Porcelain Veneers | Dentistry & Implants

What they are

Thin shells, natural results.

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They can change the shade, size, shape and length of a tooth, and they are made in a dental lab to look like real enamel.

Veneers are often used to correct discoloration, gaps, mild misalignment, worn or eroded enamel, chips and cracks, and teeth that look too small, long, short, round or sharp. In some cases they can stand in for a longer course of orthodontics, or for crowns, whitening or bonding.

Porcelain is stain-resistant and durable. With good care, veneers often last many years.

Are veneers right for you?

If you are in good oral health and your teeth do not have significant damage, you may be a good candidate. Larger alignment problems may be better handled first. An exam will tell us.

Two questions that come up often

Traditional vs. no-prep veneers compares the two approaches, and what happens to teeth under veneers explains what to expect for the tooth beneath.

Types

Veneer options.

Which one suits you depends on your teeth and your goals.

Traditional porcelain veneers

Custom-crafted shells for a full change of shade, shape and size. A small amount of enamel is removed so the veneer sits flush with the teeth beside it.
Minimal-prep veneers

Ultra-thin veneers that need little or no tooth preparation, for a more conservative approach when your teeth are a good fit for them.
Composite veneers

Tooth-colored resin built up and shaped directly on the tooth, often in a single visit.

The process

How veneers are made.

Consultation and exam
Dr. Kwon or Dr. Park examines your teeth and gums and takes X-rays. Veneers cannot be bonded to teeth with active oral health problems, so any needed care comes first.
Smile design and shade
We plan the shape and shade with you, using a digital preview and a shade guide so the porcelain matches your natural teeth.
Preparation
Under local anesthetic, a thin layer of enamel, about half a millimeter, is removed from the teeth receiving veneers. This makes room so the veneers do not stick out.
Impressions and temporaries
Impressions guide the lab that makes your veneers. Temporary veneers protect your teeth in the meantime.
Bonding
We check the fit and color of your final veneers, then bond them to your enamel.

Caring for your veneers.

Every day

Veneers are stain-resistant and durable, but they can still chip, crack or stain if they are not looked after. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day, and keep your cleanings every six months to remove plaque and stain buildup.

Protecting them

Limit staining foods and drinks, and avoid smoking. If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard. Skip hard, crunchy or sticky foods, and never use your teeth as tools.

Real patients

In a patient’s own words.

Veneers, Mount Kisco patient

See more smiles

Common questions

Veneer questions.

What are porcelain veneers?

Thin, tooth-colored shells made in a lab and bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their color, shape and size.

How long do veneers last?

Porcelain veneers often last many years with good care. Grinding, hard foods and missed cleanings shorten their life, and they may eventually need replacing.

Are veneers reversible?

In most cases a thin layer of enamel is removed to place them, and enamel does not grow back. That is why we plan carefully and talk through your options first. Minimal-prep veneers remove less.

Do veneers look natural?

That is the goal. Porcelain reflects light much like enamel, and the shade, shape and size are matched to your face and your other teeth.

Can veneers fix crooked teeth?

They can hide mild crowding, gaps and uneven edges. Larger alignment problems may be better handled with clear aligners or other treatment first. An exam will tell us.

How many veneers will I need?

It depends on which teeth show when you smile and which ones need correcting. We decide this together at your exam and smile design visit.

How much do veneers cost?

Cost depends on how many teeth are treated and the approach we choose. We give you a written estimate before treatment. See insurance and financing.