Should I Get Dental Veneers?
A beautiful smile can make a lasting first impression. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about chipped, stained, or uneven teeth, dental veneers might be the cosmetic dentistry solution you’ve been looking for. At Perfect A Smile in Chagrin Falls, we help patients restore confidence and transform their smiles with custom veneers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dental veneers—how they work, what benefits they offer, and whether they’re the right choice for you.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They’re custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, making them a popular cosmetic treatment for improving the appearance of your smile.
Veneers are often used to fix:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are uneven, misshapen, or slightly crooked
Unlike dental crowns, which cover the entire tooth, veneers only cover the visible front portion—making them a more conservative and minimally invasive option.
Types of Veneers
There are two main types of dental veneers, and each has its own advantages:
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are strong, stain-resistant, and offer the most natural appearance. They are custom-crafted in a dental lab and typically last 10–15 years with proper care.
2. Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored resin material that’s applied directly to the tooth and shaped in-office. They’re usually more affordable than porcelain but may not last as long—typically 5–7 years.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer a wide range of benefits that make them one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments today.
1. Natural-Looking Results
Veneers are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so your smile looks enhanced—not artificial. The color, shape, and translucency can all be tailored to your preferences.
2. Stain Resistance
Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural enamel, which means your new smile will stay bright longer—even if you enjoy coffee, tea, or red wine.
3. Minimally Invasive
Compared to other cosmetic procedures, veneers require minimal enamel removal. This means more of your natural tooth structure stays intact.
4. Quick Smile Transformation
Veneers can address multiple concerns at once—color, shape, alignment, and size—without the need for braces, whitening, or extensive dental work. In just a few visits, you can enjoy a dramatically improved smile.
5. Long-Lasting Solution
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, veneers can last for many years, making them a worthwhile investment in your confidence and appearance.
The Veneer Process: What to Expect
Getting veneers is a straightforward process that typically takes two to three visits. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Consultation
Your journey to a perfect smile begins with a detailed consultation. Our dental professionals will assess your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if veneers are the right choice for you.
Step 2: Customization & Creation
Your veneers are created for you and you alone. The dental team at Perfect A Smile strives to create beautiful, custom dental veneers that perfectly enhance your smile. The process is straightforward and involves:
- Digital Scans: We take precise 3D digital models of your teeth to ensure your veneers fit perfectly and look natural (no messy mold!)
- Material Selection: Choose from porcelain or composite resin materials, each offering benefits in durability and appearance
Thanks to the advanced technology of our in-house CEREC system, we can create your new smile faster than ever before!
Step 3: Application
Once your veneers are prepared, your dentist will apply them to your teeth:
- Preparation: A minimal amount of tooth enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer.
- Bonding: The veneer is expertly bonded to your tooth, instantly transforming its appearance.
In some cases, temporary veneers are placed while your final restorations are being made in the lab.
Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Dental veneers are a great option for many people, but they’re not the right fit for everyone. You may be a good candidate if:
- Your teeth are healthy and free of decay
- You have no major bite problems
- Your goals are cosmetic (e.g., improving shape, color, or symmetry)
- You’re committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
However, veneers may not be ideal for people who grind their teeth (bruxism), have severe misalignment, or have significant tooth decay. In those cases, other treatments—like crowns, Invisalign, or whitening—may be more suitable.
Caring for Your Veneers
Veneers are durable, but they still need proper care to last. Here are some tips to keep them looking and functioning their best:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss daily to prevent gum issues around the veneers
- Avoid biting into very hard foods or using your teeth as tools
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Visit Perfect A Smile regularly for cleanings and exams
By maintaining a good oral care routine, you’ll protect both your veneers and your natural teeth.
Common Questions About Veneers
Do veneers hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Local anesthesia may be used during enamel preparation to keep you comfortable.
Can veneers be whitened?
No—veneers don’t respond to whitening. That’s why we match them to your desired shade before placement.
What happens if a veneer falls off?
It’s rare, but if a veneer becomes loose or falls off, call our office right away. We’ll assess the situation and determine the best way to fix or replace it.
Ready for Your Smile Makeover? Let’s Talk Veneers!
At Perfect A Smile in Chagrin Falls, OH, we’re here to help you feel great about your smile. Our expert dental team will walk you through every step of the veneer process, answer all your questions, and ensure you get the results you love. Book your consultation today at (440-583-6395) to find out if veneers are right for you!