Veneers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to enhance their smile — and for good reason. They offer a quick and dramatic transformation, giving your teeth a refreshed, polished look in no time.
Suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, veneers can be a great solution. But what exactly are they, and how can they benefit your smile? Keep reading to learn all you need to know about veneers.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their shape, color, and overall appearance. Dentists attach them by removing a layer of the surface of the underlying teeth and then using adhesives to fit them in place.
Porcelain vs Composite Veneers
Most conventional veneers are made of porcelain. However, you can now get composite versions made of dental-grade resin and various fillers, like silica and zirconia.
Porcelain and composite veneers both enhance your smile, but they differ in cost, durability, and appearance. Porcelain veneers are highly durable, stain-resistant, and offer a natural, lifelike look, often lasting 10–15 years, but they’re more expensive and require enamel removal. Composite veneers are more affordable, can be applied in a single visit, and are easy to repair, but they’re more prone to staining and typically last 5–7 years.
The veneers we use at The Mint Dental are made from Japanese porcelain, which is layered like glass, and one of the highest-quality products of its type globally.
Why You Might Need Veneers
People get veneers for numerous reasons. Usually, they are for:
- Covering or bridging gaps between teeth
- Repairing chips on specific teeth
- Correcting uneven teeth
- Dealing with deep, ingrained stains
Some wine-drinkers or people following healthy diets get veneers as a preventative measure. These prosthetics prevent staining, allowing patients to live their lifestyle as they want, without requiring professional cleans every few months.
Getting Veneers: What To Expect
The process of getting veneers is straightforward. You start by coming to our office for a consultation. Our team will discuss why you want to get this prosthetic and if it is the right option for you. During this phase, you may find that there are alternatives, like orthodontics or teeth whitening.
Treatment starts by preparing your teeth to hold your new veneers. Dentists remove a thin layer of the tooth enamel to attach prosthetics. This process doesn’t interact with any nerves (since tooth enamel doesn’t contain any), but you can still get dental sedation if you are worried. At The Mint Dental, we know from experience that sensitivity is rare if dentists perform this part of the procedure properly.
Next, Dr. Damien takes an impression of the tooth using 3D scanning techniques or putty. We’ll then send these off to the lab for the creation of the permanent veneer, giving you a temporary version you can wear in the meantime.
In just a few weeks, the new veneers are ready to be fitted. After removing the temporary veneers, Dr. Damien will attach your new veneers to your teeth with a strong glue.
You can sometimes feel sore after new veneer fitting. This is normal and should reduce over the following days.
Aftercare
After getting your new veneers, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 hours before eating or drinking to allow the bonding material to fully set.
Caring for veneers is essential to maintain their appearance and longevity. Here’s what proper aftercare looks like:
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Avoid hard or sticky foods: Biting into hard objects (like ice, nuts, or pens) or chewing sticky candies can damage or dislodge your veneers.
Limit staining foods and drinks: While porcelain veneers resist stains, beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea can still discolor natural teeth around them. Rinse or brush soon after consuming these.
Wear a nightguard if needed: If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), a custom nightguard can protect your veneers from damage.
Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups and cleanings help ensure your veneers and overall oral health stay in great shape.
With proper care, veneers can last 10–15 years or more, keeping your smile bright and beautiful.
Get Veneers Today
Been debating veneers? Are you ready to take charge of your smile? Get in touch with us today! We offer patient-focused care, comfort and artistry in everything we do, including transforming your smile and reigniting your confidence.
