Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain facings bonded to the front of the teeth. They are a conservative approach to improving the shape, color or alignment of your teeth and creating a natural beautiful smile. We work with Davinci Dental Studios featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover as well as Recreations by Puga. Both are nationally recognized for their incredible esthetics.

Below are before and after photos of three of our veneer patients.

Five porcelain veneers, one all porcelain crown

Four porcelain veneers, two all porcelain crowns

Six porcelain veneers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a veneer?
A veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than reducing the entire tooth 360 degrees, a cosmetic veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that covers the front/visible part of a tooth preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. It wraps slightly over the edge of the tooth to help with retention of the veneer and add strength. Veneers can straighten, lengthen, close gaps, repair chips and whiten teeth to provide the desired effect. Each veneered tooth must be individually shaped. This means that a thin outer layer of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for veneer placement. Generally, the amount of tooth structure that is reduced is very minimal - about .8 mm to 1mm. The veneer is bonded to the tooth, making it very strong.

How long do veneers last?
Veneers are strong and can last for many years, possibly a lifetime with good oral care. There are many different reasons someone would need to replace a veneer or cosmetic crown. Cosmetic dental techniques have advanced dramatically over the last decade. Some veneers/crowns made a long time ago are not as white and natural looking because we didn’t have the same porcelain materials we have today. In the past metal may have been used under cosmetic crowns for the front teeth, creating a gray, blue, or greenish color. The reason for replacement may be entirely for esthetic purposes. Another cause for replacement may be due to gum recession, which allows the edges of the veneer or crown to show (where the veneer ends and the natural tooth begins). Poor home care, lack of proper brushing and flossing or neglecting your regularly-scheduled dental hygiene cleanings can cause the teeth to decay around the margins of the veneer/crown, resulting in the need for replacement of the restoration. Dr. Weisbard provides 100% all-porcelain restorations on all front teeth.

Braces or veneers?
If you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth, then orthodontic teeth straightening may be a good option for you. Invisalign may be a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is the latest generation of “invisible” braces. Though not always necessary, some people will choose to undergo some teeth straightening prior to being fitted with cosmetic veneers.

Will veneers eventually stain?
Porcelain veneers are non-porous and will not stain or discolor.

What is bonding and how is it different from a veneer?
Bonding is the use of a composite resin material to cover the tooth in order to change shape, fill chips or build up the tooth. The disadvantage is that it will discolor over time since it is a porous material and is more prone to breakage than a veneer. It may require more maintenance to resurface or repair over a number of years. It is not as “permanent” a restoration as a veneer.

Have other questions? Ask Dr. Weisbard!