Dental Veneers

How do dental veneers work?

Dental veneers are incredibly thin shells that are applied on the front surfaces of a person’s teeth. Depending on the style of veneers, the teeth may be prepped first by removing a small amount of enamel. Once installed, the veneers can cover noticeable flaws to make adjustments to alignment. They can also adjust their thickness to improve spacing.

They are very easy to apply, requiring preparation of the teeth and then securing them in place with a strong dental adhesive.

Are veneers permanent?

Yes, veneers cannot be removed and are meant to always be worn. On average, porcelain veneers last 10-20 with proper dental care, at which point they will need to be replaced. Even though you have veneers, you still need to practice great oral hygiene as the teeth underneath the veneers can still develop tooth decay which could compromise the veneers.

Veneers vs. crowns—what’s the difference?

Dental veneers and dental crowns are both used for cosmetic purposes—to resolve chips, stains, discoloration, or crooked teeth. The main difference between the two is that dental crowns cover the entire tooth surface whereas veneers only cover the front portion of the tooth. Crowns (2 mm) are much thicker than veneers (1 mm) and the price for each is similar. Crowns provide additional support to damaged teeth whereas veneers do not. However, veneers are a much less invasive procedure and require less removal of the original tooth structure. 

Veneers and crowns are both great solutions for patients looking to get a white, straight smile that looks and feels natural. If you’re interested but unsure which option is right for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Do dental veneers hurt?

No, most patients experience no pain at all during the procedure! Since this procedure is minimally invasive, only requiring the removal of a thin layer of enamel, we can use a local anesthetic to ensure that the patient feels no discomfort at all.