- Porcelain veneers are thin custom shells bonded to the fronts of teeth to improve appearance — correcting chips, stains, uneven edges, and minor spacing
- They're a permanent cosmetic procedure (a small amount of enamel is removed and can't be undone)
- Great for the right patient, but not to be taken lightly
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures — and one of the most misunderstood. Here's a straightforward guide to what they are, how they work, and whether they might be right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell of custom-made porcelain that's bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It covers what's visible when you smile — the color, shape, and surface texture — while leaving the back of the tooth intact. Veneers are used to address: teeth that are stained or discolored and don't respond well to whitening; chipped or slightly worn teeth; uneven, irregular, or slightly misshapen teeth; minor gaps or spacing between teeth; teeth that are smaller than ideal. They don't fix structural problems, deep decay, or significant misalignment. Veneers are a cosmetic solution — they change how teeth look, not how they function or fit together.
How Are Veneers Made and Placed?
At Rabbit Creek Dental, veneers are made from porcelain fabricated by a professional dental lab — the same process we use for crowns. The process typically involves 2–3 appointments:
Consultation and planning. Dr. Gegzna evaluates your teeth and discusses your goals. We'll talk about the shape, color, and number of veneers that make sense for your smile.
Wax mockup (in some cases). For more complex cases or patients who want to preview the result, we can do a wax mockup — a visual model of what the veneers will look like before any work is done on your teeth. This helps confirm you're happy with the planned shape and appearance before we proceed.
Tooth preparation. A small amount of enamel — typically about 0.5mm — is removed from the front surface of each tooth being veneered. This is permanent. It creates space for the veneer so it doesn't look bulky. Local anesthetic is used so you're comfortable. Temporary veneers are placed while the permanent ones are being made.
Veneer placement. When the porcelain veneers return from the lab, they're bonded to the prepared teeth. Dr. Gegzna checks the fit, color, and bite carefully before finalizing the placement.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Yes — in the sense that they're irreversible. Because enamel is removed during preparation, veneered teeth will always need to be covered by veneers or crowns going forward. This is an important consideration before proceeding. Veneers themselves last 10–20 years on average with proper care. They can chip or crack — not as easily as natural enamel, but it can happen, especially if you grind your teeth or bite hard objects.
Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Good candidates for veneers: have healthy teeth and gums (active decay or gum disease needs to be treated first); have enough natural enamel for the veneer to bond to; are looking to improve appearance, not fix structural or functional problems; don't have severe grinding habits (or are willing to wear a nightguard); understand that the procedure is permanent. Veneers may not be the right choice if: you have significant decay or gum disease; your teeth are heavily worn from grinding; you're looking for a teeth-straightening solution — veneers can improve minor spacing but aren't a substitute for orthodontics.
What Do Veneers Cost?
Veneers are a cosmetic procedure and are not covered by dental insurance. Cost varies depending on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of the case. Contact our office for a personalized estimate. RCD Dental Savings Plan members receive 20% off cosmetic treatment fees including veneers.
Learn about the RCD Dental Savings Plan → and Compare teeth whitening options →
We serve patients from Mobile, Theodore, Grand Bay, and the surrounding Gulf Coast area.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10–20 years. Avoiding biting hard objects, wearing a nightguard if you grind, and maintaining regular cleanings all extend veneer lifespan.
Yes — porcelain closely mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. Custom-fabricated veneers designed for your specific smile look natural and blend with your surrounding teeth.
No. Porcelain doesn't respond to whitening agents. If you want whiter veneers in the future, they'll need to be replaced. For this reason, many patients whiten their natural teeth first and then match the veneer color to the brightened shade.
No special care beyond normal oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss daily, wear a nightguard if you grind, and come in for regular cleanings. Avoid biting directly into very hard foods with veneered teeth.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.