16 May 7 Pros and Cons of Ceramic Veneers
If you go to the dentist and request a veneer, they will normally give you two options. You can either get a ceramic or a porcelain one. They are both viable choices, but some dentists will recommend one over the other.
The argument over ceramic vs porcelain veneers is one that is ongoing in the dental profession, with certain individuals advocating for one, and some the other. While which one is better in the long run is a matter of opinion to some degree, there is no denying that both choices have their pros and cons.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most notable drawbacks and advantages of ceramic veneers. This list might help you make up your mind if you are facing this decision anytime soon.
They Are Normally Pain Free
Let us start by talking about some of the pros if you decide to go the ceramic veneer route. While appearances are important, there’s no doubt that most individuals who want to purchase a veneer are even more interested in getting one installed in such a way so that they don’t experience any discomfort or pain. While anesthetic can be used during a veneer’s installation if necessary, a method that virtually guarantees a pain-free experience is always going to be desirable.
The installation of a ceramic veneer should cause you no pain, assuming you are using a competent dentist. Installing a ceramic veneer involves very little reduction of a tooth’s outer surface. The dental pulp and tooth structure remain virtually intact, making this a popular choice.
They Are Highly Durable
If you decide that you want to go with a ceramic veneer, it’s also a viable option because of how long it can last. If you get one installed from a competent dentist, you can expect it to last for as long as eight or 10 years.
In many instances, though, a ceramic veneer will last longer, assuming you take good care of it. If you avoid biting into foods like hard candy or sticky ones like taffy, you might get the better part of two decades of use out of a ceramic veneer.
You Can Chew Comfortably with One
There’s also the fact that if you get a ceramic veneer, you should be able to chew most foods naturally with it. If you get a veneer, then ideally, you want to be able to use it as though it was a natural tooth. That is definitely possible with a ceramic veneer.
You will not feel obstructed with one because it is not the least bit bulky and does not feel unnatural. The surface of a ceramic veneer is usually about 0.3-0.5 mm thick. Because of this, it fits snug against the surface of what remains of your natural tooth.
In other words, after the application you can expect the veneer to look and function just like a normal tooth would. You can chew with no problems without having to worry about the veneer fracturing or falling out.
There’s Minimal Tooth Grinding
Ceramic veneers have one additional pro that is worth mentioning. If you get a full crown, that usually involves some degree of tooth grinding. During this process, what remains of your natural tooth must be shaped or restructured. You will probably lose a little bit of surface area if you do this.
However, a ceramic veneer only covers the outer surface of the remaining tooth. Because of this, the tooth’s natural structure does not have to be adversely impacted.
If the dentist does need to do any tooth grinding in order to place the veneer on, it is minimal. That’s good news for anyone who wants to preserve the tooth’s structure as much as possible.
There Are Some Situations Where Tooth Damage Makes a Ceramic Veneer Impossible
Now, let’s talk about some potential drawbacks or situations where a ceramic veneer won’t make much sense. The most obvious issue with ceramic veneers is that they won’t work with all kinds of tooth damage.
There are some situations where a tooth will be cracked in such a way that getting a ceramic veneer won’t make much sense. If a tooth has been severely cracked, then installing a veneer might not emerge as a viable option.
Ideally, getting a ceramic veneer should involve very little change to the tooth’s shape or outer surface. If a more complex repair job is necessary, then a different kind of procedure is probably going to be advisable.
They Have a Relatively High Cost
There are different ways to make a tooth appear more pleasing aesthetically, and just as many ways to make it more functional for daily use. Some of them will cost you more, and some less.
If you look at the scenario objectively, you will probably note that there are often more cost-effective ways of improving the situation if you have a damaged tooth. The use of premium porcelain and undertaking the surgical process is probably going to cost you more than some other options. If you don’t have dental insurance, or if it will only cover part of the ceramic veneer’s total price tag, then a customer might balk at the financial outlay this procedure will require.
You Need a Skilled Dentist to Do It
One additional factor is that if you decide you want to get a ceramic veneer, you will need to locate a dentist who knows what they are doing. This is a delicate procedure, and it’s certainly not one where you will want to trust the skill of a neophyte or someone who doesn’t have the best track record.
Tracking down a highly skilled dentist who does this kind of cosmetic repair will be required. If you don’t have the utmost confidence in the individual who you have hired, then it’s probably best to look for someone else.
You can ask people you know for a recommendation. Failing that, you can look at each dentist’s online feedback before making your choice.
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Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD