Veneers

Determining if a veneer is suitable or a full-coverage crown is required depends on the extent of the tooth's defects and the remaining amount of healthy tooth structure. For teeth with imperfections that cannot be remedied with a teeth whitening procedure, dental veneers often provide the desired cosmetic improvements. However, a significantly undersized, misshapen, chipped, or darkly stained tooth usually requires a full coverage crown.

Porcelain veneers are fabricated from the highest grade of dental ceramics, which reflect light in much the same way as the enamel of natural teeth. In addition to this feature, dental porcelain is resistant to stains and discolorations, keeping your smile white and vibrant for years to come.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin customized facings that become strong and durable once bonded to the underlying teeth. With proper hygiene and routine dental care, veneers provide a cosmetic solution that not only looks and feels completely natural but is also long lasting.

However, just as harmful oral habits can affect your natural teeth, they can also cause damage to your veneers. To prevent chipping, cracking, or dislodging a veneer, avoid nail biting, chewing on hard candies, ice, pens, or pencils, and opening bottles or other objects with your teeth. Also, remember to protect your smile on the playing field by wearing a properly fitted sports mouthguard.

Tooth grinding or bruxism is another important consideration in care. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need to wear a night guard to help protect your new smile or discuss other options with our office.

As versatile as they are beautiful, dental veneers can be applied to a single tooth in need of cosmetic improvement or multiple front teeth to dramatically improve the look of your smile. Whatever the case may be, dental veneers provide highly satisfying results to create a smile; you'll feel confident sharing with the world.

Among the many benefits offered by dental veneers is their ability to mask a range of imperfections at once. In addition to covering stains or discolorations on the front surface of a tooth, the size and shape of a veneer can also be customize to improve the tooth's contours and dimensions. At the same time veneers create a whiter and more vibrant smile; they can also lengthen or widen a tooth, close minor gaps, and address other minor alignment issues.

The two most common types of veneers are porcelain veneers, also known as porcelain laminates, and composite veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most commonly offered option in care, composite veneers fabricated directly on the tooth can also achieve excellent results. You may have also heard the term no-prep veneer. It refers to a type of porcelain veneer that requires little to no preparation of the underlying dental enamel. At your consultation visit, we'll discuss your best options in care.

Once they're in place, your veneers are also easy to care for and maintain. Simply by brushing, flossing, and visiting our office for periodic checkups, you can successfully protect and preserve your new and beautiful smile.

Although certain procedures that are considered cosmetic may not be covered by dental insurance, veneers remain a worthwhile investment in your smile. Based on the unique considerations of each case, we develop treatment plans that consider specific dental needs, cosmetic goals, and budget. Our experienced and friendly office staff can address all your insurance questions and review various payment and financing options.

At the office of Briter Dental, we value patient input and pay close attention to your treatment goals, concerns, and expectations in care. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, we recognize that every smile is unique and never take a “one size fits all” approach to care. We utilize the most advanced diagnostic technology and treatment methods to assess your smile and to design your porcelain veneers for a precise fit and optimal aesthetics.

As experienced providers of care, we provide highly personalized treatment, combining state-of-the-art technology with an artistic touch to produce long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results of care.

Dental veneers are ultra-thin facings custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth and improve their appearance. They are typically fabricated from high-quality porcelain or composite resin to mimic the natural translucency and texture of tooth enamel. Veneers conceal staining, minor chips, irregular shapes, small gaps and certain alignment issues while preserving much of the natural tooth structure.

Because veneers are designed to bond to the prepared tooth, they provide a durable and discreet restoration that blends with surrounding teeth. The procedure is considered minimally invasive compared with full crowns since only a small amount of enamel is removed when needed. Properly fabricated and placed veneers offer a natural-looking result that enhances smile symmetry and proportion.

Good candidates for veneers are adults in overall good oral health who want to correct cosmetic concerns such as persistent discoloration, minor chips, uneven tooth shape or small gaps. Candidates should have healthy gums and be free of active tooth decay or untreated periodontal disease prior to cosmetic treatment. A careful evaluation of bite and tooth structure helps determine whether veneers or an alternative treatment is most appropriate.

Patients with significant tooth loss, severe misalignment, or bruxism may need additional restorative or orthodontic care before veneers are recommended. During a consultation we review aesthetic goals, examine the teeth and supporting tissues, and discuss realistic outcomes so patients can make an informed decision. When tooth structure and oral health are suitable, veneers can be an excellent option for long-lasting cosmetic improvement.

Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory and are known for their superior stain resistance, translucency and long-term color stability. They typically require two visits for preparation and final placement and provide a highly aesthetic result that closely resembles natural enamel. Composite veneers are usually applied directly to the tooth by the dentist and can often be completed in a single visit, but they are more prone to staining and may have a shorter service life.

The choice between porcelain and composite depends on factors such as the extent of cosmetic correction needed, desired longevity, and the condition of the underlying teeth. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each material and recommend the option that best matches your goals and oral health. In many cases, porcelain is preferred for its lifelike appearance and durability, especially for front teeth.

The veneer process usually begins with an initial consultation to discuss goals, evaluate oral health and plan the desired tooth shape and shade. During the preparation visit a conservative amount of enamel is removed as needed, an impression is taken, and temporary facings may be placed while the final veneers are fabricated. The laboratory creates custom veneers based on the impression and shade selection to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance.

At the placement appointment the dentist checks fit, color and bite, makes any minor adjustments, and bonds the veneers using a durable resin cement. The bonded veneers are then polished and further refined for optimal comfort and aesthetics. Follow-up visits allow the dentist to confirm fit and function and make refinements if necessary.

Maintaining veneers involves the same fundamental practices as caring for natural teeth: brush twice daily with a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and attend regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoiding extremely hard foods or habits such as using teeth to open packages helps prevent chipping or damage to the veneers. If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect both natural teeth and veneers from excessive wear.

Routine professional exams let your dentist monitor the condition of veneers and the health of the supporting teeth and gums. Prompt attention to any problems such as sensitivity, loosening or damage helps preserve the restoration and prevent more extensive treatment. With good oral hygiene and appropriate precautions, veneers can remain attractive and functional for many years.

As with any dental procedure, veneers carry potential risks that are important to consider, including tooth sensitivity, marginal staining, and the rare possibility of veneer fracture or debonding. Sensitivity may occur after enamel preparation but often diminishes over time as the tooth adapts or with desensitizing care. Proper case selection, precise bonding techniques and high-quality materials minimize many of these risks.

Long-term success also depends on oral hygiene and avoidance of harmful habits such as biting hard objects or using teeth as tools. If complications occur, options range from repair of the veneer to replacement or alternative restorations depending on the situation. Discussing potential risks and maintenance expectations during your consultation helps set realistic outcomes for treatment.

Veneers are focused on improving the visible front surface of teeth and are often more conservative than crowns, which encircle and cover the entire tooth and require more tooth reduction. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has extensive damage, large restorations or weakened structure that needs full coverage for strength. Bonding uses composite resin to sculpt and repair teeth in a single visit and can be ideal for minor corrections but may lack the durability and stain resistance of porcelain veneers.

The best option depends on the amount of healthy tooth structure, functional needs, and long-term goals for the smile. Your dentist will evaluate structural considerations and aesthetic aims to recommend the most conservative, predictable approach. In many cosmetic cases where enamel is intact, veneers offer an excellent balance of aesthetics and conservation.

Veneer placement is generally well tolerated because local anesthesia is used during tooth preparation to ensure patient comfort. Some patients experience mild sensitivity or pressure during the procedure, but significant pain is uncommon when the treatment is performed properly. Any postoperative sensitivity usually subsides within a few days to weeks, and your dentist can recommend measures to manage discomfort if it occurs.

Because the amount of enamel removed is typically minimal, many patients report a comfortable recovery and are able to return to normal activities soon after placement. Open communication with the dental team about concerns and any medical considerations helps ensure a relaxed, safe experience. If necessary, topical or local anesthetic options can be reviewed before treatment to optimize comfort.

With proper care, high-quality porcelain veneers commonly last many years and often a decade or longer, though individual lifespans vary based on oral hygiene, bite forces and habits. Composite veneers generally have a shorter lifespan and may require more frequent maintenance or replacement. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of wear, marginal issues or gum changes that could affect veneer longevity.

Replacement is considered when a veneer is damaged, discoloration occurs at the margin that cannot be resolved, or when underlying tooth health changes require a different restorative approach. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations for durability during the treatment planning phase and provide guidance on how to extend the life of your veneers. When properly maintained, veneers continue to deliver natural-looking results that enhance smile confidence.

During a veneer consultation at the office of Briter Dental you can expect a comprehensive assessment that includes an examination of teeth and gums, review of your dental and medical history, and discussion of your aesthetic goals. The dentist will evaluate bite relationships, tooth structure and any functional factors that could influence treatment choices. Photographs, mock-ups or digital previews may be used to illustrate potential outcomes and help you visualize the proposed changes.

After reviewing options, the team will outline a personalized treatment plan and explain the sequence of care, expected timeline and necessary preparatory steps such as treating decay or gum disease. This collaborative process ensures that the selected solution aligns with your smile goals and oral health needs. You will leave the consultation with a clear understanding of next steps and what to expect throughout the veneer process.