during the injection.
 
Individual experiences vary, but our goal is to make both the numbing and treatment process as comfortable as possible.
 
Learn more: Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt? →
 
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18. How long does the entire veneer process take?
 
For many patients, the clinical veneer process takes approximately three to four weeks from the preparation appointment to placement of the final porcelain veneers.
 
The exact timeline can vary according to the case and laboratory schedule.
 
During this period, patients generally wear temporary veneers while the dental laboratory fabricates the final porcelain.
 
Complex cases or cases involving gum treatment may require additional time.
 
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19. What happens during a veneer preparation appointment?
 
During a veneer preparation appointment, the teeth are comfortably anesthetized, conservatively reshaped when necessary, detailed records are taken and temporary veneers are created.
 
The amount of tooth preparation varies from patient to patient.
 
Some teeth may need very little reshaping, while others may require additional contouring because of their starting position or the desired final result.
 
The temporary veneers allow the patient to leave with an immediate preview of the new tooth shapes while the final porcelain is being made.
 
For many of our patients, seeing that temporary smile for the first time is one of the most exciting moments of treatment.
 
Learn more: What Happens at a Veneer Prep Appointment? →
 
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20. Can I see what I would look like with veneers before committing?
 
Yes. A digital Smile Preview can give you an approximate visualization of how your smile could look with porcelain veneers before you decide whether to move forward.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, patients can submit a photograph for a free Smile Preview.
 
The preview is not a guarantee of the exact clinical result, but it can make it much easier to visualize changes in tooth length, shape, color and overall smile proportions.
 
See Yourself With Veneers — Get a Free Smile Preview →
 
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21. How does a cosmetic dentist decide the size, shape and color of veneers?
 
The size, shape and color of porcelain veneers should be designed around the individual patient’s face, lips, smile, existing teeth and personal aesthetic preferences rather than selected from a one-size-fits-all template.
 
We consider factors including:
 

• facial proportions

• smile width

• lip position

• tooth display

• existing tooth size

• gumline

• age

• tooth shade

• overall aesthetic preference

 
Some patients want an extremely natural result. Others prefer a brighter, more dramatic smile.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, our doctors personally design the smile and use their experience from thousands of veneer cases to help guide those decisions.
 
Learn more: How We Design the Size, Shape & Color of Veneers →
 
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22. Are teeth sensitive after veneer preparation?
 
Temporary tooth sensitivity can occur after veneer preparation, particularly while the patient is wearing temporary veneers, but the amount varies considerably from person to person.
 
Hot and cold foods may temporarily feel more noticeable.
 
The amount of preparation, the condition of the teeth before treatment and the patient’s natural sensitivity can all influence the experience.
 
Because we focus on conservative preparation, preserving tooth structure is an important part of our approach.
 
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MINIMAL-PREP & NO-PREP VENEERS
 
23. Do dentists shave your teeth down for veneers?
 
Teeth do not always need to be aggressively shaved down for porcelain veneers. Some veneer cases require only minimal reshaping, and carefully selected patients may even qualify for no-prep veneers.
 
The amount of preparation depends heavily on where the natural tooth begins.
 
For example, a small or inward-positioned tooth may need additional volume rather than significant reduction.
 
A tooth that already projects outward may need more contouring to prevent the finished veneer from looking bulky.
 
Our goal is to preserve as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible.
 
Learn more: Do They Shave Your Teeth for Veneers? →
 
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24. How much tooth structure has to be removed for porcelain veneers?
 
There is no universal amount of tooth structure that must be removed for porcelain veneers. Preparation can range from essentially none in a true no-prep case to more substantial reshaping when tooth position or existing anatomy requires it.
 
That is why broad claims that every veneer requires a particular percentage of tooth reduction are misleading.
 
Our philosophy is simple:
 
Remove only what is necessary to create a beautiful, appropriately contoured and durable result.
 
Preserving healthy enamel is especially valuable because enamel provides an excellent bonding surface for porcelain veneers.
 
Learn more: How Much Tooth Is Removed for Porcelain Veneers? →
 
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25. What are minimal-prep veneers?
 
Minimal-prep veneers are porcelain veneers placed after removing only the amount of natural tooth structure necessary to create the desired shape, contour and room for porcelain.
 
Minimal preparation can help avoid a bulky result while still preserving a large amount of healthy tooth structure.
 
The goal is not simply to perform the smallest possible amount of preparation. The goal is to use the least preparation necessary for the individual case.
 
That balance between preservation, aesthetics and function is a central part of our veneer philosophy at Da Vinci Dental.
 
Learn more: Minimal-Prep Porcelain Veneers →
 
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26. What are no-prep or drill-free veneers?
 
No-prep veneers are porcelain veneers placed without intentionally removing natural tooth structure before fabrication. They work best when adding porcelain improves the size, shape or position of the teeth rather than making them look too thick.
 
Ideal situations may include:
 

• naturally small teeth

• narrow teeth

• certain spaces

• worn teeth

• teeth positioned slightly inward

 
No-prep veneers are not appropriate for everyone.
 
If a tooth already projects outward, adding porcelain without creating space can produce a bulky appearance.
 
Learn more: No-Prep / Drill-Free Veneers →
 
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27. Am I a candidate for no-prep veneers?
 
You may be a candidate for no-prep veneers if adding porcelain will improve your tooth proportions without making the teeth look overly large or bulky.
 
People with small, narrow, worn or inward-positioned teeth may be particularly good candidates.
 
The dentist must also evaluate the bite, enamel, gum health and cosmetic goals.
 
For some patients, minimal-prep veneers provide a better result than completely no-prep treatment because a small amount of contouring creates the space needed for more natural proportions.
 
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LONGEVITY, STRENGTH & CARE
 
28. How long do porcelain veneers last?
 
Porcelain veneers can last many years, and well-designed, well-bonded veneers may remain successful for decades, but there is no universal expiration date.
 
Longevity depends on factors including:
 

• remaining enamel

• bonding quality

• preparation design

• porcelain

• bite

• grinding or clenching

• oral hygiene

• trauma

• patient habits

 
Any dental restoration may eventually require repair or replacement.
 
Our goal is not simply to make veneers beautiful on the day they are placed. We want to design them for long-term function as well.
 
Learn more: How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last? →
 
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29. Do porcelain veneers stain?
 
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining and generally maintain their color much better than natural tooth enamel or composite bonding.
 
Coffee, tea, wine and other dark foods typically do not penetrate dental porcelain the way they can stain natural tooth structure.
 
The surrounding natural teeth can still change color, and plaque or surface deposits can accumulate around veneers, so routine brushing, flossing and professional cleaning remain important.
 
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30. Can you get cavities underneath porcelain veneers?
 
Yes. A porcelain veneer itself cannot develop tooth decay, but the natural tooth underneath and around the veneer can still develop a cavity.
 
Decay commonly develops at vulnerable areas of natural tooth structure rather than through the porcelain itself.
 
Good bonding, accurately finished margins, regular brushing, daily flossing and professional dental care all help protect the underlying teeth.
 
Veneers do not eliminate the need for excellent oral hygiene.
 
Learn more: Can Teeth Get Cavities Under Veneers? →
 
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31. Can porcelain veneers fall off?
 
A properly designed and bonded porcelain veneer should be very secure, but no dental restoration is impossible to dislodge.
 
Factors that can influence retention include:
 

• available enamel

• bonding technique

• preparation design

• bite forces

• grinding

• trauma

 
A veneer that becomes loose or comes off should be evaluated by a dentist rather than simply rebonded without determining why it happened.
 
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32. What happens if a porcelain veneer chips or breaks?
 
A chipped or broken veneer can often be treated individually, so damage to one veneer does not automatically mean an entire smile makeover needs to be replaced.
 
Very small surface defects may sometimes be polished or repaired.
 
More significant fractures generally require remaking that individual veneer.
 
The dentist should also determine why the veneer fractured, particularly if bite forces or nighttime grinding contributed.
 
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33. Can you replace one veneer without replacing all of them?
 
Yes. In many cases, a single porcelain veneer can be replaced without replacing all of the surrounding veneers.
 
The challenge is matching the new restoration to existing porcelain that may have been in the mouth for years.
 
The laboratory must carefully reproduce:
 

• shade

• translucency

• shape

• surface texture

• brightness

 
A good cosmetic laboratory and clear communication with the dentist become particularly important when replacing one restoration within an existing smile.
 
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34. Do I need a nightguard after getting veneers?
 
A nightguard is especially important for veneer patients who grind or clench their teeth because repeated nighttime forces can increase stress on porcelain and natural teeth.
 
Not every patient requires exactly the same type of appliance.
 
For many patients, we prefer relatively thin, comfortable nighttime protection because a guard provides very little benefit if it is so bulky that the patient never wears it.
 
The correct appliance should be selected based on the patient’s bite and grinding pattern.
 
Learn more: Nightguards After Porcelain Veneers →
 
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35. How do I take care of porcelain veneers?
 
Porcelain veneers should generally be cared for much like healthy natural teeth: brush thoroughly, floss daily, maintain professional dental care and use nighttime protection when recommended.
 
Good daily habits protect not only the porcelain but also the natural teeth and gums underneath and around the veneers.
 
Patients should also avoid using their teeth as tools and use common sense with extremely hard objects such as ice.
 
Most patients with well-bonded veneers can otherwise maintain a very normal lifestyle.
 
Learn more: How to Care for Porcelain Veneers →
 
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36. What happens to veneers if my gums recede?
 
If gum recession develops around a veneered tooth, some natural tooth or root surface above the edge of the porcelain may eventually become visible.
 
The veneer itself does not prevent future gum movement.
 
Healthy gums are therefore an important part of maintaining a beautiful veneer result over time.
 
Patients who notice a changing gumline should have it evaluated so the cause and severity of the recession can be assessed.
 
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37. Will porcelain veneers eventually have to be replaced?
 
Porcelain veneers should be considered long-term restorations, but they are not guaranteed to last forever and may eventually require repair or replacement.
 
Reasons for future replacement can include:
 

• fracture

• wear

• decay around a margin

• gum changes

• trauma

• changes in surrounding teeth

• aesthetic preferences many years later

 
There is no predetermined date when every veneer suddenly needs replacement.
 
Some patients keep their veneers for many years without major problems.
 
Learn more: Will Porcelain Veneers Eventually Need to Be Replaced? →
 
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38. Can bad or unnatural-looking veneers be redone?
 
Yes. Existing veneers that look bulky, opaque, overly white, poorly shaped or otherwise unnatural can often be replaced with a more refined design.
 
Revision veneer cases can be more challenging than first-time veneer treatment because the underlying teeth have already been altered.
 
Before choosing a dentist for replacement veneers, carefully review a large number of that dentist’s actual cases.
 
Pay particular attention to patients whose original veneers or starting conditions resemble your own.
 
Learn more: Replacing Bad or Unnatural-Looking Veneers →
 
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39. How strong are porcelain veneers? Can I eat normally?
 
Well-designed and properly bonded porcelain veneers are strong enough for most patients to eat a normal diet, although veneers, like natural teeth, can fracture under excessive force.
 
At Da Vinci Dental, we use pressed e.max porcelain for our veneer cases because it combines strength with the optical properties needed for highly aesthetic results.
 
Most patients do not need to live with a long list of food restrictions.
 
We do recommend common sense with unusually hard foods and objects, and teeth should never be used as tools.
 
Learn more: How Strong Are Porcelain Veneers? →