What veneers can fix
Veneers cover the part of your teeth that shows when you smile, usually the front six to ten teeth.
- Deep stains that whitening can’t lift
- Chipped or worn front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are short, uneven or oddly shaped
- Mildly crooked front teeth that you don’t want to straighten
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, in practice. A thin layer of enamel is usually removed so the veneer sits flush, so those teeth will always need a veneer or another covering. If you’re unsure, bonding is a reversible way to try a change first.
Getting veneers, step by step
- Consultation. Dr. Sayeed checks your teeth and gums and talks through the shape and shade you want.
- Preparation. With the teeth numbed, a thin layer of enamel is removed and a scan or impression is taken.
- Temporaries. You may wear temporary veneers while a dental lab makes your porcelain ones.
- Fitting. The veneers are checked for fit and color, then bonded in place and your bite is adjusted.
How many visits do veneers take?
Usually two or three visits over a few weeks. Most people go straight back to work after each visit.
Porcelain or composite veneers?
Composite veneers are tooth-colored resin shaped straight onto the tooth, which is the same technique as bonding.
| Porcelain veneers | Composite veneers (bonding) | |
|---|---|---|
| Made | By a dental lab, then bonded on | Shaped on the tooth in one visit |
| Usually lasts | 10 to 20 years | 3 to 10 years |
| Stains | Resists coffee, tea and wine | Can pick up stains over time |
| Enamel removed | A thin layer | Little or none |
| If it chips | Usually replaced | Usually repaired in one visit |
Dr. Sayeed may suggest dental bonding when one or two small changes are all you need.
Caring for your veneers
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers usually last 10 to 20 years. Brush and floss as normal, keep your checkups, and don’t bite pens, ice or fingernails. A night guard protects them if you grind your teeth.
Veneers or crowns?
A veneer covers only the front of a healthy tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth and is the better choice when a tooth is weak, heavily filled or has had a root canal.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost depends on how many veneers you need and whether any other treatment comes first. You get a written plan with costs before anything starts.
- Insurance: veneers are cosmetic, so dental plans usually don’t cover them.
- Spreading the cost: CareCredit and Cherry let you pay for cosmetic treatment over time.
- Whitening first? Veneers can’t be whitened later, so many patients whiten their other teeth first.
Veneer questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Hurley, Rosendale, Rhinecliff, Saugerties, Woodstock and across Ulster County.
Do veneers look natural?
They should. Porcelain lets light through much like enamel does, and the shade and shape are chosen to suit your face and the teeth around them.
Do veneers stain?
Porcelain resists staining from coffee, tea and red wine. Your natural teeth around the veneers can still darken, so regular cleanings matter.
Do veneers hurt?
The teeth are numbed while they are prepared, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days.
Can I get veneers if my teeth are crooked?
Yes, if they are only slightly out of line. For more crowding, read about options for crooked teeth first.
