
Veneers are custom-crafted coverings that fit over your existing teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of discoloured, stained, chipped, or broken teeth. Like other cosmetic procedures, veneers are usually only possible if you aren’t undergoing treatment for gum disease or extensive cavities.
Although veneers may eventually require replacement, they are crafted to endure for an extended duration. They’re often referred to as a permanent solution because, usually, once applied, they can’t be taken off.
Your care regimen and the quality of the materials used in their creation can impact the longevity of your veneers. Typically, veneers can maintain their lustre and function for up to 15 years. Your dentist can walk you through your veneer choices and guide you to the most beneficial solution for your smile.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are custom-crafted, delicate shells applied to the surface of teeth. They offer a cosmetic enhancement to help amplify the allure of your smile. They are a popular choice for individuals seeking to address issues like stubborn discoloration unresponsive to whitening treatments, or aesthetic flaws such as chipped, broken, or imperfect teeth.
A dental veneer differs from a crown in that it only graces the front of a tooth rather than encompassing its entire surface. It doesn’t contribute to structural reinforcement and is primarily for aesthetic enhancement. Even with veneers, tooth decay remains a threat, so you must work to maintain oral hygiene.
Typically, you can expect two or more visits to your dentist to complete the veneer process. The first appointment usually involves your dentist expertly sculpting enamel and readying it for the veneer. They also take a precise mould of your teeth, which are then sent off to be crafted into your custom-made veneers.
Types of Veneers
Various dental veneers exist, each differentiated by the type of material utilized.
Porcelain Veneers
Crafted from a thin, translucent substance, porcelain veneers are generally considered the most durable type of veneer. Their lifespan usually exceeds about 10 years.
Composite Veneers
Opting for composite veneers can be a more budget-friendly choice, though they generally offer a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years. These veneers are crafted from a composite resin that can either be applied directly onto your teeth, known as direct composite veneers, or created separately and then affixed to your teeth using the same composite resin, referred to as indirect composite veneers.
Even though the same materials are used, indirect composite veneers generally have greater resistance to cracks or abrasions than their direct composite counterparts.
One main difference between direct and indirect composite veneers is the level of involvement needed for the indirect option. Typically, more tooth material requires removal so that the new veneers don’t look too bulky when affixed to your teeth in the future.
Are Veneers Permanent?
While their lifespan may be finite, composite and porcelain veneers are considered permanent dental procedures as their removal or reversal is typically not feasible.
If you’re hesitant about making a long-term commitment to traditional veneers, an alternative could be on the table. Temporary veneers, often called snap-on veneers, provide the same coverage as their permanent counterparts but are designed for short-term use.
The novelty of temporary veneers means substantial research into their efficiency and safety is still underway. For a more tailored insight, feel free to consult with your dentist.

Taking Care of Your Veneers
Their material can impact the lifespan of veneers, be it porcelain or composite, and how well they’re cemented to your teeth. Keeping the underlying teeth healthy and ensuring the longevity of your veneers involves mindful care.
Key pointers to bear in mind for maintaining veneers are:
- Brushing and flossing regularly
- Avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Avoid chewing hard foods and objects
- Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products
Much like caring for your own pearly whites, adhere to the guidance of the Canadian Dental Association when it comes to brushing and flossing. A routine of brushing twice and flossing once every day can act as a strong defense against tooth decay sneaking up on your teeth around or behind your veneers. If decay does set in, your dentist may need to detach the veneer to repair the tooth.
How Markham Dental Can Help
In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Beyond veneers, options like teeth whitening could also enhance your smile and confidence. Since your smile is as unique as you are, your solutions should be unique too!
Our team at Markham Dental is dedicated to personalized care and equipped to suggest the perfect smile-enhancing treatment tailored to your needs. Book a consult today and step closer to the smile of your dreams.
Specialty Servicesfor Every Smile
Sleep Better, Breathe Better
Start your home sleep study today with no family doctor referral needed. Through our partnership with Resolve Health, you can complete a convenient WatchPAT ONE home sleep test from the comfort of your home, followed by personalized care from our team.
From oral appliances and CPAP support to myofunctional therapy and airway-focused treatment, we provide comprehensive solutions for children and adults.
Train Your Muscles, Improve Your Sleep
Our myofunctional therapy programs retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve airway function. We work with children and adults to build long-term habits that benefit sleep, oral posture, and facial development.
Straighten Teeth, Support Healthy Breathing
We offer comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages, including braces and Invisalign. Beyond aesthetics, our approach improves bite, jaw function, and airway health, helping both children and adults achieve a healthy, functional smile.
Relieve Jaw Discomfort and Improve Function
Our TMJ treatment addresses jaw discomfort, clenching, and muscle tension using tailored therapies. From bite adjustments to neuromodulator support, we focus on restoring jaw function and reducing discomfort for a better quality of life.
Relax Facial Muscles, Improve Comfort
Neuromodulator treatments like Jeuveau/Neuceiva can reduce tension in the jaw and face, relieve TMJ discomfort, treat migraines, and refine fine lines. Our team customizes treatments for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Replace Missing Teeth with Stability and Function
Our dental implant services, including all-on-4 implants, restore missing or damaged teeth for a secure, natural-feeling smile. Implants support bite function, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent bone loss. Our team provides personalized planning, guided surgery, and ongoing support for long-lasting results.
What SetsMarkham Dental Apart
We approach your care differently, with a focus on health, function, and long-term prevention. At Markham Dental, we are:
We look beyond your teeth, incorporating assessments like blood pressure, airway and tongue analysis, and sleep screening to better understand how your oral health connects to your overall well-being.
With denturists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists working together, your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to your needs.
Every exam is designed to be in-depth and intentional, with advanced assessments included at no additional cost, so nothing is overlooked.
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- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com
