What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of dental porcelain that bond to the front surface of your teeth. Think of them like contact lenses for your teeth—they’re incredibly thin yet remarkably strong. Each veneer gets custom-designed to match your desired shape, size, and color, creating a natural appearance that complements your facial features.

Modern porcelain mimics the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. When we place your veneers, they blend seamlessly with your smile. Most people won’t know you have them unless you choose to share that information.

Issues Veneers Can Correct

Stubborn Stains

Some discoloration doesn’t respond to whitening treatments. Tetracycline stains from childhood antibiotics, fluorosis, or internal discoloration from root canals can resist even professional whitening. Veneers cover these stubborn stains completely, giving you a bright white smile regardless of the underlying tooth color.

Chips and Cracks

Accidents happen. Maybe you bit down on something hard, took an elbow during a pickup basketball game, or ground your teeth at night for years. Chips and cracks make teeth look rough and worn. Veneers restore smooth, intact surfaces while protecting the damaged areas from further deterioration.

Gaps Between Teeth

Spaces between teeth bother many people, especially gaps between the front teeth. While orthodontics can close gaps, that process takes months or years. Veneers eliminate gaps immediately by making the teeth slightly wider, creating a complete-looking smile in just two appointments.

Misshapen or Uneven Teeth

Some teeth naturally grow in odd shapes—too small, too pointy, or irregularly sized compared to their neighbors. Veneers create uniformity and proportion, making your teeth look like they fit together perfectly. You can even adjust the length of teeth that appear too short or worn down.

Minor Alignment Issues

Veneers can’t replace orthodontics for serious alignment problems, but they work beautifully for slight rotation or mild crowding. The porcelain shells create the illusion of straight teeth by changing the visible surfaces. This “instant orthodontics” approach appeals to adults who want straighter-looking teeth without braces or aligners.

The Veneer Process

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with discussing your smile goals and concerns. Dr. Dunkleberger examines your teeth to ensure the veneers suit your situation. Not everyone qualifies—you need healthy teeth and gums as a foundation. Digital scans and photographs document your current smile and help plan the transformation.

You’ll see examples of veneer results and discuss the look you’re hoping to achieve. Some patients want Hollywood-white, perfectly uniform teeth, while others prefer a more subtle, natural appearance. Your input guides every decision about your veneers.

Tooth Preparation

Creating room for veneers requires removing a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth—typically less than a millimeter. This preparation ensures the veneers don’t make your teeth look bulky or feel thick. Dr. Dunkleberger uses precise techniques to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

After preparation, he takes detailed impressions or digital scans that the dental laboratory uses to craft your custom veneers. Temporary veneers protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new smile while the permanent ones are being made.

Final Placement

When your veneers return from the lab, Dr. Dunkleberger carefully checks the fit, shape, and color before permanently bonding them. You’ll see them on your teeth and have a chance to provide feedback. Minor adjustments can be made to ensure you’re completely satisfied.

The bonding process utilizes special cement and a curing light to attach each veneer securely. Once bonded, veneers become incredibly strong—strong enough to withstand normal chewing forces for many years. Final polishing creates smooth, natural-looking surfaces that reflect light beautifully.

Caring for Your Veneers

Veneers don’t require special maintenance beyond good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and floss regularly, just like you would with natural teeth. The porcelain itself resists staining, though the bonding cement at the edges can discolor over time if you consume lots of coffee, tea, or red wine.

Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite fingernails. While veneers are durable, they can chip or crack under excessive force just like natural teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Dunkleberger will recommend a custom nightguard to protect your investment.

Regular dental checkups allow the team to monitor your veneers and catch any issues early. With proper care, veneers typically last ten to fifteen years or longer before needing replacement.

Investment in Confidence

Veneers represent a significant investment, but many patients describe them as life-changing. The confidence that comes from loving your smile affects job interviews, dating, photos, and everyday interactions. When you’re not worried about how your teeth look, you present yourself more confidently in every situation.

Create Your Dream Smile

Stop hiding your smile behind closed lips in photos or feeling self-conscious during conversations. Dr. Elizabeth Dunkleberger and the team at Dental Excellence in Littleton create stunning veneers that look natural and feel comfortable. Schedule your consultation today to discover how porcelain veneers can transform your smile and boost your confidence in ways you never imagined possible.