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Porcelain veneers have become one of the most desired cosmetic procedures. These thin porcelain shells can mask many cosmetic imperfections, including chips, fractures, gaps between teeth, mild teeth misalignment, and alterations in shape, or size. While, veneers can be the perfect treatment to get the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed about, they may not be possible with teeth that are very discolored.

If you are thinking about getting porcelain veneers, you probably have read a lot about this dental procedure. Unfortunately, not all information available is accurate. In this blog, we debunk five popular myths about dental veneers that you may have heard.

Myth: Veneers are Too Noticeable

This seems to be the central concern for people considering this treatment. However, nobody will realize your teeth aren’t natural if you get porcelain veneers that have the right translucency. This treatment achieves impressive aesthetic results, as the material used for the shells closely mimics the enamel’s natural shade, transparency, and texture. Friends and family will undoubtedly notice your smile transformation, but your veneers wouldn’t look fake if properly fabricated in the laboratory.

Myth: Your Teeth are Damaged During the Procedure

Another myth about this treatment is that your teeth will be damaged permanently. Although our prosthodontist, Dr. Gerald Marlin, indeed removes a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of your teeth, the amount of tooth structure lost is considered minimal, so porcelain veneers are considered a minimally invasive dental procedure. The procedure is pain-free and only takes two or three clinical sessions.

Myth: Veneers Get Easily Stained

Veneers made of porcelain do not stain. This fact distinguishes this option from tooth bonding, a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. While the material used for tooth bonding (composite resins, also used for tooth-colored fillings) is susceptible to the pigments in certain foods and beverages, the porcelain used for dental veneers and crowns is 100% stain-resistant.

Myth: Porcelain Veneers’ Lifespan is Too Short 

Many people get discouraged from getting veneers because of this common misconception. No dental treatment lasts forever (expect well-maintained dental implants), but porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years when properly cared for. Fractures are possible but rarely happen, and if patients are careful with hard foods, they don’t need to worry about dislodging their veneers while eating.

Porcelain Veneers are Too Expensive

The final myth about porcelain veneers is that they are too expensive to get in the first place. Although this treatment is more expensive than other cosmetic alternatives like tooth bonding, if we consider its lifespan and the fact that they don’t get stained, veneers are a wise long-term investment.

Get the Smile of Your Dreams with Porcelain Veneers at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry

Still have some doubts about porcelain veneers? Award-winning prosthodontist Dr. Gerald Marlin is a leading specialist in dental implants, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in the Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Washington DC Metro Areas. Schedule a consult with Dr. Marlin today to discover the benefits of this treatment and see if it is the right choice for you. Dr. Marlin and our team look forward to meeting you soon!