What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance, shape, and color. Veneers are an ideal solution for chipped, worn, stained, or misaligned teeth, offering a natural-looking and long-lasting way to achieve a brighter, more uniform smile.
At Dr. Ueckert & Associates, we use high-quality porcelain veneers that resist stains, reflect light like natural teeth, and provide a durable, aesthetic solution for patients looking to improve their smile.
What Can Veneers Fix?
Porcelain veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including:
- Closing gaps and spaces between teeth.
- Restoring teeth worn down by grinding or aging.
- Repairing chips and cracks for a flawless look.
- Reshaping uneven or irregularly sized teeth.
- Covering deep stains or discoloration that don’t respond to whitening.
- Enhancing overall smile symmetry for a more balanced appearance.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
- Natural Appearance – Porcelain has a translucent quality, allowing light to reflect naturally for a seamless look.
- Minimally Invasive – Veneers require less enamel removal than crowns, preserving more of your natural tooth.
- Stain Resistance – Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers are resistant to stains from coffee, wine, and tobacco.
- Long-Lasting – With proper care, veneers can last 10+ years before needing replacement.
- Custom-Designed for You – Each set of veneers is crafted to match your unique smile and facial structure.
The Dental Veneer Process
Porcelain veneers are placed over the course of three appointments, ensuring the best fit, color, and comfort.
1. Consultation & Smile Design
- Discuss your smile goals and determine if veneers are the right solution.
- Conduct a dental exam and take digital scans or impressions.
- Customize the shade, shape, and size of your veneers to match your facial aesthetics.
2. Tooth Preparation & Temporary Veneers
- A thin layer of enamel is removed to allow room for the veneer.
- Digital impressions are taken, and temporary veneers are placed to protect the teeth while the permanent veneers are crafted in a lab.
3. Final Veneer Placement
- The temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent veneers are bonded with high-strength dental cement.
- A curing light hardens the bond for a secure fit.
- The veneers are polished, and final bite adjustments are made for comfort.
Are Veneers Right for You?
Veneers are an excellent option for many patients, but they may not be suitable for those with:
- Severe tooth decay or gum disease – These must be treated before considering veneers.
- Thin enamel – Since veneers require some enamel removal, patients with significantly weakened teeth may need crowns instead.
- Habitual teeth grinding – Excessive grinding (bruxism) can put stress on veneers, leading to fractures.
If you’re unsure whether veneers are right for you, our team can help determine the best treatment for your smile goals.
Caring for Your Veneers
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around veneers.
- The veneers are polished, and final bite adjustments are made for comfort.
- Limit staining foods and drinks like coffee and red wine to maintain brightness.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings to keep veneers and natural teeth in top condition.
