What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers offer stunning aesthetic benefits, but they’re not without trade-offs. Before committing, it’s worth understanding the possible disadvantages:

What are the disadvantages of porcelain veneers

Larger Appearance When No Enamel Is Removed
If veneers are placed without reshaping the underlying tooth (“no-prep veneers”), the added thickness may make teeth appear bulkier. In some cases, minimal enamel reduction is needed to preserve a natural profile — but that means removing healthy tooth tissue, which isn’t always ideal.
Risk of Debonding
Veneers are bonded using high-strength dental cement, but under certain stresses (e.g. trauma, extreme biting force), they can detach or come off.
Fragility: Chips or Breaks
Porcelain is strong but brittle. If subjected to sharp impact or excessive force, a veneer may crack or chip. Repairing porcelain is difficult—often requiring full replacement of the piece.
Difficulty of Repair
Unlike composite materials, porcelain cannot be easily patched. When damage occurs (chip, fracture, debonding), the most reliable solution is to replace the affected veneer — which adds cost.
Finite Lifespan & Replacement Costs
Even well-made and well-maintained veneers usually need to be replaced eventually — commonly every 7–10 years. Because replacement involves lab work, material, and technique, it carries a significant cost.

Thinking about porcelain veneers — and want to weigh pros and cons tailored to your teeth and goals?

Book a consultation at Bayswater Dental Clinic today. Our cosmetic team will assess your situation, review whether porcelain veneers are a smart fit for you, and help you make an informed decision.