You can get veneers for one tooth or several—it is up to you
The first visit is all about learning. We will examine your teeth, and you can discuss your goals and expectations. This is the perfect time to ask anything (there are no wrong questions), filling out your knowledge about available options and their strengths and limitations. We strive to provide an open and friendly atmosphere where you can feel at ease. We conduct a full oral exam to see if your teeth would be a good match for veneers or another treatment option.
Now that you have settled on veneers, the next step is working out your procedure plan. This involves aligning each aspect of the process to match your goals. Items to cover include which teeth to treat, combination treatments, and scheduling your appointments. You also can work with your dentist to fine-tune the details of what your smile will look like, using 3D technology to see a mock-up.
For traditional veneers, the target teeth will need some preparation. This involves removing a thin layer (< 0.5 mm) of the tooth to ensure a good surface for holding them. We take care to ensure this part of the process is painless, removing only the precise required amount for each tooth. For Lumineers, little to no removal of enamel is needed since the shells are even thinner than porcelain options.
Taking impressions is the step that best influences your veneers to look natural. These impressions are sent to our lab, where a specialist will custom-make yours according to your agreed-upon specifications. After we take your impressions, you may receive some temporary ones to cover your teeth and reduce sensitivity while you wait for your permanent ones.
Since veneers are permanently affixed to the teeth, we take another key step once you receive yours: fitting and adjusting them. This may involve minor and precise adjustments to the shape or thickness of the shells. We check with you that they look how you want, ensuring you have no doubts before moving forward. If the veneers are not suitable, we can fabricate new ones according to your exact goals.
Only once you are certain your veneers match what you had in mind will we place them. We then permanently affix the them to the target tooth, crafting your new smile one tooth at a time. While some patients may have only a single one, receiving several in a single visit is also common. Most patients will have veneers for 2–4 upper teeth and 2–4 lower teeth.
The most popular use for veneers is to instantly brighten your smile. Since the shells are placed over the teeth, they can completely hide any stains or discoloration, no matter the shade. The results last longer than teeth whitening or dental bonding while also protecting the teeth.
Whether due to bruxism or naturally weaker enamel, many patients see excessive wear on their teeth, even from a young age. Veneers can restore worn teeth by giving them a new layer of defense that also looks great.
Even minor accidents or injuries can chip a tooth, and many people have naturally different shapes to their teeth. In these cases, veneers can create a more homogenous look to your teeth, allowing them all to complement each other.
Some patients may have minor teeth alignment issues that lead to gaps or an uneven appearance. However, these gaps may not justify complete orthodontic treatment. Instead, veneers can help fill these gaps by creating minor increases in the sizes of the neighboring teeth.
veneers can last between 15 - 20 years with proper care.
Traditional veneers remain permanently affixed to the tooth where we removed some enamel. However, they may be removed if they are broken, but they will need to be replaced.
The longevity of your veneers depends on two key factors: the quality of their materials and how well you care for them. With solid materials and a healthy oral routine (cleaning your teeth and regular dental visits), some can last up to 15–20 years. We also recommend being careful not to break or chip them.
Our veneers are made from high-quality porcelain in a dental laboratory. This porcelain is adapted to color-match your teeth and look like a natural part of your smile. For your temporary ones, we usually use a resin-made material.
The main difference is that Lumineers are a much thinner shell and are made from a unique ceramic material. This decrease in thickness means they can be placed without removing enamel. While they cost more, many patients find them an ideal solution well worth the investment.
The cost can vary quite a bit, from about $1000 to a couple thousand dollars for a single tooth. Factors such as the type of veneer, the material, the placement, and more can influence the final cost. As part of the consultation process, we provide each patient with a personalized quote. This way, you can know your costs upfront before moving forward with the procedure.
While the benefits far outweigh the limitations of veneers, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on your treatment plan. Some patients may have increased sensitivity in treated teeth due to removing the enamel. Additionally, they require commitment since they are permanent fixtures.
The entire process of getting veneers is painless and comfortable. Even removing the enamel does not require anesthetic, though there may be some increased sensitive to temperatures while waiting for your permanent ones.
Dental veneers are a permanent treatment that is affixed directly to the tooth where enamel was removed.
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