Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates

Are you self-conscious about the color, shape or size of your teeth? Dental veneers or dental laminates may be the perfect solution for you. 

We offer dental veneers and laminates that can transform your smile and give you a confident, natural-looking result. Here we will explain these cosmetic procedures in detail, so you can make an informed decision about improving your smile. 

Key Takeaways

• The veneer procedure usually requires three appointments: one for impressions and temporary veneers, one to prepare the teeth, and one for placement of permanent veneers.
• Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and natural-looking. Ideal for correcting stained, chipped teeth, and gaps. They are not reversible.
• Lumineers are ultra-thin and require minimal prep. Corrects stains, shape issues, and gaps; reversible and cost-effective.
• Dental laminates are made from composite materials, the are customizable and work well for more extensive imperfections. They are durable, stain-resistant, and more affordable.
• After getting veneers, there may be some initial sensitivity, but this should subside within a few days. It is important to avoid hard or sticky foods during this time.
• Proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity of your veneers. This includes practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding bad habits like biting on hard objects

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, chipped, or have gaps between them. Veneers provide a long-lasting solution for a more uniform and polished smile.

Dental veneers can only be placed on healthy teeth. Your gums and teeth need to be free from decay and infection before you can be considered for veneers. An ideal candidate for dental veneers is a person with good overall oral health who is committed to maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Veneers

Video Transcript

Veneers are thin handcrafted porcelain shields worn on the front of the tooth which improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained or worn. Veneers are thin as contact lenses, and are an aesthetically pleasing option of closing gaps, lengthening teeth, and providing symmetry to make your smile more natural. Veneers are intended to last for many years without changing color. They are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Ask your dentist if veneers may be right for you.

Types of Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular choice due to their durability and natural appearance. Made from high-quality porcelain, these veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable from your own teeth.

Benefits:

• Highly durable and resistant to stains
• Long-lasting with proper care
• Can correct a variety of dental issues, including stained teeth, chipped teeth, and gaps between teeth

Lumineers

Lumineers are ultra-thin, custom-made veneers that require minimal tooth preparation. They are made from very thin porcelain and can be placed directly onto the tooth without the need for extensive enamel removal. They are often called “no prep” veneers because they do not require as much tooth preparation as traditional veneers.

Benefits:

• Minimal to no tooth preparation required
• Can correct stained teeth, misshapen teeth, and gaps between teeth
• Reversible
• Less expensive

Dental Laminates

Dental laminates are made from a composite resin material that is highly customizable in terms of shape, color, and size. These veneers are slightly thicker than porcelain and zirconia veneers, making them an excellent option for covering more extensive imperfections.

Benefits:

• Highly customizable to achieve desired shape and color
• Durable and resistant to stains
• Can be a more affordable option compared to porcelain or zirconia veneers

Candidates for Veneers

Veneers may be a good option for you if you have:

• Discolored teeth that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments
• Chipped or worn down teeth
• Gaps between your teeth
• Mishappen teeth
• Crooked teeth

Dental veneers can only be placed on healthy teeth. Your gums and teeth need to be free from decay and infection before you can be considered for veneers. An ideal candidate for dental veneers is a person with good overall oral health who is committed to maintaining proper oral hygiene.

If you are a teeth grinding or clenching, or if you have a habit of biting your nails or chewing on hard objects, veneers may not be the best option for you. While veneers are very strong and durable,  they can still break under pressure, and habits like these may cause them to crack or chip.

Veneers Procedure

Before you begin treatment, you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Khodakhast. At this appointment you will discuss what you don’t like about your teeth and what you would like to change. She will assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. If it is determined that veneers are the best solution for you, you will be scheduled for your first appointment.

The procedure for getting veneers typically involves three appointments.  The details of the procedure will vary depending on what type of veneers you are getting. Here we will explain the procedure details for each type of veneer.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

1. First appointment

At your first appointment, our prosthodontist will perform a complete examination of your teeth. We will take X-rays and photos and make impressions of your teeth. The impressions/scans allow us to do a “mock up” of what your teeth will look like with the veneers. The impressions/scans are sent to a dental lab where your temporary veneers are fabricated. It usually takes 3–4 days for them to come back from the lab.

2. Second appointment

At a second appointment, your teeth will be prepared for the veneers. This involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the front of your teeth to make room for the veneers.  Once we have removed the enamel, we will take another set of impressions/scans. The impressions are sent to the lab where your permanent veneers are made. Temporary veneers are temporarily bonded to the teeth. These temporary veneers will give you a good idea of what your permanent ones will look like and feel like in your mouth.

3. Third appointment

Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will come in for the final placement appointment. The temporary veneers will be removed, and the permanents will be tried on. If they are exactly what you want, and you are happy with how they look, they will be cemented to the teeth.

Lumineers Procedure

The procedure for lumineers typically requires two appointments. The main difference between porcelain veneers and lumineers is that lumineers typically do not require any tooth preparation.

1. First appointment

At your first appointment, we will take X-rays, photos, and make impressions/scans of your teeth. The impressions/scans are sent to a dental lab and usually take a few days to fabricate.

2. Second appointment

Once your Lumineers are ready, you will come in for the placement appointment. Very minimal prep is required for Lumineers. They are placed directly onto your teeth and bonded in place.

Laminate Veneers Procedure

Like porcelain veneers, the procedure for laminate veneers typically takes three appointments. 

1. First appointment

At your first appointment, we will take X-rays and photos and make impressions/scans of your teeth. The impressions/scans are sent to a dental lab where your temporary veneers are fabricated. It usually takes 1–2 weeks for them to come back from the lab.

2. Second appointment

Once your temporary veneers have been made, you will come in for a second appointment where we will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surface. This allows room for the laminate veneer to be bonded onto your tooth. We will take another mold of your teeth to send to the lab for your permanent veneers.

3. Third appointment

At the final placement appointment, we will try on the permanent laminate veneers and make sure they fit properly and are exactly what you want. Once approved by both you and our prosthodontist, the permanent veneers will be bonded onto your teeth.

What To Expect After the Application of Veneers

Your mouth and teeth may feel slightly different for the first few days, but this feeling will go away as you become accustomed to your new veneers. It is normal to experience some sensitivity after getting veneers, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This should also subside within a few days.

In the 24 hours after placement of your veneers, be careful with what you eat. Do not eat anything that is hard or sticky as this could potentially pull off the veneers.

Caring for Your Veneers

To ensure that your new veneers last as long as possible, it is important to take proper care of them. Here are some tips for caring for your veneers:

• Practice good oral hygiene; brush twice a day and floss at least once.
• Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• Use a mouthguard if you play sports or have clenching or grinding habits.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.

Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics: Your Trusted Dentist in Centennial, CO

Dr. Ava Khodakhast, our board-certified prosthodontist, is experienced in creating beautiful and functional smiles with veneers. She will work closely with you to ensure that your veneers meet your expectations and give you the confidence to smile again.

Schedule an appointment with us to learn more about how we can improve the look of your smile.

Additional Cosmetic Dentistry Services

• Dental bonding
• Dental crowns
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening

If you are searching for dental laminates or dental veneers in Centennial or a ‘dentist near me’, we can help! Our office in Centennial, CO is conveniently located in Arapahoe County, just 5 miles from Douglas County. 

Call (303) 770-2254 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!

FAQs About Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates