Veneers are a beautiful way to enhance your smile by covering unwanted chips, stains, or uneven teeth. Our Grand Rapids cosmetic dentist offers traditional and , providing options that suit your needs. Traditional veneers offer dramatic, long-lasting results, while no-prep veneers require less tooth adjustment for a more conservative approach. Regardless of your choice, both options create a natural-looking, confident smile you’ll love to show off!
Learn more about dental veneers and their placement below.
How Do Veneers Work?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are commonly crafted from porcelain and are bonded securely to your teeth to improve their appearance. Both traditional and minimal-prep veneers provide transformative results, but the process for each differs slightly.
For traditional porcelain veneers, the process typically involves reshaping your natural teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to create enough space for the veneer to fit comfortably. Next, our cosmetic dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth, which are then sent to a dental lab where they are fabricated. While waiting for the permanent veneers, temporary versions will be placed for protection and aesthetics. It’s once your custom veneers arrive that we’ll assess the fit and appearance before bonding them securely to your teeth.
Minimal-prep veneers, sometimes also called no-prep veneers, require little to no enamel removal. This option is more conservative, but may not be suitable for every patient. Like traditional veneers, these are custom-crafted to match your natural teeth and bonded securely in place. Our dentist will determine the best option for your smile during your consultation.
Prime Candidates for Veneers
Veneers are an excellent choice for patients seeking to improve the look of their teeth. They can address discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, or uneven tooth size. However, not all patients are ideal candidates. Before recommending veneers, our dentist will conduct a one-on-one consultation to evaluate your oral health and ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition.
If you have untreated cavities, gum disease, or severely weakened teeth, those issues must be resolved before proceeding with veneers. Additionally, patients who grind their teeth may require a night guard to protect their veneers from damage.
