Charlotte area dentist Dr. Leonard Hess uses dental veneers to improve the beauty, health, and function of teeth. Based on your goals, Dr. Hess will choose either porcelain or composite veneers to transform your smile by covering your front teeth.
Featured Case – Porcelain Veneers
Problem: The patient came in wanting a more youthful smile. Her teeth were stained and had an undesirable shape and appearance.
Treatment: Porcelain veneers on the four front teeth gave a younger, healthier smile by improving color and shape.
See more patient photos in our Smile Gallery
What are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer covers the front and sides of teeth to close gaps, correct imperfections, and improve the appearance of teeth. Dr. Hess offers several types of dental veneers:
Porcelain veneers are thin, translucent shells of ceramic that we permanently bond to teeth. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and have similar light-reflecting properties to natural teeth.
Lumineers are a type of dental veneer. Though Dr. Hess does not offer Lumineers, he can offer similar restorations that require little or no tooth preparation.
Composite resin veneers are tooth-colored, biocompatible materials we apply directly to the tooth and sculpt into form. This type of dental veneer requires little to no preparation, and we complete them in a single visit.
Are Dental Veneers Right For You?
The ideal candidate to receive teeth veneers is one with a healthy tooth and gum structure. Dental veneers are an ideal cosmetic dentistry treatment and restorative dentistry treatment to improve the appearance of:
- Gaps or spaces between the teeth
- Uneven or crooked teeth
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
About the Porcelain Veneer Procedure
For a natural look, Dr. Hess will evaluate your facial features and create a personalized plan just for you. Dr. Hess utilizes dental imaging, allowing you to “see” your smile before the procedure.
Applying porcelain veneers requires the skill and precision of an expert cosmetic dentist. Porcelain veneers are permanent. We gently remove a thin layer of enamel so your veneers have space to fit comfortably without feeling bulky.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a versatile option for many cosmetic problems. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How much does a porcelain veneer cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers depends on your needs, the material used, and how many you need. Since insurance usually doesn’t cover them, we offer payment options to help make them affordable.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last for many years, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. Their average lifespan is 10-15 years or more.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns?
Unlike a porcelain veneer, a dental crown covers the entire tooth, unlike a cap, which covers only the tooth’s front and sides. We use both types of treatment in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. However, a dental crown can save severely damaged and decayed teeth. We typically use porcelain veneers more for cosmetic purposes.
Can I get cavities with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers themselves aren’t susceptible to tooth decay. They aren’t living tooth structures, so bacteria cannot wear them down. However, remember that the teeth under your veneers are still at risk of developing tooth decay.
It’s important to keep up with a diligent oral healthcare routine. If the teeth under the veneers are rotting, it compromises the veneers. They become loose and can fall off.
Can I whiten my porcelain veneers?
No, porcelain veneers don’t respond to traditional whitening methods. Professional whitening opens up pores on your teeth for the solution to enter, but veneers don’t have these pores. Though they’re very stain-resistant, veneers can accumulate stains over time. If you have a discolored veneer, we’ll have to remove it and replace it with a new one with the right white shade.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ideal for many candidates looking to upgrade their smiles. You must be in good oral health for veneers, so you need to treat tooth decay and gum disease before getting them.
You must also commit to a smile makeover. Veneers are a permanent restoration. Once your teeth have veneers, they must always have a restoration.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want porcelain veneers in the Charlotte, NC, and Monroe, NC, area, request a consultation with Dr. Hess. He will discuss your cosmetic goals and budget concerns to determine if porcelain veneers suit you.