If you have ever covered your mouth in a photo, veneers are usually the treatment that changes that. Each one is custom-made for a single tooth, so we can straighten the look of one tooth or redesign the whole smile line.
What veneers fix
- Chips and worn or jagged edges
- Gaps between front teeth
- Deep stains that whitening will not lift, including tetracycline and fluorosis marks
- Teeth that are small, short or oddly shaped
- Mild crowding or rotation, without months in aligners
Veneers or something else?
| If the issue is | Consider |
|---|---|
| Yellowing only | Professional whitening first; it is far less expensive |
| One small chip | Composite bonding, done in a single visit |
| Several front teeth, shape and color | Porcelain veneers |
| Teeth that are badly crowded | Invisalign first, then veneers if still needed |
| A cracked or heavily filled tooth | A crown, which covers the whole tooth |
The process
- Design
We photograph and scan your teeth, talk about what you want changed, and show you a mock-up in your mouth before anything is done to a tooth. - Preparation
A thin layer of enamel, usually under half a millimeter, is removed so the veneer sits flush. You wear temporaries for about two weeks. - Bonding
The veneers are tried in, adjusted for shade and fit, and bonded. You leave that day with the finished smile.
Minimal-prep and no-prep veneers. For some patients with small or set-back teeth, veneers can be placed with little or no enamel removal. We will tell you at the design visit if you are a candidate.
Common questions
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers commonly last 10 to 20 years. A night guard is a must if you grind your teeth.
Do they stain?
Porcelain does not stain the way enamel does. Coffee and wine wipe off; the color you choose is the color you keep.
Is it reversible?
Not once enamel is removed, which is why we start with a mock-up and make sure you love the design first.
What do veneers cost?
Pricing is per tooth and depends on the material and how many teeth are involved. You get a written quote after the design visit, and payment plans are available.