Veneers

Our approach focuses on careful planning, conservative treatment, and clear communication. Using digital images, models, and mock-ups, we can help you preview proposed changes before treatment begins.

Dental veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells placed over the front surface of a tooth to improve its color, shape, size, or length. They can provide a noticeable cosmetic change while allowing your dentist to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Depending on your needs, veneers may be designed using CEREC or fabricated from porcelain by a dental laboratory. We also use digital impressions with the iTero scanner to help create a precise fit.

The goal is not simply to make teeth look brighter or more uniform. We aim for a natural appearance, including appropriate shape, proportions, texture, and the way the restorations reflect light.

Veneers may be an option for patients who want to correct one or several cosmetic concerns, including:

• Chipped, worn, or misshapen teeth

• Small gaps between teeth

• Stains or discoloration that do not respond well to whitening

• Uneven tooth length or proportions

• Teeth that appear inconsistent in shape or color

During your consultation, we will discuss what you want to change and determine whether veneers are the best approach. In some cases, whitening, bonding, orthodontics, or another treatment may better match your goals.

Treatment begins with a planning visit. We evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, enamel, and overall oral health and may take digital X-rays, photographs, scans, or other diagnostic images when needed. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your preferred tooth shape, shade, and treatment timeline.

Your veneer treatment may include:

• An initial consultation and digital mock-up

• Conservative tooth preparation when needed

• Digital impressions or scans

• Placement of temporary restorations if laboratory-made veneers are being created

• Final placement, bite checks, and polishing

Treatment time depends on the type of veneer and how it is fabricated. Some CEREC restorations may be completed in a single visit, while laboratory-made porcelain veneers typically require an additional appointment.

We use modern adhesive techniques to help create a strong, precise bond while keeping your comfort in mind throughout treatment.

Both porcelain and composite veneers can improve the appearance of your smile, but each has distinct advantages.

Porcelain veneers offer lifelike translucency and strong resistance to staining. They can be carefully designed to mimic the color, texture, and light-reflecting qualities of natural enamel.

Composite veneers may require less enamel removal in some cases and can often be repaired directly in the dental office.

Your dentist will explain which material is most appropriate based on your cosmetic goals, teeth, bite, and long-term expectations.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, veneers can last for many years. Their longevity depends on factors such as the material used, your bite, oral habits, and how well the restorations are maintained.

To protect your veneers:

• Brush with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

• Maintain regular dental checkups

• Wear a mouthguard during sports

• Use a protective appliance if you clench or grind your teeth

• Avoid habits that can place excessive force on the restorations

During routine visits, we can monitor your veneers, their margins, and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.

You may be a good candidate for veneers if you have healthy teeth and gums and want to improve concerns such as chips, stains, small gaps, uneven tooth shape, or tooth proportions.

Before recommending treatment, we evaluate your:

• Gum health

• Tooth enamel

• Bite

• Existing decay or dental problems

• Clenching or grinding habits

• Overall oral health

Patients with untreated decay or gum disease will generally need to address those concerns before cosmetic treatment. If you grind or clench your teeth, we may recommend a protective appliance to help protect your restorations. Teens may need to wait until tooth development is complete.

When needed, we may use clinical exams, digital imaging, or CBCT technology as part of the evaluation.

Our goal is to recommend treatment that supports your long-term oral health rather than simply providing a short-term cosmetic change.

We want you to feel informed and comfortable throughout your visit. Wrightsville Dental offers amenities including blankets, pillows, warm towels, TVs, headphones, music, water, coffee, and free Wi-Fi.

We also take time to explain your options, answer questions, and show you proposed results so you can make an informed decision about your smile.