Porcelain Veneers in SE Calgary

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or even longer. The lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, habits, and how well you maintain them. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, visit Forest Heights Dental for checkups every six months, avoid biting hard objects, and don’t use your teeth as tools. Many patients get 15-20 years from their veneers.

Porcelain veneers require removing a small amount of enamel (usually 0.5mm) from the front of your teeth to make room for the veneer. This is permanent—once enamel is removed, it doesn’t grow back. However, when done properly by an experienced dentist like Dr. Patel at Forest Heights Dental, veneers don’t damage your teeth. The tooth structure underneath remains healthy and protected by the veneer.

Yes! Most people get veneers on their front 6-8 upper teeth since those are most visible when you smile. Some patients also do their lower front teeth. You don’t need veneers on all your teeth—just the ones that show. At Forest Heights Dental in SE Calgary, we’ll help you decide how many veneers you need to achieve your desired smile.

Veneers cover only the front surface of your tooth and are primarily cosmetic. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth and are used when teeth are damaged, weak, or heavily filled. Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, while crowns require more. Veneers are thinner and look more natural for front teeth, while crowns are stronger for back teeth that handle heavy chewing.

No, porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and won’t discolour from coffee, tea, wine, or smoking like natural teeth. The porcelain surface is smooth and non-porous, so stains can’t penetrate. However, the bonding cement at the edges can discolour over time if you smoke or consume lots of staining beverages. Regular professional cleanings keep your veneers looking bright.

The veneer process isn’t painful. We use local anesthesia when preparing your teeth, so you won’t feel anything during the appointment. After the anesthesia wears off, you might have mild sensitivity for a few days, but it’s usually very manageable. Once your permanent veneers are bonded, most patients experience no discomfort at all. The result is a beautiful smile with minimal pain.

Porcelain veneers can make mildly crooked teeth appear straight by covering them with perfectly shaped veneers. However, they don’t actually move your teeth. For significantly crooked or misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment is a better option. Some patients combine orthodontics with veneers for optimal results. During your consultation at Forest Heights Dental, we’ll recommend the best approach for your situation.