Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shaila Kabani on September 24, 2026
One of the most sought after cosmetic dental treatments today is porcelain veneers. Using this treatment, cosmetic dentists can recreate people’s long-lost smiles, help them regain their confidence, and acquire a new outlook in life.
Like most dental treatments, the success and lifespan of porcelain veneers depend on a variety of factors. This article aims to discuss that to give you helpful information if you wish to reconstruct your smile with porcelain veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
A dental veneer covers a tooth’s visible surface to alter its appearance. It is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses various materials to make the changes. The most common veneers available today are made of porcelain.
The popularity of porcelain as the primary material for veneers stems from its easy manipulability. Cosmetic dentists can make porcelain veneers thin enough to make them comfortable to use while being thick enough to cover any teeth defects. Porcelain veneers can also be easily crafted to form natural-looking teeth.
Attaching Porcelain Veneers
The whole process, from the crafting to the actual attachment, takes several days. But it starts with a consultation.
During the consultation, your dentist will check on the current state of your teeth and discuss how you want the veneers to look and how the whole procedure will look—mainly which tooth or teeth will be covered to hold the veneers in place.
After clarifying the details, the dental specialist will prepare your teeth by removing enough enamel to make way for the veneers. They will scan your mouth to get a three-dimensional rendering of the preparation that they will send to a cosmetic lab technician. The dental technician will work on a temporary veneer for the next few days.
On your next visit, you will be fitted with temporary veneers. This is your opportunity to have a feel for them and check if they’re comfortable for you so that the dentist can make necessary adjustments. They will take note of any required modifications before relaying the information to the lab for final fabrication.
The visit after that involves another veneer fitting with the adjustments. If you like how they look and feel, your dentist will use a special composite resin to bond your natural teeth with the veneer. It ensures that it won’t fall out when you chew, drink, or speak.
Possible Porcelain Veneer Issues
Although porcelain veneers may feel permanent, you may need to get a replacement if you don’t look after them properly. Here are some issues that may require porcelain veneer removals and replacements.
- Formation of new cavities in the underlying teeth
- Veneer chipping and breakage because of excessive teeth clenching and grinding
- Veneer-teeth detachment or debonding caused by heavy forces applied to the underlying teeth
Keeping Porcelain Veneers Pristine
Taking care of your porcelain veneer replacements is relatively easy. You only have to practice great oral hygiene and protect your teeth against heavy forces.
Brushing and flossing your teeth and gums regularly can fend off the formation of new cavities. Seeing your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleaning is excellent for maintaining your dental health.
Protecting your teeth against excessive grinding and teeth clenching can be tricky, especially if you do it unknowingly in your sleep. To mitigate this issue, you can pop in a mouthguard before going to bed. It won’t hinder your breathing, and it will save your veneers from all the grinding. Most importantly, don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles, sachets, and whatnot.
How many teeth can be covered with porcelain veneers?
Veneers can be placed on a single tooth or across multiple teeth. Many patients choose to veneer the upper front six to eight teeth, which are the most visible when smiling. The exact number depends on your smile goals and the current condition of your teeth. Your dentist will evaluate which teeth would benefit most and help you plan accordingly.
Are porcelain veneers covered by dental insurance?
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover veneers because they are classified as a cosmetic procedure. However, if a veneer is being placed to restore a tooth that was damaged due to injury or decay, some plans may offer partial coverage. It is always worth checking with your insurance provider before treatment begins to understand your benefits.
What happens if a porcelain veneer chips or breaks?
A chipped or broken veneer typically needs to be replaced rather than repaired, since porcelain does not bond well to itself once fractured. The underlying tooth is usually undamaged and a new veneer can be fabricated and bonded in its place. To reduce the risk of chipping, avoid biting directly into very hard foods and wear a protective nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth.
Can I get veneers if I grind my teeth?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, puts excessive pressure on dental restorations and can shorten the life of veneers. However, grinding does not necessarily disqualify you from getting veneers. Your dentist may recommend wearing a custom nightguard to protect the veneers while you sleep. Addressing the grinding before or alongside veneer placement helps ensure the best long-term outcome.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are treatments that can bring back a smile to your face—literally. Using porcelain as a medium, cosmetic dentists can reconstruct your smile.
However miraculous it may seem, porcelain veneers are not permanent. They can be removed and replaced if you don’t take care of them. But if you want to keep your smile, you have to practice proper dental hygiene and protect your teeth against heavy forces.
When you need an experienced cosmetic dentist who can beautifully install dental veneers in Marietta, GA, look no further than Kabani Dental. We offer a broad range of cosmetic and family dental services that can bring back your smile. Contact us today!
About the Author
Dr. Shaila Kabani
Kabani Dental, Marietta, GA
Dr. Shaila Kabani has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and has accumulated more than 300 hours of advanced clinical education. She and her team serve patients throughout Marietta, East Cobb, Vinings, and Smyrna, providing comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care with a personalized approach at every appointment.