What Can Veneers Fix?
The versatility of dental veneers makes them one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available. They tackle issues that might otherwise require multiple procedures.
Stubborn stains that don’t respond to whitening treatments can be covered under veneers. Years of coffee, tea, or wine consumption can leave teeth discolored in ways that bleaching can’t fix. Veneers give you a fresh, bright surface that resists future staining.
Chips and cracks from accidents or wear also become invisible with veneers. You may have chipped a tooth while playing sports years ago, or maybe grinding has worn down your enamel. Veneers restore the smooth, even appearance your teeth once had.
Gaps between teeth close up without orthodontic treatment. Small spaces that bother you can be eliminated in just a couple of appointments. The team at Gentle Family Dentists carefully designs each veneer to create the spacing that complements your facial features best.
Minor misalignment issues also improve with veneers. If your teeth are slightly crooked or uneven, but you don’t want to wear braces, veneers can create the illusion of perfectly straight teeth. They won’t change your bite, but they will change what people see when you smile.
Porcelain vs. Composite: Choosing Your Material
Two main types of dental veneers exist, and each has advantages depending on your situation and goals.
Porcelain veneers offer incredible durability and a lifelike appearance. The material reflects light the same way natural enamel does, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth. They resist staining better than any other option and typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care. We often recommend porcelain for patients who want the longest-lasting, most natural-looking results.
The process for porcelain veneers typically requires either one or two appointments, depending on the number of veneers desired and your treatment goals. During your first visit, we prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel—usually less than a millimeter. This creates room for the veneers so your teeth don’t look bulky. Then, if your veneers only require one visit, we will design and create your custom veneers in our laboratory while you relax in your private treatment room or in our relaxation room. If your veneers require two appointments, we will create temporary veneers for you to wear until you return to have your final veneers placed.
Composite veneers utilize tooth-colored resin that is applied directly to your teeth. This approach can require less enamel removal and sometimes none at all.
However, composite veneers typically last only five to seven years. They’re also more prone to staining than porcelain. Many patients opt for composite veneers for one or two teeth, saving porcelain for a full smile makeover.
The Veneer Process: Creating Your Dream Smile
Getting dental veneers starts with a conversation about what you want to change. We look at photos together, discuss the shape and shade you prefer, and create a plan that suits your face and personality. Some patients want dramatic transformations, while others prefer subtle improvements. Both approaches work beautifully with veneers.
During your preparation appointment, we carefully remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth that will receive veneers. This step is permanent, so we take our time to get it right. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the process. We then take detailed impressions or digital scans of your prepared teeth.
These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians handcraft your veneers. This takes about two weeks. Your temporary veneers protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new smile during this waiting period.
When your custom veneers arrive, we check their fit, shape, and color before permanently bonding them. We can make minor adjustments to ensure everything looks perfect. Once you approve the appearance, we use a special adhesive and curing light to attach each veneer securely. The bonding creates an incredibly strong connection that withstands normal eating and speaking. We also recommend an occlusal guard to protect the investment of your smile.
Living with Your New Veneers
Dental veneers require minimal maintenance. You care for them the same way you care for natural teeth—brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting us for regular checkups.
Avoiding certain habits protects your investment. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite your nails. If you grind your teeth at night, we’ll create a custom nightguard to prevent damage. Chewing ice or hard candy can crack veneers just like they can crack natural teeth.
Regular professional cleanings keep your veneers looking fresh. Restorative dentistry appointments let us monitor your veneers and address any issues before they become problems. We polish them during your cleaning appointments to maintain their shine.
Most patients forget they even have veneers after a few weeks. They become a natural part of your smile and require no extra thought or care beyond normal oral hygiene.
Investing in Your Confidence
The cost of dental veneers varies depending on the number of teeth being treated and the material chosen. While veneers represent a significant investment, many patients tell us they wish they’d done it sooner because of the impact on their confidence and quality of life.
We offer flexible payment options to make veneers more accessible. Our in-house membership club offers discounts on cosmetic procedures, and we partner with financing companies to provide monthly payment plans. Check our specials and promotions page for current offers on veneer treatments.
Most dental insurance plans classify veneers as cosmetic and don’t provide coverage. However, if you need veneers to repair damaged teeth rather than purely for aesthetic purposes, your insurance may contribute to the cost. We’ll help you explore all your options.
Transform Your Smile Today
You deserve to feel confident every time you smile. Dental veneers give you the power to change what you see in the mirror and how you present yourself to the world. Dr. Carol, Dr. Carolyn, and Dr. Roberto combine artistic vision with technical precision to create results that look naturally beautiful.
The journey to your dream smile starts with a simple conversation. We’ll examine your teeth, listen to your goals, and show you what veneers can accomplish for you. Contact us to schedule your consultation at Gentle Family Dentists in North Liberty, West Liberty, and Muscatine. Your perfect smile is closer than you think.