COLUMN · Treatment

Porcelain Veneers Pros and Cons
and How Long Veneers Last

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sunmin Kim, Board-certified Orthodontist · Last updated 2026-10-22

Porcelain veneers can change the shape, size and color of front teeth, but they are not right for everyone. This guide covers what veneers are, their pros and cons, and how long veneers last, so you can go into a consultation with the right questions.

What are porcelain veneers?

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of ceramic bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Our veneers are made from IPS e.max ceramic, designed on a 3D model for length, edge line and symmetry before they are made.

Does the tooth need to be prepared?

Cases that need light preparation

Most veneers need some preparation of the tooth surface so the veneer is thick enough to be strong and does not look bulky. If teeth stick out, are very dark, or the shape needs to change a lot, some preparation is necessary.

Cases that need very little

Some teeth need very little preparation, but this is not possible for everyone. If too little tooth is prepared in the wrong case, the veneer can be too thin and weak. How much preparation you need is decided only after an examination, and we explain the reason and the extent before treatment.

Pros and cons of porcelain veneers

Pros

• Shape, size and color of front teeth can be improved together
• Can close small gaps and improve chipped edges
• Can improve discoloration that whitening cannot lighten
• Usually completed in about two visits

Cons and things to know

• Veneers can chip, crack or come off
• Stains or decay can form at the edges
• Teeth can feel sensitive for the first few days or longer
• If the gums recede, the edge may become visible
• Veneers may need to be remade in the future

If the main problem is tooth position, braces may suit you better than veneers. We check the cause first.

How long do veneers last?

There is no fixed number of years. How long veneers last depends heavily on daily care and biting habits such as grinding or biting hard objects. If a veneer breaks, comes off or changes color, it may need to be remade. Good care and regular check-ups help.

Veneers vs crowns

A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth; a crown covers the whole tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is heavily damaged or root-canal treated; veneers are for improving the appearance of teeth that are otherwise healthy.

Frequently asked questions

This article is for general information and does not promise any particular result or cost. Suitability, treatment plan, results and how long restorations last differ from person to person. Please have a consultation and examination with a dentist before treatment. Prices are standard list prices as of 2026-10-22 and may change.