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Veneers

You want a great smile, but you are not sure of the best way to achieve it. Veneers are a possible solution. We have summarized the American Dental Association’s Mouth Healthy article, “Veneers,” to provide you with more information about this viable option for a more attractive smile.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made, natural-looking coverings for your teeth that are made of high-quality material. They can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, crooked, or misshapen, and they can improve teeth with gaps. Veneers are different from crowns in that veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth structure.

Types of Veneers:

Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are a thin shell that are custom-made to fit on the front surface of your teeth. They are strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking, though they tend to be the more expensive option.

Composite veneers: Composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored filling material that is bonded to the tooth. They may require less tooth enamel to be removed, as well as fewer visits to the dentist. In addition, they are easier to fix if damaged, though they are not as resistant to stains or wear over time.

What you Need to Know:

  • Veneers are not reversible, because tooth enamel is removed to place a veneer.
  • Your dentist must first treat any dental issues you have, like decay or gum disease, as placing veneers over unhealthy teeth may worsen existing dental problems.
  • Veneers may chip, crack, wear down, or loosen over time, which would require your dentist to re-bond, repair, or replace them.
  • Veneers may not be a good choice if you clench or grind your teeth, or have a deep overbite.
  • Veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry, and therefore may not be covered by your insurance unless they are determined to be medically necessary.
  • Seek veneers from a licensed dentist and avoid “veneer technicians.” The latter could lead to risks of infection and nerve damage, and an unlicensed individual may unknowingly place veneers over unhealthy teeth.

Care for Veneers:

  • Avoid fingernail-biting and chewing on hard objects or foods.
  • Wear a mouthguard if you play a sport or do an activity that could injure your mouth.
  • Be careful with foods and drinks (coffee, tea, or red wine) that may stain or discolor your veneers.
  • You can still get cavities under or around a veneer, so brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and clean between your teeth daily. Also, use dental products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

There are multiple ways to improve your smile, and veneers may be a great option. It is our hope that the above information allows you to be more equipped to talk to Dr. Medianick or your own dentist about whether veneers are a good fit for you. We at Boulevard Dental are determined to do everything we can to help you feel good about your smile!

Reference:

Veneers. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers. Accessed May 8, 2025.