Veneers are thin covers that attach to the front of your teeth. They are one of several cosmetic dentistry procedures that your local Aspen Dental offers.
You may choose dental veneers to cover:
Stained teeth that can’t be whitened by bleaching
Chipped or worn teeth
Crooked or misshapen teeth
Uneven spaces or gaps between the upper front teeth
Both veneers and crowns can change the appearance of your teeth. Your Aspen Dental care team can tell you which is right for you—and guide you through the differences between veneers and crowns:
Veneers | Crowns |
Cover on the front of the tooth | Cover the whole tooth |
More commonly a cosmetic solution | Offer protection for your teeth |
Require minimal enamel removal | Require more enamel removal |
At Aspen Dental, you can choose from porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit on the front of your teeth. They are strong, durable and stain-resistant. Unlike resin veneers, porcelain veneers can treat cavities or damaged enamel.
It all starts with healthy teeth and gums. As your care team, we will treat any disease or decay before they begin placing your veneers.
Next, we’ll remove some of your tooth enamel to prepare it for the veneer.
For porcelain veneers, we’ll take an impression of your teeth. You’ll likely wear temporary veneers while the lab crafts your custom veneers. When they’re ready, we’ll fit, adjust and bond them to your teeth.
For composite resin veneers, we’ll sculpt the material to your teeth. A special light helps it harden and bond to the surfaces. Then we’ll polish your veneers for a natural finish.
At Aspen Dental, the cost of veneers will vary depending on factors including:
The material used to make your veneers
The extent of your dental care needs
Where you live, since prices can vary from office to office and state to state.
To keep your veneers in top shape, you’ll want to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also refrain from biting on anything hard, including ice. Plus, limit drinks like coffee, tea and red wine to avoid staining.
With care, veneers can last for 10 to 15 years. But you may need one replaced before that if it becomes loose or damaged. Since some enamel is removed to make room for the veneer, once you have a veneer placed, you can’t go back to the natural tooth.