Dental Veneers: What to Expect Before, During, and After
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that go on your teeth. They make your teeth look better. They can fix teeth that have stains, chips, or gaps.
There are two main types:
- Porcelain veneers (last 10-15 years)
- Composite veneers (last 5-10 years)
95% of people who get veneers are happy with how they look!
Before Getting Veneers
Checking Your Teeth
Before you get veneers, the dentist will:
- Look at your teeth
- Take x-rays
- Check for tooth decay
- Look for gum disease
The dentist needs to make sure your teeth are healthy first. If you have problems, they must be fixed before you get veneers.
Picking the Right Veneer Type
| Type | Cost per Tooth | How Long They Last | Made Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | $925-$2,500 | 10-15 years | Lab |
| Composite | $250-$1,500 | 5-10 years | Dentist office |
| Lumineers | $800-$2,000 | 10-20 years | Lab |
Porcelain veneers are strong and look very natural. Composite veneers can be done in one visit and cost less.
What Veneers Cost
Most people pay between $250 and $2,500 per tooth for veneers.
Important: Insurance usually does not pay for veneers if they are just to make your teeth look better. Only 12% of dental plans cover veneers for looks only.
During the Veneer Procedure
Getting veneers takes 2 or 3 visits to the dentist.
First Visit: Getting Ready
- The dentist will numb your teeth
- They will trim a thin layer (0.3-0.7mm) of enamel from your teeth
- They will take molds of your teeth
- They will put on temporary veneers
The molds go to a dental lab where they make your new veneers. This takes about 2-4 weeks.
Second Visit: Putting on Your Veneers
- The dentist will take off the temporary veneers
- They will check if the new veneers fit right
- They will clean your teeth very well
- They will put a special glue on your teeth
- They will put on the veneers
- They will shine a UV light on the veneers to make the glue hard
After the veneers are on, the dentist will check your bite to make sure it feels right.
After Getting Veneers
Right After Your Visit
- Your teeth may feel a bit sensitive
- About 15% of people have mild sensitivity after getting veneers
- Don’t eat hard foods for 1-2 days
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed
Taking Care of Your Veneers
To make your veneers last a long time:
- Brush your teeth two times each day
- Floss every day
- Don’t bite hard things like ice or pens
- Don’t use your teeth to open things
- Get your teeth cleaned at the dentist every 3-4 months
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth at night
Did you know? Veneers can last for 10+ years if you take good care of them! With proper care, 92% of veneers are still good after 10 years.
When to Call the Dentist
Call your dentist if:
- Your veneers feel loose
- You have pain that doesn’t go away
- Your gums around the veneers are red or hurt
- Your bite feels wrong
Good and Bad Things About Veneers
Good Things
- Make your teeth look better fast
- Don’t stain easily
- Look very natural
- Fix many problems with one treatment
Bad Things
- Cost a lot of money
- The enamel removed never grows back
- May need to be replaced after 10-15 years
- Some people need bite adjustments (about 20% of patients)
Other Options Besides Veneers
If veneers don’t seem right for you, you can try:
- Teeth whitening – for stains only
- Dental bonding – cheaper but doesn’t last as long
- Crowns – for very damaged teeth
- Orthodontics – for crooked teeth or gaps
- Lumineers – thinner veneers that need less enamel removal
Real People’s Stories
Sarah’s Story: “I got 6 porcelain veneers on my front teeth. The first day, they felt a bit strange. After a week, they felt like my own teeth. It’s been 5 years, and they still look great!”
Mike’s Story: “I got a composite veneer for one chipped tooth. It was much cheaper than porcelain. It did stain a bit after 3 years, but my dentist polished it, and it looked better.”
Common Questions
Does getting veneers hurt?
No. The dentist uses numbing medicine. After it wears off, your teeth might feel a bit sensitive for a few days.
Can veneers be taken off?
Yes, but your teeth will need new veneers or crowns because some enamel was removed.
How soon can I eat normal food?
Wait 24-48 hours before eating hard or crunchy foods.
Will veneers make my teeth look fake?
No. Modern veneers look very natural. Your dentist will match the color to your other teeth.
Can I still get cavities with veneers?
Yes. You still need to brush and floss to prevent cavities where the veneer meets your tooth.
How many veneers do I need?
Most people get 6-8 veneers for front teeth that show when smiling. Some get 10-12 for a wider smile.
Getting Ready for Your Veneer Visit
Before Your First Visit
- Write down any questions you have
- Check if your insurance might cover any costs
- Take “before” pictures of your smile
- Tell your dentist about any sensitivity you usually have
What to Bring
- Your dental insurance card (just in case)
- A list of any medicines you take
- Photos of smiles you like, to show your dentist
Take Care of Your New Smile
Getting ceramic veneers is a big step to a better smile. With good care, they will look great for many years.
Remember:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss every day
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Don’t use your teeth as tools
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
89% of people say they feel more confident after getting veneers. With proper care and regular dental visits, you can enjoy your new smile for a long time!
