Dental Veneers
Serving Patients in Vancouver WA
Are you dreaming of a stunning smile transformation? Dental veneers might be the perfect solution for you.
Veneers can provide you the dramatic confidence boost you’ve been looking for, and often in just a few appointments. Whether your teeth are chipped, unevenly spaced, or discolored, they can give you the confidence boost you’ve always wanted.
Don’t let your teeth hold you back from smiling with confidence!
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. Each veneer is meticulously made to match your natural tooth shape, size, and desired shade to create a seamless, natural-looking smile.
With proper care and maintenance, they are remarkably durable and can serve you well for many years. They can instantly improve the appearance of your smile!
It’s important to note that veneers differ from dental crowns. While crowns encapsulate the entire tooth for structural support, veneers are a cosmetic solution that covers only the visible front portion of your teeth. This requires less removal of your natural tooth structure.
How Are They a Part of Smile Restoration?
Veneers offer patients a versatile solution for addressing multiple aesthetic concerns at the same time. As a part of a comprehensive smile restoration plan, veneers can:
- Correct minor alignment issues without the need for braces.
- Close gaps between teeth.
- Restore worn or shortened teeth to their natural proportions.
- Create uniformity in tooth shape and size.
- Brighten your smile with stain-resistant materials.
What Are Veneers Made Out of?
Dental veneers are typically crafted from one of two materials: porcelain or composite resin.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry. Here’s what you can expect:
- Precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create your custom veneers in a dental lab.
- An appearance with the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel.
- Durability lasting 15-20 years (or even longer with the proper care).
- Stain resistance from coffee, tea, wine, and other common culprits.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers offer a more accessible alternative with their own set of benefits:
- We can complete the entire procedure in a single visit since composite resin can be sculpted and applied directly to your teeth.
- Composite veneers require a lower initial investment compared to porcelain.
- If a composite veneer chips (or becomes damaged), it can often be repaired during a simple office visit.
- Composite veneers typically last five to seven years with proper care.
| Feature | Porcelain Veneers | Composite Veneers |
| Appointments Required | Two to three visits | Usually one visit |
| Lifespan | 15-20+ years | Five to seven years |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Repairability | Full replacement | Can be repaired |
| Natural Appearance | Superior | Good |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
Something to consider: If a porcelain veneer chips or breaks, it typically requires complete replacement. Also, composite veneers may be more prone to staining over time and require more maintenance.
Are Dental Veneers the Right Option for Me?
Veneers can be an excellent choice for patients who already maintain good overall oral health. Ideal candidates typically have:
- Healthy teeth and gums free from decay and disease
- Sufficient tooth enamel for proper veneer bonding
- Realistic expectations about the results
- A commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene
- Cosmetic concerns that veneers can address
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?
Veneers may not be recommended if you have active gum disease, significant tooth decay, severely damaged or weakened teeth, teeth grinding (bruxism), or insufficient enamel.
Full vs. Partial Veneers
Full veneers typically cover your “smile zone,” the six to ten teeth visible when you smile (usually the upper front teeth). Partial veneers involve placing veneers on selected teeth rather than the entire smile zone.
During your consultation, we’ll help you determine which approach best aligns with your goals, oral health, and budget.
Do You Offer Anesthesia?
Yes, we do. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we want our patients to be as comfortable as possible. Let us know if you believe you would benefit from anesthesia during your dental procedure. We are happy to explore options to accommodate you.
How to Prepare for Your Veneer Procedure
In the Days Before (& Day of) Your Appointment
- Follow any pre-procedure instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or supplements that may increase bleeding.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing thoroughly.
- Avoid whitening products at least one week before your appointment.
- Arrange transportation if you’ve opted for sedation to help you relax.
- Clear your schedule, as your appointment may last several hours (depending on the number of veneers being placed).
- Eat a light meal the morning of your appointment since your mouth may be numb for a few hours afterward.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Our team will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process.
For porcelain veneers, we’ll prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel, taking impressions, and placing temporary veneers while your permanent ones are crafted. During your follow-up appointment, we’ll bond your custom veneers in place and make any final adjustments.
For composite veneers, the entire sculpting and bonding process is completed in one visit.
CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR NEXT STEPS?
Click the button below to leave your name and number and we’ll call you back.Dental Veneer Aftercare
Daily Care
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the veneer surface.
- Consider an alcohol-free mouthwash for additional protection.
Habits to Avoid
- Biting into extremely hard foods (ice, hard candy, etc.).
- Using your teeth as tools (opening packages, biting nails, etc.).
- Chewing on non-food items (pens, pencils, etc.).
- Excessive consumption of staining beverages without rinsing afterward (especially for composite veneers).
Professional Maintenance
- Schedule dental checkups every six months to have your veneers examined.
- Keep up with professional cleanings to maintain gum health and veneer longevity.
- Address any issues promptly, such as chips, cracks, or changes in fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do veneers hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after placement, but this typically resolves quickly.
Are veneers covered by dental insurance?
Because veneers are typically considered a cosmetic procedure, most dental insurance plans do not cover them. However, our team can help you explore payment plans and financing options to fit your budget.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes, you can eat most foods normally with veneers. However, we recommend avoiding biting directly into very hard foods (like whole apples or corn on the cob) and being mindful of extremely crunchy or sticky items.
Can I whiten my veneers?
Veneers cannot be whitened with traditional bleaching treatments. If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s best to complete that treatment before getting veneers so we can match them to your desired shade.
What happens if a veneer falls off or breaks?
Contact our office immediately if you experience any issues with your veneers. We’re happy to help you maintain your beautiful smile!
How long do veneers last?
The quick and easy answer is that veneers typically last anywhere from 5 to 15 years — and often even longer. The type of veneers you choose will have some effect on the longevity, but the key to ensuring your veneers last a long time is taking care of them properly.
For more information, you can check our dedicated page on how long veneers last.
How do veneers work?
If you’ve spent years hiding your smile because of a chipped tooth, stubborn stains, or gaps that just won’t quit, you’re not alone.
For more information, you can check our dedicated page on how they work.
Let Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry Transform Your Smile
When you choose Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry for your dental veneer needs, you can depend on comprehensive, compassionate oral care. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve the confident, radiant smile you deserve.
Ready to take the first step toward your smile transformation? Contact us today to schedule your dental veneer consultation.