Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells we bond to the fronts of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. Our veneers dentist may recommend porcelain veneers if you have slight cosmetic issues with teeth that show when you smile and talk. We understand that your smile says a lot about your personality, which is why our veneers dentist offers a range of cosmetic dentistry services.
Stay Informed
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision for your smile. Your oral health and overall well-being are important to our team, which is why we’ve created this guide to porcelain veneers.
We’ve included some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from patients. We hope this comprehensive guide becomes a valuable tool while you decide whether porcelain veneers are right for you.
Continue reading to learn all about dental veneers. If you still have questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to schedule an appointment with our office. We’d be more than happy to schedule a time for you to meet one-on-one with our cosmetic dentist.
During your consultation, you’ll be able to receive information that’s more specific to your unique circumstances.
In This Blog Post
What Happens During the Veneers Procedure?
How Long Does it Take to Get Veneers?
What are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
What are the Alternatives to Dental Veneers?
What Types of Dentists Offer Veneers?
What are Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin coverings made of porcelain we’re able to bond to the fronts of visible teeth. Our dentist may recommend veneers to cover slight stains, chips, and other cosmetic issues that show when you smile and talk. Porcelain veneers are just one of many cosmetic procedures we may recommend to improve the appearance of your smile.
What Happens During the Veneers Procedure?
The veneers procedure takes two appointments to our office. During your first visit with us, we’ll need to remove a thin layer of enamel (about ½ millimeter) from the fronts of your teeth to make room for the veneers.
We’ll then take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab that will make your dental veneers. Temporary covers will be placed over your teeth to protect them until we’re ready to place the permanent porcelain veneers.
During your second appointment with us, we’ll remove your temporary veneers and replace them with the permanent ones. Our dentist will examine the size, shape, and color of your veneers to make sure they match the rest of your smile.
Don’t be alarmed if our dentist makes slight adjustments to your porcelain veneers before bonding them to your teeth. This is done to make sure your final smile looks beautiful and natural.
Once our dentist is satisfied with the way your dental veneers look and fit, she’ll clean, polish, and etch the surface of your teeth. This roughens the tooth so it can bond strongly with your new dental veneers.
We then carefully cement the veneer in place, using a light beam to strengthen the bond. Once we remove any excess cement and check your bite, we may need to make final adjustments to the veneer so it sits comfortably on your tooth.
How Long Does it Take to Get Veneers?
It takes two appointments for us to plan and place your dental veneers. Since your veneers will be made in an outside lab, it generally takes about 2 to 4 weeks for us to receive your permanent veneers.
The dental lab will create your veneers from the dental impressions we take in our office. That way, you can be sure you’re getting veneers that will look natural and sit comfortably on the surface of your teeth.
What are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are able to repair slight cosmetic damage to teeth that show when you talk and smile. Our dentist may recommend veneers to cover front teeth that have slight chips, cracks, discoloration, stains, and other cosmetic issues. Many of our patients appreciate that porcelain veneers match the rest of their teeth and look natural.
Don’t underestimate the power of having a beautiful healthy smile. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious of your smile, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation with our veneers dentist. Our dentist will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for the veneers procedure. It has always been our goal to help patients smile with confidence.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?
One of the disadvantages of dental veneers is that we have to remove a thin layer of healthy tooth structure to make room for your veneers. However, it’s worth noting that we don’t have to remove as much healthy tooth structure for veneers as we would for a dental crown. Since a dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, we would have to remove more enamel to make room.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The out-of-pocket cost of your veneers will depend on how much your insurance is willing to cover. Before scheduling the first appointment needed for the veneers procedure, we highly recommend you call your insurance company to learn what cosmetic procedures are covered by your policy. This will save you the headache of trying to deal with unexpected costs later.
Our office accepts all insurance, but only participates with Cigna, Delta Dental Premiere, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Traditional. We accept all forms of payment, which include cash, checks, all major credit cards, and CareCredit.
Are Veneers Painful to Get?
Since we only remove a thin layer of enamel from the fronts of your teeth, you most likely won’t need pain relievers. However, our dentist will do everything she can to make sure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. We want to make sure you feel comfortable during the veneers procedure.
If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to take over-the-counter pain relievers after the veneers procedure to manage any dental discomfort. It’s important to understand that each patient is different.
Depending on your medical history, you may have a higher or lower pain tolerance than some of our other patients. Before you leave with your permanent veneers, we check your bite to make sure you’ll be able to chew without pain or discomfort.
How Do I Care for Veneers?
Dental veneers don’t require special care. Take care of your veneers like you would natural tooth structure. If you aren’t already, you’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily.
You’ll also need to see our veneers dentist at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral examination. If we still find excessive plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth, we may recommend adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your daily oral hygiene routine to strengthen enamel.
While porcelain veneers are durable, they aren’t indestructible. To avoid chipping your veneers, don’t chew ice or use your teeth as tools. Chewing hard foods (like popcorn kernels) can chip the outer layer of your teeth, which is why it’s important to pay attention to what you eat.
If you have any unhealthy habits that could affect your veneers, don’t hesitate to bring them up to our dentist. We’ll be able to advise you on the best way to care for your dental veneers so they’ll last for years to come.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
How long your dental veneers last will depend on how well you take care of them. Patients who smoke, neglect oral hygiene, or use their teeth as tools tend to need their dental veneers replaced sooner. According to WebMD.com, dental veneers can last between 7 and 15 years. However, to expect these same results, you’ll need to take excellent care of your teeth.
It’s important to understand that the health of your entire mouth will affect the lifespan of any restorations, including veneers. For example, patients with advanced gum disease often have untreated plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth and gums. Once plaque and tartar builds up on the surface of your veneers, it could discolor the dental restoration over time and reduce its functional lifespan.
Are Veneers Right for Me?
Veneers are used to repair small cosmetic issues affecting front teeth. Still unsure if the veneers procedure is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist as soon as possible.
We understand that you may be feeling hesitant to commit to getting porcelain veneers or another cosmetic dental procedure, which is why we want to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
What are the Alternatives to Dental Veneers?
If you have a tooth made fragile by trauma or decay, our dentist may recommend a dental crown. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth, restoring its natural strength and appearance.
If your teeth are discolored, but healthy, we may recommend teeth whitening to help you smile with confidence. Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist to learn what procedure is best for your teeth and gums.
What Types of Dentists Offer Veneers?
You’ll need to see a cosmetic dentist who has extensive experience with the veneers procedure. While plenty of dentists offer porcelain veneers, our dentist has years of experience helping patients smile with confidence. Cosmetic dentistry is both a science and an art.
Our dentist understands how to create veneers that will match the rest of your smile in shape, size, and color. Even something like the shade of white we use for your veneers will affect the appearance of your smile.
It’s important that you see our cosmetic dentist for porcelain veneers. Our dentist regularly attends continuing education courses to stay up to date on the absolute best treatments for her patients.
About Dr. Kelly Gierra DDS & Our Team
She has extensive training from The Dawson Academy for advanced dental studies, including a concentration in comprehensive esthetic treatment. Our veneers dentist is more than capable of planning and carrying out the best smile makeovers for her patients.
Our team of dental professionals remain committed to providing our patients with quality care in a positive, comfortable, and nurturing environment. We firmly believe that each patient deserves personalized care so they can achieve the highest quality of oral health possible. Excellence in dentistry begins with a careful co-diagnosis and treatment plan to establish the goals we will achieve together.
Ready for an Appointment?
Dr. Kelly M. Giera is dedicated to helping you maintain a beautiful healthy smile with porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry. We offer a range of dental services (not just veneers) for the whole family. To request an appointment with our porcelain veneers dentist in Troy, MI, call Mosaic Dental at (248) 528-2270.
Related Blog Posts
What to Expect During the Veneers Procedure
How to Care for Dental Veneers
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
This post has been updated.
Teeth Whitening