Veneers

Determining if a veneer is suitable or a full-coverage crown is required depends on the extent of the tooth's defects and the remaining amount of healthy tooth structure. For teeth with imperfections that cannot be remedied with a teeth whitening procedure, dental veneers often provide the desired cosmetic improvements. However, a significantly undersized, misshapen, chipped, or darkly stained tooth usually requires a full coverage crown.

Porcelain veneers are fabricated from the highest grade of dental ceramics, which reflect light in much the same way as the enamel of natural teeth. In addition to this feature, dental porcelain is resistant to stains and discolorations, keeping your smile white and vibrant for years to come.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin customized facings that become strong and durable once bonded to the underlying teeth. With proper hygiene and routine dental care, veneers provide a cosmetic solution that not only looks and feels completely natural but is also long lasting.

However, just as harmful oral habits can affect your natural teeth, they can also cause damage to your veneers. To prevent chipping, cracking, or dislodging a veneer, avoid nail biting, chewing on hard candies, ice, pens, or pencils, and opening bottles or other objects with your teeth. Also, remember to protect your smile on the playing field by wearing a properly fitted sports mouthguard.

Tooth grinding or bruxism is another important consideration in care. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need to wear a night guard to help protect your new smile or discuss other options with our office.

As versatile as they are beautiful, dental veneers can be applied to a single tooth in need of cosmetic improvement or multiple front teeth to dramatically improve the look of your smile. Whatever the case may be, dental veneers provide highly satisfying results to create a smile; you'll feel confident sharing with the world.

Among the many benefits offered by dental veneers is their ability to mask a range of imperfections at once. In addition to covering stains or discolorations on the front surface of a tooth, the size and shape of a veneer can also be customize to improve the tooth's contours and dimensions. At the same time veneers create a whiter and more vibrant smile; they can also lengthen or widen a tooth, close minor gaps, and address other minor alignment issues.

The two most common types of veneers are porcelain veneers, also known as porcelain laminates, and composite veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most commonly offered option in care, composite veneers fabricated directly on the tooth can also achieve excellent results. You may have also heard the term no-prep veneer. It refers to a type of porcelain veneer that requires little to no preparation of the underlying dental enamel. At your consultation visit, we'll discuss your best options in care.

Once they're in place, your veneers are also easy to care for and maintain. Simply by brushing, flossing, and visiting our office for periodic checkups, you can successfully protect and preserve your new and beautiful smile.

Although certain procedures that are considered cosmetic may not be covered by dental insurance, veneers remain a worthwhile investment in your smile. Based on the unique considerations of each case, we develop treatment plans that consider specific dental needs, cosmetic goals, and budget. Our experienced and friendly office staff can address all your insurance questions and review various payment and financing options.

At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we value patient input and pay close attention to your treatment goals, concerns, and expectations in care. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, we recognize that every smile is unique and never take a “one size fits all” approach to care. We utilize the most advanced diagnostic technology and treatment methods to assess your smile and to design your porcelain veneers for a precise fit and optimal aesthetics.

As experienced providers of care, we provide highly personalized treatment, combining state-of-the-art technology with an artistic touch to produce long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results of care.

Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain or ceramic that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. They are custom fabricated to match tooth shape, size and color so they blend with surrounding teeth. By covering imperfections such as discoloration, chips or minor misalignment, veneers can create a uniform, natural-looking smile.

The veneer process typically involves careful diagnostic planning, conservative tooth preparation and precise adhesive techniques to secure the restoration. Veneers are designed to be translucent so they reflect light similarly to natural enamel, which helps them appear lifelike. When placed correctly, they restore both aesthetic form and normal oral function while preserving much of the natural tooth structure.

Good candidates for veneers are patients in generally good oral health who want to address visible concerns such as stubborn stains, small chips, uneven edges or minor spacing issues. A full dental exam assesses gum health, existing restorations and bite relationships to confirm veneers are appropriate and durable for the situation. Patients who maintain good hygiene and commit to regular dental visits are most likely to achieve long-term success with veneers.

Veneers are not always the best option when extensive decay, severe misalignment or advanced periodontal disease is present, in which case other restorative or orthodontic treatments may be recommended. A thoughtful treatment plan considers both cosmetic goals and functional needs to determine whether veneers or an alternative approach better supports oral health. Your dentist will discuss the options and help you choose a solution that balances appearance, longevity and tooth preservation.

The veneer journey usually begins with a consultation that includes digital photos, X-rays and impressions or scans to document tooth positions and plan the desired outcome. During planning, mock-ups or digital previews allow patients to visualize proposed changes in shade and shape before any irreversible steps. Once a plan is agreed upon, minimally invasive tooth preparation is performed and temporary restorations may be placed while the laboratory fabricates the final veneers.

At the placement appointment the dentist verifies fit, color and bite before using proven bonding agents to attach each veneer securely to the tooth surface. Final adjustments and a careful polish ensure comfortable function and a natural appearance. Follow-up visits let the team confirm fit and address any minor refinements to optimize long-term performance.

Veneers are most commonly crafted from high-quality dental porcelain or advanced ceramic materials that combine translucency, strength and resistance to staining. The fabrication process begins with accurate impressions or digital scans that a dental laboratory uses to create custom restorations tailored to each tooth contour and bite. Skilled technicians layer and stain the porcelain to reproduce subtle enamel characteristics such as texture and light reflection.

Contemporary ceramics are engineered to provide a natural sheen and durable wear patterns that mimic enamel while remaining highly aesthetic. In some cases, composite resin may be used for direct veneers placed and shaped in the office, offering a more conservative and repairable option. Your dentist will recommend the material that best suits your aesthetic goals, structural needs and long-term expectations.

Veneers cover only the front and visible edges of a tooth and are intended primarily for cosmetic enhancement with minimal removal of natural enamel. Crowns encase the entire visible portion of the tooth and are used when more structural support is required due to large restorations, extensive decay or significant fracture. Because veneers preserve more natural tooth structure, they are usually recommended when the underlying tooth is strong and the aesthetic issue is primarily on the front surface.

Crowns provide greater protection and are often the preferred choice for teeth that need full coverage for strength or function, while veneers are advantageous when conservative aesthetic improvement is the goal. The decision between a veneer and a crown rests on factors such as remaining tooth structure, bite forces and the long-term restorative plan. Your dentist will evaluate these elements and recommend the most appropriate restoration for both health and appearance.

Yes, there are ultrathin veneer systems that require minimal or no enamel reduction in selected cases, often called low-prep or no-prep veneers. These conservative options can be appropriate when teeth are slightly small, spaced or well-aligned and when the dentist can achieve the desired aesthetic without altering tooth contours significantly. Careful case selection is essential because not every smile problem can be resolved without preparation, and overbuilding a tooth can create bulk or alter occlusion.

When low-prep veneers are considered, the dentist uses diagnostic wax-ups or digital mock-ups to verify that the final proportions and bite will be acceptable. If the mock-up shows a natural result that respects functional relationships, the less invasive method can preserve enamel and simplify future maintenance. When more correction is needed, traditional prep veneers may provide better long-term integration and durability.

Maintaining veneers involves routine oral hygiene practices such as twice-daily brushing with a nonabrasive toothpaste and daily interdental cleaning to protect both the restorations and the underlying teeth. Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings allow the dentist to monitor the margins, check for wear and reinforce preventive habits that support longevity. Avoiding using teeth as tools and being cautious with very hard foods or objects reduces the risk of chipping or fracturing a veneer.

If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to reduce stress on veneers and other restorations. Promptly addressing minor issues—such as a loose veneer or edge wear—can prevent more extensive repair later and simplify treatment. With proper care and routine follow-up, veneers can remain attractive and functional for many years.

While veneers offer excellent aesthetic results, patients should understand that they involve an irreversible change to the tooth surface when enamel is reduced for traditional preparations. Veneers may not be suitable for teeth with significant structural damage, active decay or unhealthy gums until those conditions are addressed, and they can be affected by strong occlusal forces or parafunctional habits. Sensitivity may occur after preparation but usually diminishes as teeth acclimate and the restorations protect the surface.

In some situations, veneers may require repair or replacement over time due to wear, accidental damage or changes in adjacent teeth and restorations. A comprehensive evaluation that includes bite analysis and periodontal assessment helps minimize risks and establish realistic expectations. Open communication with your dentist about lifestyle, goals and any concerns will guide a treatment plan that balances aesthetics with oral health.

Achieving a natural appearance begins with individualized planning that considers facial features, lip position, skin tone and the proportions of surrounding teeth to select appropriate shade and contour. Dental professionals use digital photography, computer simulations and diagnostic mock-ups to preview results and refine design choices before fabrication. This collaborative planning lets patients participate in decisions about shape, length and brightness while preserving harmony with the rest of the smile.

Skilled laboratory technicians layer porcelain and use subtle staining and surface texture techniques to reproduce the way natural enamel transmits and reflects light. Properly contoured margins and seamless integration with gum tissue are also essential so veneers appear as an organic part of the mouth. Attention to these details during design and placement is what produces a lifelike, balanced outcome.

At a consultation the dentist evaluates oral health, reviews your aesthetic goals and documents the mouth with photos, X-rays and scans to create a diagnostic plan tailored to your needs. Be prepared to discuss what you like and dislike about your smile and to bring examples or reference photos that illustrate your preferences for shape and shade. The consultation also covers material options, the expected sequence of visits and any preparatory dental care required to ensure a stable foundation for veneers.

At Contemporary Dentistry, consultations emphasize clear communication and diagnostic previews so patients can see possible outcomes before treatment begins. A thorough exam and discussion of functional considerations such as bite forces and tooth wear help ensure the final restorations are both beautiful and durable. This planning-focused approach reduces surprises and supports a predictable, patient-centered result.