faqs

What are Veneers?

Veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells of ceramic and OR porcelain that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth. They can create a white, even, and attractive smile. Veneers make it possible to correct a variety of problems, including:

  • Spaces between the teeth

  • Chipped teeth

  • Yellowing or stains

  • Crooked teeth

  • Small holes or pits in teeth

  • Uneven or undersized teeth

A veneer placed on top of a tooth can quickly and easily help you achieve a beautiful smile. Although some veneers are designed to be removable (composite), most are permanent (porcelain), and are bonded very tightly to the tooth they are protecting.

What are composite veneers?

  • Handmade overlay of your natural enamel to improve their appearance.

  • Veneers are just one of several ways to alter the appearance of your teeth.

WHAT ARE THE PROS OF COMPOSITE VENEERS?

  • Lower Cost.

  • Shorter application process (3-4 hours max)

  • Can cover up many aesthetic problems, including gaps, crooked teeth, discolorations, and other defects.

WHAT ARE THE CONS?

  • Material is weaker than porcelain and may chip & stain often.

  • They will need to be replaced more frequently than porcelain.

HOW LONG DO COMPOSITE VENEERS LAST?

  • They can last 4-8 years with proper care & maintenance. 

  • Maintenance = 30 min whitenings and/or tooth repairs.

CAN COMPOSITE VENEERS BE REMOVED?

  • YES, and they can also be repaired or replaced by adding new composite material.

  • REMOVAL are an additional fee.

IS IT PAINFUL?

  • NO PAIN, NO SHAVING OF THE NATURAL ENAMEL.

    PORCELAIN OR COMPOSITE VENEERS?

  • COMPOSITE VENEERS are quicker to craft and apply than porcelain veneers. They’re often referred to as “same day veneers”; they can be fitted in a single visit. 

  • PORCELAIN VENEERS are custom-made in a laboratory and applied to the teeth. They resist stains better than composite veneers and better simulate the shine of natural teeth. Two appointments are required for this process.One appointment is needed for taking an impression of your teeth, and a second appointment for preparing the natural teeth and placing the veneers once they have been created.

  • The process of making and applying composite veneers is much faster and more efficient than porcelain veneers. They can be set and fixed within one visit and cost significantly less money.

    How do I maintain and take care of my Veneers?

  • Veneers should be treated just like natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed regularly. Porcelain or Composite veneers will not be damaged by brushing and flossing, although using non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended.

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold liquids and foods may occur after placement of veneers. This is caused by the reduction of enamel on the prepared teeth. Sensitivity is a very common residual effect that typically dissipates in one to two weeks.

  • New veneers will help achieve the goal of improving the appearance of teeth. With proper home care and regular dental visits, patients will experience long lasting success with their new veneers and smile.

THEY ARE ONLY COSMETIC!

It’s important to note that veneers are only a cosmetic solution and are applied atop healthy teeth. Issues such as decay or gum disease must be taken care of before veneers are applied. Veneers simply cover cosmetic problems, and are not used to solve oral health issues such as disease and infections.

Are There Any Eating Restrictions?

Veneers are very strong and sturdy, but certain bad habits such as nail biting, chewing ice, and using your teeth to open packages or bottles can lead to a veneer coming off. These habits are bad for your natural teeth anyway, so they should be curtailed.

As for foods, you may want to avoid biting into some extremely sticky foods such as caramel apples, to avoid placing extreme pressure on the veneers and their underlying cement. Other than that, you really don’t have any food restrictions.