Veneers are, without a doubt, the quickest and easiest way to get that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. There is basically no downtime, no pain, and with the advancements in 3D scanning technology in recent years, they match the color and shape of your teeth perfectly.
What are veneers?
Veneers are very thin (hence the name) pieces of tooth-colored material, precisely shaped to fit over your existing teeth and serve as a new “surface,” providing a better aesthetic. Veneers are made to match the color and shade of your natural teeth, and are sized to fit the proportions of your face and mouth.
Typically, veneers are made of either porcelain or composite materials. We recommend porcelain veneers in most cases, as they resist stains better, last longer, and also are naturally reflective, so they look more like natural teeth.
Why would I want veneers?
Most people get veneers because they are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, and don’t want to go through extensive orthodontic treatment or other restorative work. (Although, in some cases Invisalign can be completed in less than a year.) With veneers, you can basically get a perfect smile with no downtime. Veneers solve a variety of aesthetic dental issues, such as staining, crooked or chipped teeth, and large gaps between teeth. They can be used to quickly change the color, shape, size, or length of any tooth.
What is the process for getting veneers?
There are several stages. First, we take scans of your existing teeth to accurately capture their size and color. Then, we design the veneers, and have them fabricated. During this stage, we talk about size, shade, etc. to make sure you are completely happy with how your veneers will look. Finally, we place the veneers over your existing teeth, securely attaching them.
The entire process is completed in two appointments, spaced about a week apart. After your veneers are placed, there is no recovery period, and you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort.
Can I see what my veneers will look like before committing?
Absolutely! During your consultation, we can take impressions and have our lab fabricate what’s called a “wax up,” which is a 3D model of your teeth (made of wax), with your veneers in place. It takes a couple weeks, but you’ll be able to see exactly what your new smile will look like!
How many veneers should I get?
For the best result, most people get six veneers for their top front teeth, and some opt for six veneers for their bottom teeth as well. It’s usually best to get a full set (either just the top, or both the top and bottom) at the same time, as all your teeth will match perfectly.
We can place just a single veneer, if necessary, but a good alternative is either full-tooth bonding (often called a “chair-side veneer”) or a same-day crown. Depending on your specific needs, we can make the best recommendation for you. Thanks to the advancements in dental lab technology in recent years, we can perfectly match your restoration to your existing teeth, regardless of what option you go with.
Veneers are a great option if you are unhappy with your smile. If you are considering getting veneers, give us a call at (850) 492-7647 to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do veneers last?
Typically, veneers will last 10-20 years without needing to be replaced. At that point, you may need to have new veneers made. Thankfully, removing and replacing veneers is as simple and painless as getting them initially!
Will veneers really look like my natural teeth?
Absolutely. Veneers have improved dramatically in recent years, thanks to improvements in dental lab and 3D scanning technology. We can now match your veneers in size, color and shade with an incredibly high degree of precision. They will look just like your natural teeth, except brighter, and perfectly sized and spaced!
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
As long as you have a good bite (no malocclusions) and no underlying dental issues, you are a candidate for veneers. If your teeth have a lot of staining, keep in mind that porcelain veneers are very thin, so they are partial translucent, which means any underlying stains need to be taken care of before placing your veneers.
However, there are ways around this. We can customize the thickness of the veneer if, for instance, you have staining due to certain anti-biotics (which affects the whole tooth).
Do I need to whiten my teeth before getting veneers?
Yes, we recommend whitening your teeth beforehand, in order to get the optimal shade. This is true for any restoration, including bonding and full crowns.
Do veneers require any special care?
One of the perks of veneers is that you just brush and floss your teeth regularly. There is no additional care required. Additionally, they are incredibly resistant to staining, so their color will not change over time. Of course, this is true of crowns as well.
When should I prefer dental implants over veneers?
We wrote a detailed post contrasting the two options. But briefly, veneers are ideal if you are mainly after aesthetic improvements to your smile, and your teeth are healthy. Dental implants are more suitable if you have missing teeth.
Are veneers covered by insurance?
Sometimes, but it depends on the reason veneers are needed. If you want veneers for purely cosmetic reasons, typically insurance will not cover them. If you give us a call and let us know your insurance provider and your plan, we can give you a more definite answer.