Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They’re custom-made to match your desired tooth shape, size, and color. Veneers can fix a variety of cosmetic issues like chips, gaps, stains, or slightly crooked teeth. Think of them as a beautiful, permanent cover that transforms your smile while keeping most of your natural tooth structure intact.

Porcelain veneers typically last 10-20 years with proper care, and many patients get even longer life from them. The key is maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding habits like biting your nails or chewing ice, and wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Regular dental checkups help us monitor your veneers and catch any potential issues early. When they do eventually need replacement, the process is straightforward.

The veneer process is quite comfortable since we only remove a very thin layer of tooth enamel. Dr. Fenton uses local anesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days after treatment, but this usually resolves quickly. Many people are surprised by how gentle the process is compared to what they expected.

Veneers can address many cosmetic concerns including stained teeth, chips, gaps, minor misalignment, and worn edges. They work well for teeth that are too small, oddly shaped, or have permanent discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening. Veneers can also make your smile appear more symmetrical and uniform. However, they’re not suitable for severely damaged teeth or major bite problems – Dr. Fenton will evaluate whether veneers are right for your situation.

Caring for veneers is simple – just treat them like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain surface. Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, which can chip veneers just like natural teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the nightguard we provide to protect your investment.

Getting veneers typically takes 2-3 weeks and requires two main appointments. At the first visit, Dr. Fenton prepares your teeth and takes detailed impressions for your custom veneers (about 2 hours). You’ll wear temporary veneers while your permanent ones are crafted by our lab. At the second appointment, we remove the temporaries and bond your beautiful new veneers in place.

Porcelain veneers typically cost $1,000-$2,500 per tooth, depending on the complexity and materials used. While this represents a significant investment, veneers provide dramatic results and last many years, making them cost-effective for smile transformation. We offer financing options to help make your dream smile more manageable. A consultation with Dr. Fenton will give you an exact cost estimate based on your specific needs.

Most dental insurance plans don’t cover veneers since they’re considered cosmetic treatment. However, if veneers are being used to repair damaged teeth rather than purely for appearance, some plans might provide partial coverage. We’ll check your specific benefits and help you understand any potential coverage. Many patients find the confidence boost and improved quality of life make veneers a worthwhile investment even without insurance coverage.