What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They're constructed from durable, stain-resistant porcelain that mimics the natural translucency of real teeth to create a perfect, natural-looking finish. While veneers are considered (the dentist does need to remove a small amount of enamel), they are a relatively quick and & easy way to completely upgrade your smile. You can think of them like high-quality, permanent press-on nails for your teeth.
Who Are Veneers For?
Veneers are the perfect option for anyone looking to fix aesthetic issues they have with their teeth. They can address a variety of concerns, including:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned or uneven teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crookedness
However, it’s important to start with a healthy foundation. If you have untreated dental disease or decay, those issues must be addressed first to ensure the longevity of your veneers.
Who Should Avoid Veneers?
While veneers are an excellent cosmetic option, they might not be the best choice for everyone. You should avoid veneers if you:
- Clench or grind your teeth (this could damage them)
- Have untreated dental issues such as decay or gum disease
- Are unsure about making a permanent change to your teeth
Benefits of Dental Veneers
We’ve seen first-hand just how life-changing veneers can be. Here’s why they’ve become such a popular choice for so many of our clients!
Aesthetic Perfection
Veneers conceal gaps, stains, and chips for a flawless, uniform smile.
Natural Look
They’re made to mimic the natural appearance of teeth and are custom-matched with your teeth’s color, shape, and size in order to blend seamlessly.
Long-Lasting
With proper care, veneers typically last 10-15 years.
Stain Resistance
Veneers resist staining from coffee, wine, and other culprits, keeping your smile bright and white.
Minimal Invasiveness
Unlike many dental procedures, veneers require little tooth preparation and typically don’t need anesthesia or medication, making the process minimally invasive.
Boost in Self-Confidence
A person's smile plays a significant role in how they look and how they feel about themselves. If you're self-conscious about your’s, veneers can make a world of difference in boosting your self confidence.
The Veneer Process
Wondering what’s involved in getting veneers? Here’s what you can expect:
- Enamel Removal - To prepare your teeth, a very small amount of enamel is polished away—just enough to make room for each veneer and ensure a perfect fit.
- Impression & Shade Selection - Using a professional-grade mold, we’ll create a precise impression of your teeth while you select the exact shade and finish of your veneers.
- Lab Fabrication - Your custom veneers are crafted in a dental lab while you wear temporary ones.
- Fitting & Bonding - Once your custom veneers are ready, we’ll carefully fit and bond them to your teeth with dental-grade cement. This step involves precision to ensure they seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile.
- Final Adjustments & Followup-Up - We’ll also schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything feels and looks just right.
Caring for Your Dental Veneers
The good news is veneers aren’t high-maintenance. However, they do require proper care to keep them looking their best:
- Stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine.
- Visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, your fingernails, pens, and pencils
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth
- Give yourself some time to adjust to how they feel initially—it’s worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers
With proper care, veneers usually last 10-15 years.
While veneers are durable, they can chip or break with excessive force. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
Veneers are typically considered “cosmetic” and aren’t covered by insurance, but our team can help explore payment options.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you might feel some discomfort during enamel removal. There may also be mild sensitivity for the first 24 hours as you adjust to your new veneers. To keep you comfortable, our dentist will typically numb your mouth with a local anesthetic.
No, veneers don’t respond to whitening treatments. However they are naturally stain-resistant so you can expect your veneers to stay bright and stain-free.
Schedule Your Dental Veneers Consultation in Seattle Today!
At Queen Anne Smiles, we believe everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud of. If you’re ready to take the first step toward renewed confidence, book a consultation with us today. We’ll walk you through every step to ensure veneers are the perfect fit for you.