When we talk about “Smile Makeovers”, “veneers” is a term that pops up more often. Whether you have some familiarity with this cosmetic dental treatment or not, veneers can transform smiles, increase confidence, and change lives in as little as 2 weeks. But, what are veneers? What options are available with veneers? And, are they right for you? We’re glad you asked!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance. Made from either porcelain or composite resin, these cosmetic dental treatments are a quick and durable solution for fixing teeth that are chipped, stained, uneven, or worn down.
Dr. Ellison has a patient that she did veneers on in 1993 and he has come in for
his regular cleanings every 6 months for 31 years and his veneers still look brand
new! This could be you!
Types of Veneers: Porcelain, Composite, and No-Prep
When it comes to veneers, patients typically have three main options: porcelain, composite, or no-prep veneers.
Porcelain Veneers: Since porcelain veneers are made of porcelain, they are like a glass window that – as long as you keep it clean – looks the same over the years and does not break down over time. Also, it is not a porous material and therefore does not change in color internally. For this reason, they can last for a lifetime.
Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are a more affordable alternative. They are made of a resin material that can be shaped and bonded to the tooth in a single appointment. Although they may not last as long as porcelain veneers, they can still provide a beautiful, aesthetic improvement.
No-Prep Veneers: No-prep veneers can be done in porcelain or resin. The great advantage of these veneers is that no tooth structure is removed, leaving your natural tooth underneath. This is a great option for those who want to enhance their smile with no drilling and no numbing.
Are Veneers Right for You?
If you’re considering veneers, it’s important to understand whether they’re the right solution for your dental goals. Veneers can be an excellent option, no matter your age, if you have:
- Discolored or stained teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments.
- Chipped or cracked teeth that need cosmetic restoration.
- Misaligned or uneven teeth that you want to correct without braces.
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- “Ok they look amaze! 😍😍😍”
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- “Thank you, Dr. Ellison!”
Our Veneer Process
Getting veneers is a relatively quick and straightforward process. It typically involves five main steps:
- Consult. Dr. Ellison is passionate about educating her patients, which is why she is happy to provide a free consultation to see if veneers are the best solution for you. If they aren’t, she can propose alternative treatments that will still give you a smile you can be proud of.
- Digital Images. We take a digital scan and photos, and you choose a shade for the veneers all within about 15 minutes.
- The Right Option. Dr. Ellison will look through the Smile Design book with you and help you decide which option will best complement and enhance your smile.
- Custom Made. The images and selections are sent to the lab to make your custom veneers.
- The Final Step. With porcelain veneers or composite veneers, you only need to wait a couple of weeks before the veneers are placed over your existing teeth to give you a comfortable, beautiful new smile.
Timeline for Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are sent to the lab and only take a week or two to accomplish the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted with only 2 visits. While Composite Bonding can be done in just one appointment!
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- Before
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- After
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- Before
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- After
Caring for Your Veneers
Maintaining your veneers is as simple as taking care of your natural teeth! Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will keep them looking their best. Avoid biting into hard objects, and talk to our team at Susan Ellison Dentistry & Cosmetics if you grind your teeth at night, as a night guard can help protect your investment.
Additional Veneers FAQs
Does the process of getting veneers hurt?
There is absolutely no pain involved in doing veneers, which is an additional benefit of having veneers done to give you the beautiful smile you always wanted.
What can I eat and what foods should I avoid with veneers?
When veneers are first placed, we recommend 48 hours before biting into anything such as pizza, hamburgers, and sandwiches to give the bonding material time to fully set. After that, you can use your judgment as to what you feel comfortable biting into. The veneers will become as natural as your own teeth. We have a patient who Dr. Ellison did veneers on in 1993 and still comes in for regular cleanings and they look just like new!
What happens if one of my veneers fall off?
If your veneer falls off, keep the veneer and call us right away for an appointment to see if we can put it back on. Some patients will put the veneer back on the tooth to smile with if it is not broken and still has a good fit but you have to be careful not to swallow it.
Can I get veneers on just one tooth?
Yes, veneers can be applied to a single tooth if only one tooth needs enhancement. However, many patients choose to apply them to multiple teeth to ensure a balanced, symmetrical look.
You Deserve a Smile You Feel Proud to Wear
Veneers are just one of a few different cosmetic dentistry treatments that can change your smile in as little as two weeks! Don’t let your teeth be a source of stress, discomfort, or the reason for a lack of confidence. Let us give you a smile you can be proud of – your big reveal awaits. Schedule your veneers consult today.