Smile Design & Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front of a tooth to change its shape, shade or length. Each veneer is made for one tooth and matched to the teeth around it.
Whether veneers suit you is decided after an examination of your teeth and gums.
Veneers or bonding?
Both change the front of a tooth. A veneer is made of porcelain and fitted as one piece; bonding is tooth-colored resin shaped directly on the tooth. Which suits you depends on how much you want to change and on the teeth themselves, and we explain both before you decide.
Who might this treatment suit?
People who want to change the shape, shade or length of healthy front teeth, more than whitening or bonding could. Decay, gum problems or a strong clenching or grinding habit are looked at first, because they affect how long veneers last.
How treatment usually unfolds
Examination and conversation
We look at your teeth and gums and talk about what you would like to change and what you would rather keep.
Shape and shade
We agree on the shape, length and shade of the veneers before any of them is made.
Preparing the teeth
Where needed, a small amount of the tooth's surface is prepared, and a digital scan or impression is taken for the veneers to be made.
Fitting
Each veneer is checked for fit and shade before it is bonded, and we show you how to look after them.
Related treatments
Questions patients ask
Does a tooth need to be prepared for a veneer?
Often a small amount of the tooth's surface is prepared. How much depends on the tooth, and it is explained before you decide.
Do veneers need special care?
They are cleaned like natural teeth, with brushing, flossing and regular checkups. We also point out habits that can damage them, such as biting very hard objects.
How much will it cost?
It depends on your plan. Before you decide, you receive a written estimate of what your insurance is expected to cover and what you may need to pay. If you would rather pay over time, ask about financing through Cherry, which is subject to approval.
Talk with us about your options
Book a consultation, or call us and we will find a time that suits you.