Porcelain Veneers: Who They Suit and How Long They Last

Veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of teeth. They are not the right choice for everyone, but they excel when enamel is sound and goals are primarily appearance.

Good candidates

Discolouration that does not respond well to whitening, worn edges, small gaps, or minor crowding can sometimes be addressed with veneers—or aligners first, then veneers for final shade and shape.

The process

After planning (often with photos and models or scans), a small amount of enamel may be removed to make room for porcelain. Temporary veneers protect teeth while the lab fabricates the final set. Bonding is precise and usually irreversible.

Care and lifespan

Treat veneers like natural teeth: daily cleaning, regular check-ups, and avoiding using teeth as tools. Many well-maintained cases last well over a decade; chips or gum changes may eventually require maintenance or replacement.