Veneers: What They Fix, How They’re Done and What They Cost

Maybe it’s a chipped front tooth you’ve learned to smile around. Maybe it’s a stain that no whitening strip will touch. Or maybe your teeth are just a little uneven, and you notice it in every photo.

Veneers can fix all of that. Here’s what to know before you book a consultation.

What veneers are

A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front of a tooth. We make each one to match the shape and color you want, then bond it in place. From the outside, it looks like your own tooth, just better.

Veneers can cover:

• Chips and cracks

• Stains that whitening won’t lift

• Small gaps between teeth

• Teeth that look short, worn or uneven

They’re the most common cosmetic fix in dentistry for a reason. One treatment can change color, shape and spacing at the same time.

Porcelain or composite?

You have two main choices, and the right one depends on your goals and your budget.

Porcelain veneers are made in a lab. Porcelain catches light the way natural enamel does, so it looks real up close. It also resists coffee and wine stains. Porcelain costs more, but it lasts longer.

Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin that we shape right on your tooth. They cost less and often take just one visit. The trade-off: composite stains sooner and needs replacing sooner.

What happens at each visit

1. Consultation. You tell us what bothers you about your smile. Dr. Heather checks your teeth and gums and talks through your options.

2. Preparation. For porcelain veneers, we remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth so the veneer sits flush.

3. Scan. We take a digital scan so the lab can build veneers that fit your teeth exactly.

4. Temporaries. While the lab makes your veneers, you may wear temporary ones, so you never walk around with prepared teeth.

5. Placement. We check the fit and shade, then bond your veneers in place.

Digital scanning and 3D printing make this more precise than it used to be. No goopy impression trays, and a better fit on the first try.

Nervous about it?

Plenty of our patients are. Tell us when you book. We explain every step before we start it, we take breaks whenever you need one, and we offer sedation for patients who qualify.

What veneers cost

Price depends on how many teeth you’re treating and which material you choose. Porcelain costs more up front but usually costs less per year, since it lasts about twice as long. We’ll give you an exact quote at your consultation, along with your insurance coverage and payment plan options.

How to make them last

Veneers are tough, but they’re not invincible. A few habits go a long way:

• Keep your cleanings. Come in for checkups twice a year so we can spot problems early.

• Brush with a soft toothbrush. Hard bristles wear down the surface over time.

• Don’t chew ice or hard candy. Don’t open packages with your teeth either.

• Wear a night guard if you grind. Grinding is one of the most common ways veneers chip.

• Go easy on coffee, tea and red wine, especially with composite veneers.

Common questions

How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers usually last 10 to 15 years. Composite veneers last about 5 to 7. Good home care and regular cleanings push those numbers up.

Can veneers be replaced?
Yes. If one chips or you want a different look down the road, we can remove it and bond a new one.

Will my teeth be sensitive afterward?
Some people feel mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. It usually fades on its own.

Can I whiten veneers?
No. Whitening only works on natural teeth. If you want whiter teeth overall, whiten first, then we’ll match your veneers to your new shade.

Am I a good candidate?
If your teeth and gums are healthy and you want to change how your smile looks, you probably are. We’ll confirm at your consultation.

Ready to talk about your smile?

Call (610) 897-7838 or book online. Bring a photo of a smile you like, or just tell us what you’d change about yours. We’re at 625 W Ridge Pike, Building D, Suite 103 in Conshohocken.