Veneers require the removal of enamel, making it a permanent cosmetic dental treatment.
Your dentist will begin your consultation by discussing the issues you have with your smile and how you’d like to change it. Together, you’ll decide if veneers are the right choice for you, or if other cosmetic options will better suit your smile.
After you have decided to proceed with veneers, your dentist will craft a tailored treatment plan that will outline which teeth will be addressed, how many veneers you’ll need, and if any other cosmetic or restorative treatments will be required.
To prep for the procedure, your dentist will clean and numb your mouth, and then remove a very thin layer (0.5mm or less) of enamel from each tooth. This allows for the veneer to firmly attach to the tooth and prevents the tooth from becoming too thick from the veneer.
Once your enamel has been trimmed, your dentist will take a series of impressions and pictures of your teeth. This info will be sent to a dental lab, where your permanent veneers will be created. You’ll leave our office with temporary resin veneers to protect your teeth until your permanent veneers are back from the lab.
After your dentist has received your permanent veneers, you’ll be called back to our office for a fitting appointment. At this time, your dentist will ensure your new veneers look and feel natural.
Once your dentist has checked the fit of your veneers, they’ll be permanently attached to your teeth using powerful dental cement. You’ll then be ready to leave our office and head home with a beautiful, brand-new smile.
Porcelain veneers are crafted to match your natural smile shade for a bright, brilliant grin.
Because veneers are permanently bonded to your tooth, they cannot be removed. This is an irreversible procedure that requires a thin layer of enamel to be permanently drilled away from your teeth. After your treatment is complete, you will need to take proper care of your veneers and replace them if they break or become dislodged.
The longevity of your veneers depends on how well you take care of them, but most patients can maintain the quality and function of their veneers for up to 20 years. Your veneers will wear down over time, so you may need to repair or replace individual veneers.
Brushing and flossing your teeth with care is the best way to prolong the lifespan of your veneers. Be sure to see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. Avoid doing things that could damage or dislodge your veneers, such as chewing hard foods with your front teeth, or using your teeth to open items.
Made of ceramic porcelain materials, veneers are crafted to look and feel just like your natural tooth. Porcelain is very similar to enamel in hardness and translucence, making it an ideal durable option. Plus, porcelain can be matched to the exact color of your teeth, allowing it to blend in with the rest of your smile.
Some veneers are also made out of resin. These are typically only used as temporary veneers because resin does not look as natural and is not nearly as durable compared to porcelain ceramic veneers.
While veneers and Lumineers are almost the same, but Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers. This is because they are made out of a special, proprietary ceramic material that is only about 0.2mm thick. Due to their thin nature, Lumineers can often be placed without trimming your existing enamel. This is why they’re often called “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” veneers. Traditional veneers, on the other hand, are 0.5mm thick and require the removal of enamel to fit onto your tooth.
Veneers will vary in cost depending on a multitude of factors, including how many teeth you're covering up, your oral health, and the location of each tooth. Contact your dentist to get a cosmetic consultation and an accurate cost estimate. During your consultation, your dentist can take a look at your mouth, assess your oral health, and provide a quote for care.
Veneers can last between 15 and 20 years with proper care.