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The Complete Guide to Dental Veneers

A closeup view of a woman's mouth while a dentist applies a dental veneer

Why Dental Veneers Are a Game-Changer for Your Smile

Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin that are applied to the teeth. While used primarily to correct cosmetic flaws like crooked, stained, or chipped teeth, dental veneers can also be used as a restoration to improve the health and appearance of your smile. 

Dental veneers look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and customizable with a wide selection of colors. 

Veneers can be a quick and cost-effective solution for correcting minor smile imperfections and irregularities such as:

  • Unsightly gaps between the teeth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Chipped teeth
  • Irregular tooth shape
  • Trauma to the teeth
  • Stained teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments
  • Worn enamel

 

We believe your best smile is the one you love to show off, and with dental veneers, we can help give you the smile you always wanted. Our team of dental professionals are experts in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and know exactly what it takes to create a smile that’s both healthy and naturally beautiful.

The Different Types of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are placed directly onto forward facing teeth. You can have a veneer applied to only one tooth, or you can cover an entire arch with veneers depending on your needs. 

Veneers are generally available as porcelain or composite resin.

Composite veneers are made of composite resin, the same type of material used for dental bonding. They are applied to the tooth one layer at a time. 

While they do not last as long as porcelain veneers, composite veneers:

  • Are ideal for correcting mild cosmetic problems
  • Can be placed in one visit
  • Require less enamel to be removed than porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth and require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from the treated tooth. 

Although they are slightly more expensive, porcelain veneers:

  • Can correct a broader array of imperfections and irregularities
  • Are stronger and more durable than other types of material
  • Resist stains better

 

Because they require the removal of about a half millimeter of enamel to ensure a seamless fit, dental veneers are a permanent procedure and, with proper care, can last years before needing replacement. Veneers need to be replaced if and when they chip or break as the result from daily wear and tear or as the result of changes in the bite caused by decay, erosion, or tooth loss.

Veneers also need to be replaced if you develop gum recession, which exposes a gap between the veneer and the root of the tooth.

How to Determine if You Need Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are ideal for people who have:

  • Severely stained teeth, or mild to moderate staining that doesn’t respond to whitening products
  • Minor cosmetic problems, like misshapen, cracked, or chipped teeth
  • A small gap between teeth or teeth that are uneven
  • Teeth that have become discolored, such as after a root canal
  • Several cosmetic problems that can all be fixed with veneers

 

The best candidates for dental veneers are those who have strong, healthy teeth, plenty of existing enamel, healthy gums, and minor imperfections in their teeth or smile. In addition to caring for them just like natural teeth, you should also protect your veneers from cracking, breaking, or staining by limiting dark-colored foods and beverages and refraining for biting directly into very hard or crunchy foods.

Dental veneers may not be right for you if you:

  • Clench or grind your teeth, since this can chip or break the thin material of the veneers.
  • Have untreated gingivitis or cavities
  • Have severe misalignment of your teeth or jaw
  • Do not have enough tooth enamel to remove in order to properly apply the veneer

The Dental Veneer Placement Process

Getting veneers is a fairly simple and straightforward process.

  1. Initial consultation. During this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, including the amount and quality of your tooth enamel and whether you have any conditions that need to be treated before placing the veneers, such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or even misalignment.
  2. Choosing the veneers. Once the dentist has determined you are a good candidate for veneers, you will discuss your material and shade options, as well as how many you need or want placed. Most people get between 4 and 8 veneers to make sure that the treated teeth blend in well with each other and the neighboring natural teeth.
  3. Getting an impression. For secure and proper placement, some of the enamel must be removed from the teeth being treated. The dentist will trim approximately half a millimeter of enamel off the tooth or teeth to be covered, then make an impression with a digital scanner. The impression will be used to make your custom veneers.
  4. Placing the veneers. When the veneers are ready, you will be scheduled for a placement appointment, during which the dentist will make sure the new veneers fit your teeth and blend in naturally with your other teeth. You will have a professional cleaning done to ensure no bacteria or tartar are trapped under the veneer, then the veneers will be applied with a dental cement and hardened with a UV light.

 

You may need more than one appointment–one for the impression and one for the veneer placement. The average appointment to place veneers takes about 2 hours, but the duration of your appointment will depend on the complexity of your unique situation.

There is no recovery time after veneer placement and no side effects; you can return to normal activities immediately after your appointment, including eating and drinking.

The Cost of Dental Veneers

The cost of dental veneers varies widely, ranging from several hundred dollars to more than $2,000 per tooth.

Factors that can affect how much your dental veneers will cost include:

  • The number of teeth you want covered
  • The type of material being used
  • How many layers of material needed
  • Any preparatory or preliminary treatment you need to prepare your teeth for the veneers

 

Because they are considered a cosmetic procedure, dental veneers are not typically covered by insurance. However, if your veneers are being used as a restorative treatment to fix a chipped or broken tooth, or to protect your teeth from erosion because you have acid reflux, your insurance may cover at least a part of the cost.

Discover a Brighter Smile with Dental Veneers from Dental Depot of DFW

Dental Depot can help you create a flawless smile you can’t wait to show off with beautiful, durable dental veneers. What’s more, our comprehensive dental care services ensure your stunning smile is also strong and healthy for a lifetime of great oral health.

Find out if dental veneers are right for you, and schedule a no-obligation appointment at any of our DFW metro offices.

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