Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They’re often made from porcelain or resin-composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth.

Veneers can be used to treat a number of different cosmetic concerns, including chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth.

Some people may only get one veneer in the case of a broken or chipped tooth, but many get between six to eight veneers in order to create an even, symmetrical smile. The top front ten teeth are the most commonly applied veneers.

What are the different types of veneers?

Dental veneers are most commonly made out of porcelain or composite resin. 

Applying traditional porcelain dental veneers typically involves grinding down the tooth structure, sometimes removing some of the tooth — even past the enamel. This allows for proper placement, but it’s also an irreversible procedure. Tooth reduction depends on your dental concerns and the number of teeth involved. 

On the other hand, composite veneers often require little or no tooth preparation.

The process

Our process begins with a thorough examination, and discussion of your desired outcomes.  Everything from your face, lips, skin tone, lifestyle habits and many other factors are considered when designing a smile that will be specifically tailored to you. 

Which type of veneer is best?

How do you know which type of veneer is best for you? You’ll want to consider several factors:

• cost
• length of time of the installation process
• appearance of the veneers
• longevity of the veneers
• your dentist’s recommendations

Porcelain veneers:	Resin-based veneers
more tooth reduction may be required	less or no tooth needs to be removed to prepare the tooth
requires several visits	can often can be applied in just one visit
stronger and longer-lasting than composite veneers	could chip, but are easily repaired.  Lasts 8 years or more with proper care
more expensive	less expensive than porcelain veneers
more colour stable over time	easier to fix

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

The biggest benefit to veneers is improving the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more even smile. Dental veneers are often used to treat the following cosmetic occurrences:

• broken or chipped teeth
• severe discoloration or uneven coloring that can’t be fixed with whitening
• gaps in the teeth
• smaller-than-average teeth
• pointed or unusually shaped teeth

Veneers can last for more than a decade, depending on the type of veneer you choose, making them a semipermanent investment that can make you more confident in your smile.

How to get started

Before you get your veneers, you’ll have a preliminary appointment to discuss which options are right for you and how many veneers you want to have placed. In some cases, if teeth are crooked or uneven, you may need to have orthodontics to align your teeth before your dentist can place the veneers.

Your dentist will often take X-rays at this stage to evaluate the health of your teeth. They’ll look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for root canals. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be a candidate for veneers.