Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Porcelain Veneers

Do your favorite movie stars have a stellar smile? They may have that perfect, sparkling smile because of dental veneers. If you’ve ever seen the 1983 movie The Outsiders, you may have noticed Tom Cruise’s smile needed some dental work. He, along with Ben Affleck, Nicholas Cage, and Morgan Freeman all have porcelain dental veneers. Demi Moore, Kate Beckinsale, Megan Fox, Katie Holmes, Nicole Kidman… women and men both benefit from the transformative power of porcelain veneers. 

Today, some of your friends, neighbors, and coworkers probably have veneers. Veneers are a common cosmetic dental treatment and for good reason. In just one procedure, porcelain veneers can completely change the appearance of teeth, making them more shapely, bright, and straight. Instead of having to wear braces, regularly whiten your teeth, or have bonding, contouring, or crowns on your front teeth, veneers deliver a total smile makeover.

The color, shape, size, and number of veneers a patient receives depends upon many factors. In Johns Creek, Dr. James G. Forester and our team of talented dental professionals have helped many of our adult patients enjoy a new smile, as well as new self-confidence with veneers. 

In today’s blog, you’ll learn more than you ever wanted to know about veneers. Keep reading to see common questions about veneers, along with our expert answers. If you have additional questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Forester, call Lifetime Smiles in Johns Creek at 678-730-6754.

Can anyone get dental veneers?

Patients’ permanent teeth must be fully developed before getting veneers. For girls, this age is usually around 16. Young men should wait until age 18. Teens and adults must also have good oral health and if they habitually clench and grind their teeth, a condition we call bruxism, they may not make a good veneers candidate. 

Furthermore, patients whose bite (occlusion) needs correction may require orthodontics before getting veneers. And if the teeth to be veneered have cavities or existing dental work, veneers may not be the best treatment option. At your consultation, Dr. Forester can evaluate your mouth, discuss your health and oral health histories, and determine whether veneers are right for you.

Do porcelain veneers go by any other name?

Yes. Porcelain veneers, ceramic veneers, tooth veneers, dental veneers, and name brands like DURAthin® Veneers all describe the same basic treatment. DURAthins differ, as explained below.

What’s the difference between veneers and DURAthin®  Veneers?

Patients with small teeth or thin enamel might be better served with DURAthin Veneers. These ultra-thin, super-strong cosmetic restorations require little or no tooth preparation. However, DURAthins don’t look natural on all patients. Dr. Forester will explain DURAthin Veneers if they’re a good option for your smile. 

What are veneers made from?

Porcelain veneers are handcrafted by ceramists who work in a dental laboratory. Using quality porcelain, the ceramist creates a layered restoration that reflects light similarly to natural tooth enamel. Unlike crowns, dental veneers don’t provide full tooth coverage. A veneer covers the front surface and wraps around the sides of a tooth, leaving the back of the tooth exposed.

While dental porcelain can’t be chemically whitened like natural tooth enamel, it will repel stains better than enamel. Some patients opt to whiten their natural teeth before having veneers so that the restorations blend with the patient’s whitened teeth. Enamel collects stains faster than dental porcelain, so when natural teeth become dingy, the patient can request professional teeth whitening to restore the brightness of the enamel so that it once again matches the veneers.

How long does it take to get veneers?

Usually, veneers require two appointments after the initial consultation. At the first clinical visit, Dr. Forester will prepare your teeth for veneers and take impressions of the prepared teeth, as well as opposing teeth. This information, along with Dr. Forester’s instructions, provide a guideline for the ceramist. 

You will wear temporary veneers until your final restorations are ready. Then, at a second visit, Dr. Forester will replace the temporaries with your sensational-looking, handcrafted veneers. You’ll leave the second appointment with a brand-new smile.

Does getting veneers hurt?

No. Dr. Forester uses a local anesthetic to numb teeth before preparation, as well as final placement. You may feel a bit of pressure during the procedures, but not pain.

How do I make my veneers last?

Practice good oral hygiene daily and visit Lifetime Smiles for six-month checkups and cleanings. If you ever notice an abnormality with your teeth or soft oral tissues, see Dr. Forester for an exam. You should also wear a mouthguard when playing sports, and if you’ve been prescribed a nightguard, wear it as well. These oral appliances can save your teeth–and veneers–from damage. 

Lastly, if you have a habit of biting your nails, chewing on ice or other items, or using your teeth as scissors to open packaging and the like, stop. These destructive habits can harm your teeth, as well as your veneers.

How long can dental veneers last?

With good oral health and no injury or oral disease, porcelain veneers can last 20 years or more.

Why should I choose Dr. Forester and Lifetime Smiles for veneers?

Dr. James G. Forester has served Johns Creek-area families since 1997. He has decades of experience, and he’s trained at some of the most well-known postgraduate dental education institutions, including The Kois Center, The Pankey Institute, and The Dawson Academy. For The Kois Center, Dr. Forester teaches fellow dentists about cosmetics, occlusion, esthetics, rehabilitation, implants, and crown-and-bridge prosthetics. 

Further, Dr. Forester served on the board and held the role of president for the Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In addition to his deep and broad understanding of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Forester invests some of his time on mission trips and volunteering his services.

Lifetime Smiles has appointments available as early as 7am, patients can schedule visits before work and school, if necessary. 

Read reviews like this one on Google:

“Being new to the area, it’s always hard to find new places to go. Well, I hit the jackpot with Lifetime Smiles. Found them on Google and I want to add to the great reviews that helped me decide on this office. I cannot express how impressed I am with Dr. Forester and his staff. From walking in the door and the service you experience is above all I have encountered. Customer service is phenomenal and the warm towel at the end is amazing 👌🏽. So thorough with the cleaning as well. You know they take pride in their services. Grateful for this office. So fun and makes you feel so comfortable. Thank you!!!”

-GT 

Five-Star Google Review

How much do dental veneers cost?

A handcrafted, custom-designed porcelain veneer can cost $1000-2500.

Will insurance pay for my veneers?

No. Insurance won’t cover cosmetic procedures.

Can I finance the procedure?

Yes. Third-party patient financing institutions may extend no- and low-interest loans to qualified applicants. We recommend using CareCredit.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Are you ready to find out if veneers are right for you? At your cosmetic dentistry consultation, Dr. Forester will answer all of your questions and bring up any concerns he has. Together, you and the dentist can decide whether traditional veneers, DURAthins, or an alternative treatment is the best option. Your lifestyle, habits, and personal preferences will come into play when making the decision. If veneers aren’t right, Dr. Forester may suggest cosmetic bonding or contouring, composite veneers (made with bonding), or white crowns.

Located in Johns Creek, Lifetime Smiles is on Medlock Bridge Road. We are accepting new patients, and our hours are 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. You may schedule your porcelain veneers consultation by calling us at 678-730-6754.