Regaining a confident, healthy smile.

Dental veneers, or porcelain veneers, can help you regain confidence by building a smile you’ll love. But if you don’t know much about veneers, it can be hard to judge whether or not the treatment is right for you. To help you decide, we’ve put together a guide that will teach you more about this versatile treatment.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth. They’re used to restore the health and appearance of teeth that have cracked, chipped, worn down, or suffered minor breaks. They can also close gaps between teeth, cut down on tooth sensitivity from enamel erosion, and transform the appearance of misshapen, irregularly shaped, or permanently stained teeth.

The porcelain that veneers are made from is durable, stain-resistant, and mimics the appearance of natural teeth so well that no one will be able to tell that you have veneers at all! Each veneer is designed specifically for you, giving you the freedom to choose their size, shape, and shade, and is placed individually on the tooth it was made for. This gives veneers the versatility to restore the appearance of a single tooth, multiple teeth, or your entire smile.

How do veneers compare to dental crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain that are set over top of your tooth. They’re also used to restore damaged teeth or improve the appearance of misshapen or stained teeth. Dental crowns are very good at protecting and restoring the health and appearance of teeth, but they require that dentists remove more of the original structure of your tooth. This has to be done so that the crown can fit over your tooth. In contrast, dental veneers only require dentists to remove a very thin layer of tooth enamel before they’re placed on your teeth. This keeps your teeth from looking too thick and helps the veneers adhere to them more securely. It’s always better for your long-term oral health to keep as much healthy tooth structure as possible, so unless your tooth has suffered such extensive damage that it needs a crown or is too crooked for veneers to make it appear straight, veneers are often the better choice.

What is the process of getting porcelain veneers?

Getting veneers is a simple process that usually involves two appointments over the course of a few weeks. During your first appointment, Dr. Fenn will numb your mouth before shaving a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of each tooth that’s receiving a veneer. He will then take a mold of your teeth, which is used to mill your veneers in an outside lab. Temporary veneers are secured to the surface of your teeth in the meantime. When your permanent veneers arrive at our office after a few weeks, you’ll visit for a second appointment so that Dr. Fenn can place your permanent veneers on your teeth.

Once he’s sure that they’re in the right position, he’ll use a special light to cure the material that cements them in place. Your veneers will likely need a little more time to set completely, however, so you may need to avoid eating for a couple of hours. You may also experience very mild soreness for a day or two following each procedure, especially the first one, but it’s very manageable. In all likelihood, you won’t even need over-the-counter pain medication, but if you do, it should knock your discomfort out easily. The Tory Hill Team will send you home with aftercare instructions, so make sure you follow them closely.

How do I care for my porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, making them incredibly easy to care for. Ensuring that your veneers last as long as possible is as simple as practicing great oral hygiene. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use mouthwash once or twice a day as directed. Additionally, while the veneers are durable, you should avoid putting unnecessary stress on them. This translates to being kind to your teeth—don’t use them as tools to crack nuts or open packaging and don’t use them to crunch down on hard items like ice. This could cause your natural teeth or your veneers to break, chip, or crack. If you follow these simple suggestions, your veneers can last around 15 years before they need to be replaced!

Is there anything I should consider before I get dental veneers?

Yes. The first factor you should consider before getting veneers is that the procedure is permanent. Once you get veneers on a tooth, you’ll always need veneers on that tooth, so make sure that you’re ready to commit before you undergo the treatment. If you’re unsure about anything or have lingering questions, you can always ask Dr. Fenn. We want you to make the best decision for your dental health and for your self-esteem, so we want you to have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision that you’re confident in!

Secondly, unless you’re getting a complete set of veneers, you should consider the color of your teeth before your procedure. Are you happy with their current shade, or will you want to whiten your teeth at some point in the near future? Veneers don’t change shades with whitening treatments, so they can look suddenly yellow next to your natural teeth if you receive a whitening treatment after getting them. If you think that you want to whiten your teeth—now or in the near future—then it’s best to go ahead and do it before you get veneers. This way, you won’t have to worry about how your veneers will look if you whiten your teeth later, and Dr. Fenn can match your veneers to the shade of your newly brightened teeth.

How much do porcelain veneers cost and what are my financing options?

The cost of veneers varies greatly for each person based on how many you’re getting, what material they’re made from, and which teeth they’re being placed on. It’s always wise to check with your dental insurance to see if they’ll cover your veneers, but they usually don’t. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to afford your new smile. Our office provides multiple financing options, including CareCredit, Lending Club, and Denvantage, that help you get the care you need right when you need it.

CareCredit and Lending Club each have unique advantages, but both help you set up small monthly payments that fit your budget. Plus, if you don’t have dental insurance, Denvantage is another option that can help you afford your care. In exchange for a monthly fee, you’ll receive free regular dental care and discounts on a wide range of dental services like dental veneers. There’s no deductible, no yearly maximum, and no worrying that your insurance will deny your treatment, either. If you’re worried about affording your care or want to learn more about your financing options, you can always check our website for information or call our office to ask more specific questions.

Dental veneers are a versatile treatment capable of adapting to meet your individual treatment needs and goals. You can gain a unique, beautiful smile that you can feel confident in—you might even find yourself looking for excuses to smile! To learn more about dental veneers and how they might help you, you can call our office and schedule a consultation at any time.