Porcelain Veneers
At Yonge & St. Clair.
Porcelain veneers can change the shape, colour, proportion and appearance of selected teeth. We plan them carefully around your existing teeth, your smile and the degree of change you're looking for.
Porcelain veneers
A significant change should start with careful planning.
Veneers are thin porcelain restorations that cover the visible surface of a tooth. They can be used to change aspects of tooth shape, colour, size or proportion and may be considered when several cosmetic concerns involve the same teeth.
They aren't the right solution for every cosmetic concern. Sometimes whitening or dental bonding can accomplish what you're looking for with a simpler approach. We start by understanding the change you want to make and assessing the health and position of your teeth before recommending a treatment.
What veneers can address
Different concerns can sometimes have one solution.
Tooth shape
Changing the contours or proportions of selected teeth.
Tooth colour
Changing the visible colour of teeth when whitening alone may not address the concern.
Chips and worn edges
Restoring or changing the appearance of selected damaged or worn areas when veneers are clinically appropriate.
Spacing and proportion
Changing the apparent width or proportions of teeth in selected situations.
Multiple cosmetic concerns
Addressing colour, shape and proportion together when several changes are being considered.
What looks like a cosmetic concern can sometimes have an underlying dental or bite-related cause. We assess the teeth first rather than assuming veneers are the appropriate treatment.
Planning your veneers
The result is decided before the porcelain is made.
Understand the goal
We start with what you'd like to change, and what you'd like to keep.
Assess the teeth
We evaluate the health, position and condition of the teeth being considered, along with existing restorations and relevant aspects of your bite.
Plan the change
We discuss the proposed shape, colour and overall degree of change before proceeding with definitive treatment.
Prepare and restore
When veneers are appropriate, the teeth are prepared as required and the porcelain restorations are made to the planned shape and appearance before being bonded into place.
Veneers or bonding?
Similar goals. Different approaches.
| Dental Bonding | Porcelain Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Tooth-coloured composite | Dental porcelain |
| Often considered for | Smaller or more localized changes | More significant changes to selected teeth |
| Tooth alteration | Depends on the case; often relatively conservative | Preparation requirements depend on the tooth and treatment plan |
| Repair | Composite can often be repaired or modified | Porcelain generally requires a different repair/replacement approach if damaged |
| Planning | Directly shaped composite in many cases | Porcelain restoration planned and fabricated before final placement |
Neither is automatically the better treatment. The appropriate choice depends on your teeth, the change you’re trying to make and the advantages and limitations that matter to you.
Living with veneers
Veneers still need looking after.
Porcelain veneers are restorations, and like other dental restorations they require ongoing care. Brushing, flossing, regular dental visits and protecting the teeth from damaging habits all remain important.
Veneers are not considered a lifetime treatment with a guaranteed lifespan. How long they last varies with the teeth, bite, habits, restoration and other individual factors.
Common questions
Common questions about porcelain veneers.
What are porcelain veneers?+
Porcelain veneers are thin restorations bonded to the visible surface of teeth to change aspects of their shape, colour, size or proportion. They are usually considered for selected teeth that are visible in the smile.
Do veneers look natural?+
Veneers can be planned to work with the surrounding teeth and the degree of change you want. Some patients are looking for a noticeable change, while others want the result to remain quite subtle. Shape, proportion, colour and the relationship to neighbouring teeth all matter.
Do veneers require shaving down your teeth?+
Porcelain veneers generally require some preparation of the tooth, but the amount is not the same in every case. It depends on the existing tooth, its position, the change being planned and the type of restoration required. Before proceeding, we'll explain what preparation is anticipated for your teeth.
Are veneers permanent?+
Veneers should be considered a long-term treatment rather than a temporary cosmetic procedure. Because tooth preparation may be required, the decision should be made with the expectation that those teeth will continue to require restorative care over time.
How long do porcelain veneers last?+
There is no single lifespan that applies to every veneer. Longevity depends on factors including the underlying tooth, bite, habits, oral hygiene and the restoration itself. Veneers may eventually require repair or replacement.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth or gaps?+
Veneers can change the apparent shape and proportion of teeth and may improve the appearance of selected spaces or alignment concerns. They do not move teeth. When tooth position or bite is the underlying issue, orthodontic assessment may be the more appropriate starting point.
Should I whiten my teeth before veneers?+
If you want your natural teeth to be lighter as part of the overall result, whitening may be considered before the final colour of veneers is selected. Porcelain does not subsequently whiten with natural teeth, so treatment sequence can matter.
Are veneers better than bonding?+
Neither treatment is universally better. Bonding may be appropriate for smaller or more localized changes, while porcelain veneers may be considered when a different degree of change or restorative approach is required. We'll explain the trade-offs based on your teeth and goals.
Related care
Considering porcelain veneers?
Start with a conversation about what you'd like to change. We'll assess your teeth and explain whether veneers or a different approach makes sense.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.