Weighing the pros and cons of porcelain veneers

December 12, 2025

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably done a lot of research on veneers to come to the decision that they’re right for you.

Natural looking
Porcelain is white and translucent. It reflects light in a way that is very similar to natural enamel, so it gives you a really like-like appearance. Additionally, porcelain can be shaded to any color, ensuring you receive exactly the smile you are looking for.

Stain resistant
Porcelain is a non-porous ceramic, meaning that it is very difficult for staining substances, such as dark berries or coffee, to stick to the surface and stain your veneers. With porcelain veneers, it is easy to maintain the bright and beautiful smile they give you for many years to come!

Durable

Although the thin sheets of porcelain that veneers are crafted out of seem somewhat delicate, they are extremely strong once they have been bonded to your teeth. With proper care, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last for 15 years or more.

Rapid Results

For most patients, porcelain veneers are completed over the course of two office visits, with some time between them to allow for the lab to actually create your veneers. But, don’t worry, you’ll be fitted with temporary veneers after your first appointment, allowing you to “test drive” your new smile. When compared to other options such as braces, veneers allow for near immediate results

Improved self-confidence

Achieving a straighter, brighter, whiter smile can have a dramatic impact on your self-confidence. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen veneers and the confidence they inspire literally change lives.

The cons of veneers
While there are many benefits to veneers, there are a few considerations that should be made when choosing the correct treatment path for you and your smile.

Veneers are permanent and irreversible

Once your tooth surface has been prepared for veneers, a process that requires removing a small amount of enamel, you will always need a veneer covering your tooth in order to protect it. For most patients, this means that you will need to have your veneers re-done.

Veneers can be damaged

Just like your natural teeth, veneers can be chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged. For many, this is not an issue as long as you follow common sense guidelines to protecting your new smile veneers are really durable and stain resistant. Unfortunately, if porcelain veneers are damaged, they cannot be repaired and instead must be replaced.

Post-bonding sensitivity

Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold after their veneers have been bonded to the
tooth surface. For many, this is short-lived and is only seen in a small minority of patients.