Veneers

Determining if a veneer is suitable or a full-coverage crown is required depends on the extent of the tooth's defects and the remaining amount of healthy tooth structure. For teeth with imperfections that cannot be remedied with a teeth whitening procedure, dental veneers often provide the desired cosmetic improvements. However, a significantly undersized, misshapen, chipped, or darkly stained tooth usually requires a full coverage crown.

Porcelain veneers are fabricated from the highest grade of dental ceramics, which reflect light in much the same way as the enamel of natural teeth. In addition to this feature, dental porcelain is resistant to stains and discolorations, keeping your smile white and vibrant for years to come.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin customized facings that become strong and durable once bonded to the underlying teeth. With proper hygiene and routine dental care, veneers provide a cosmetic solution that not only looks and feels completely natural but is also long lasting.

However, just as harmful oral habits can affect your natural teeth, they can also cause damage to your veneers. To prevent chipping, cracking, or dislodging a veneer, avoid nail biting, chewing on hard candies, ice, pens, or pencils, and opening bottles or other objects with your teeth. Also, remember to protect your smile on the playing field by wearing a properly fitted sports mouthguard.

Tooth grinding or bruxism is another important consideration in care. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need to wear a night guard to help protect your new smile or discuss other options with our office.

As versatile as they are beautiful, dental veneers can be applied to a single tooth in need of cosmetic improvement or multiple front teeth to dramatically improve the look of your smile. Whatever the case may be, dental veneers provide highly satisfying results to create a smile; you'll feel confident sharing with the world.

Among the many benefits offered by dental veneers is their ability to mask a range of imperfections at once. In addition to covering stains or discolorations on the front surface of a tooth, the size and shape of a veneer can also be customize to improve the tooth's contours and dimensions. At the same time veneers create a whiter and more vibrant smile; they can also lengthen or widen a tooth, close minor gaps, and address other minor alignment issues.

The two most common types of veneers are porcelain veneers, also known as porcelain laminates, and composite veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most commonly offered option in care, composite veneers fabricated directly on the tooth can also achieve excellent results. You may have also heard the term no-prep veneer. It refers to a type of porcelain veneer that requires little to no preparation of the underlying dental enamel. At your consultation visit, we'll discuss your best options in care.

Once they're in place, your veneers are also easy to care for and maintain. Simply by brushing, flossing, and visiting our office for periodic checkups, you can successfully protect and preserve your new and beautiful smile.

Although certain procedures that are considered cosmetic may not be covered by dental insurance, veneers remain a worthwhile investment in your smile. Based on the unique considerations of each case, we develop treatment plans that consider specific dental needs, cosmetic goals, and budget. Our experienced and friendly office staff can address all your insurance questions and review various payment and financing options.

At the office of Morrison Dental Care, we value patient input and pay close attention to your treatment goals, concerns, and expectations in care. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, we recognize that every smile is unique and never take a “one size fits all” approach to care. We utilize the most advanced diagnostic technology and treatment methods to assess your smile and to design your porcelain veneers for a precise fit and optimal aesthetics.

As experienced providers of care, we provide highly personalized treatment, combining state-of-the-art technology with an artistic touch to produce long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results of care.

Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve shape, color, and overall appearance. They are custom-made from dental-grade porcelain or composite materials to mimic the translucency and texture of natural enamel. Veneers conceal a variety of cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, minor chips, small gaps, and mild misalignment without major alteration of the tooth structure.

The result is a durable, natural-looking smile that blends with surrounding teeth when designed and placed properly. Because veneers are tailored to each patient, they can address one tooth or an entire smile makeover depending on aesthetic goals. Treatment emphasizes conservative tooth preparation and long-term oral health alongside cosmetic improvement.

Good candidates for veneers have generally healthy teeth and gums, realistic expectations, and cosmetic concerns that cannot be fully resolved by whitening or minor bonding. Veneers are most effective for patients with surface stains resistant to bleaching, small chips, worn enamel, or teeth that are slightly misshapen or spaced. A comprehensive exam identifies untreated decay, active gum disease, or functional issues that should be managed before veneer treatment.

Patients with uncontrolled grinding or clenching may require protective measures, such as a night guard, to protect new veneers and supporting teeth. During your consultation we evaluate bite dynamics, enamel thickness, and overall oral health to determine whether veneers are the best option. When indicated and properly planned, veneers can provide excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes.

The two primary veneer materials are porcelain and composite resin, each offering distinct advantages. Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory and are prized for their lifelike translucency, stain resistance, and long-term color stability. Composite veneers can often be applied directly in the office, require less tooth removal, and may be repaired more easily, though they tend to stain and wear more quickly than porcelain.

Material selection depends on the extent of correction needed, patient preferences, and the clinician's recommendation based on oral findings. Porcelain is usually preferred when optimal aesthetics and durability are the main concerns, while composite may be chosen for conservative restorations or when immediate results are desired. Your dentist will discuss the best option for your specific smile goals and oral condition.

The veneer process typically begins with a consultation and diagnostic records, including photos and X-rays, to plan the desired outcome. At the next visit a minimal amount of enamel is usually removed to create space for the veneer and ensure a natural contour; an impression or digital scan is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. Temporary veneers may be placed while your final restorations are being created to protect teeth and preview the proposed changes.

When the lab veneers return, the dentist will verify fit, shape, and color before bonding them with a strong dental adhesive. The bonding process includes careful tooth cleaning, etching, and cementation, followed by final adjustments to bite and contour. Post-placement instructions and a short follow-up visit help confirm comfort and optimal function after treatment.

With proper care, veneers can last many years, but longevity varies based on material, oral hygiene, bite forces, and lifestyle habits. Porcelain veneers typically offer greater resistance to staining and wear, which can extend their service life when compared with composite resin. Factors such as bruxism, traumatic forces, poor oral hygiene, and inadequate maintenance can shorten the lifespan of a veneer.

Regular dental checkups, prompt treatment of any decay or gum disease, and protective measures for patients who grind their teeth all help maximize durability. The dentist can monitor restorations over time and recommend repairs or replacement only when necessary. Routine care and conservative habits are the most reliable ways to protect your investment in veneers.

Caring for veneers is similar to caring for natural teeth and involves daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits to maintain oral health. Use a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the veneer surface, and floss gently to preserve gum health along the margins. Avoid using teeth as tools or biting hard objects, which can stress or chip the veneer material.

For patients who clench or grind, wearing a custom night guard can protect veneers and underlying teeth from excessive forces. Routine professional cleanings and examinations help detect early issues and ensure that veneers and surrounding tissues remain healthy. Discuss any concerns about sensitivity, appearance, or function with your dentist so adjustments can be made if needed.

Veneer treatment is considered a conservative cosmetic option, but it is generally not fully reversible because a small amount of enamel is often removed to achieve proper fit and aesthetics. The degree of enamel removal varies by case and by material choice; some ultra-thin veneer techniques require minimal or no reduction in selected situations. Once enamel is altered, maintaining a restoration is usually necessary to protect the prepared tooth surface long term.

When planned and executed carefully, veneers preserve tooth structure better than many alternatives and are designed to work harmoniously with the natural dentition. A thorough evaluation ensures that the treated tooth will remain structurally sound and that the veneer will be compatible with your bite and oral health. Any concerns about long-term implications should be discussed during the treatment planning phase so you can make an informed decision.

Common risks associated with veneers include tooth sensitivity after preparation, marginal staining over time, chipping or fracture under excessive force, and the potential need for replacement if underlying decay develops. Sensitivity is often temporary as the tooth adapts, but persistent discomfort should be evaluated and managed promptly. Careful case selection and meticulous bonding technique reduce the likelihood of marginal discoloration and failure.

Less common complications can include debonding or complications related to an improper bite that require adjustment or re-treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits helps catch issues early and reduces long-term risk. Your dentist will review potential complications specific to your situation and recommend preventative steps to protect your restorations.

Veneers, crowns, and composite bonding are all cosmetic options but differ in scope and tooth preparation requirements. Veneers address front-surface aesthetic concerns with minimal reduction of enamel and preserve more of the natural tooth compared with crowns, which fully cover the tooth and are indicated for extensive structural damage or large restorations. Composite bonding is a less invasive, in-office option ideal for small repairs, but it generally lacks the longevity and stain resistance of porcelain veneers.

Choosing between these treatments depends on the extent of the cosmetic or structural issue, the desired appearance, and long-term goals for oral health. A crown may be the best choice when a tooth requires full coverage due to decay or fracture, whereas veneers excel at improving color and shape when the tooth is otherwise healthy. Your dentist will evaluate functional needs, aesthetic aims, and preservation of tooth structure when recommending the optimal solution.

During your consultation at Morrison Dental Care, the team will perform a comprehensive oral examination, review your dental history, and discuss your smile goals to create a personalized treatment plan. Diagnostic images, digital scans, or impressions may be taken to assess tooth structure, bite relationships, and the amount of enamel available for veneers. The dentist will explain the recommended material options, procedural steps, and what to expect during and after treatment so you can make an informed decision.

We also evaluate overall oral health and address any restorative or periodontal needs before proceeding with cosmetic work to ensure a stable foundation for veneers. This visit is an opportunity to ask questions about shade selection, longevity, care, and protective measures tailored to your lifestyle. A clear plan and realistic expectations help ensure a predictable and satisfying outcome for your new smile.