Who veneers are for
Veneers can help if you have teeth that are:
- chipped or worn at the edges
- stained in a way whitening doesn't fix
- small, uneven or oddly shaped
- slightly crooked or gapped
Veneers need healthy teeth and gums underneath. If you grind your teeth heavily or have decay or gum disease, that needs attention first, and a different option may suit you better.
How it works
- Consultation. You tell us what you'd like to change. We examine your teeth and gums and talk through veneers, whitening, crowns or a mix.
- Planning. The plan is made together with you, before any tooth is changed.
- Preparing the teeth. For most porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed so the veneer sits flush. This step is permanent.
- Bonding. The fit and color are checked, then each veneer is bonded in place.
Veneers, whitening or crowns?
| Whitening | Veneers | Crowns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changes | Color only | Color, shape, small gaps | Color, shape and strength |
| Removes tooth structure? | No | A thin layer | More, all around the tooth |
| Suited to | Healthy teeth that are stained | Healthy teeth you want to reshape | Damaged or weak teeth |
Learn more: Teeth whitening · Crowns and bridges
What veneers and smile makeovers cost
The cost depends on how many teeth, the material and what else the plan includes. You know the cost before you decide. Cosmetic work is often not covered by insurance, and our front desk can review your benefits with you.
Why patients choose us for cosmetic work
- Planned together with you while everything is still reversible
- A prosthodontist in the office, the specialty for restoring teeth
- Warmed treatment chairs, and sedation options that may be available if you feel nervous
- In Dearborn Heights on Ann Arbor Trail, with parking out front
Questions patients ask
Are veneers permanent? Most porcelain veneers need some enamel removed, so the tooth will always need a veneer or other covering afterward. That's why careful planning comes first.
Can veneers be whitened? No. Whitening gel doesn't change their color. If you want whiter teeth overall, whitening usually comes first and the veneers are matched to the new shade.
Do I need to change all my teeth? No. Some people need one or two veneers. A makeover covers only the teeth you want to change.