If you are self-conscious about chips, gaps, or stains, porcelain veneers can transform your smile and your confidence. Veneers are thin shells we bond to the front of teeth to change their color and shape.
At Stonehenge Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have been helping Raleigh families achieve beautiful, natural smiles for over 35 years. Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting cosmetic dental treatment we offer in our Raleigh, NC, office.
Dental veneers offer a very conservative approach that requires little reduction of your natural tooth. We provide custom-made veneers made from porcelain because they look natural and immediately change how your teeth look.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
Our dentists may recommend veneers for one or more teeth in your smile line. The top benefits of porcelain veneers in our Raleigh, NC office include:
Natural Look
One of the best things about porcelain veneers is how natural they look. Lab techs carefully create veneers that match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Once placed, veneers blend in with your smile so well that most people won’t even know you have them. Veneers are also made from strong porcelain material that lasts.
Quick Treatment
Most patients only need two dental visits to get veneers. At the first visit, we prepare your teeth and make impressions. We also provide temporary veneers. At the second visit, we place your custom veneers. The entire process is simple and comfortable.
Change Tooth Shape and Color
Porcelain veneers are great for changing the look of your teeth. They can make short, worn, or uneven teeth look longer and more even. Veneers also cover up deep stains that don’t go away with whitening treatments. Because porcelain resists stains, your smile stays brighter over time, even if you drink coffee, tea, or soda.
Porcelain Veneers Treatment in Raleigh, NC
We can provide veneers for patients in two appointments. First, we prepare the teeth for the veneers. We etch the enamel to ensure that the veneers adhere to the natural tooth structure. This preparation also ensures that the veneers don’t feel or look bulky.
After tooth preparation, we make an impression of the treated teeth. We send this impression to our lab, which creates thin veneers out of a tooth-colored porcelain ceramic material. At the next visit, we evaluate the veneers for fit and appearance. Our patients can achieve bright, straight smiles in no time.
Patient Review
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Read answers to commonly asked questions about porcelain veneers in Raleigh, NC.
How do veneers compare to bonding?
Veneers and bonding are both ways to fix the look of your teeth, but they’re a little different. Tooth veneers fully cover the front of your teeth. This treatment can fix chipped, stained, or slightly crooked teeth. They last longer than bonding but require more tooth preparation.
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored material called composite resin that is shaped and hardened directly on your tooth. It can fix small chips, cracks, and gaps. Bonding costs less and only takes one office visit, but doesn’t last as long and can stain more easily.
How do porcelain veneers compare to composite?
Porcelain and composite veneers are both popular options for improving your smile, but they have some essential differences.
Porcelain veneers look very natural and blend well with your teeth. They’re made from a strong, tooth-colored material that mimics the shine and translucency of real enamel. They’re more durable than composite veneers and can last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care.
Porcelain resists stains better than composite, so they stay brighter over time. While they’re more expensive, they provide high-quality materials and custom design.
Composite veneers can match the shade of natural teeth, but may not be as shiny or realistic as porcelain. They’re less durable than porcelain veneers and might chip or wear down faster. Typically, they last 5 to 7 years with care. While composite is more affordable, it can stain over time if you have coffee and tea or if you smoke.
How do you care for dental veneers?
After you get your veneers, stick to a soft diet and avoid hard or crunchy foods. We’ll also recommend that you avoid eating or drinking foods or beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and berries. You can brush your veneers like your natural teeth.
Brush gently and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients, as these can damage natural teeth and veneers. If you participate in contact sports, we highly recommend investing in a custom mouthguard. A sports mouthguard can protect the veneers, teeth, and gums.
Can I get a single veneer?
Yes. If you only have one tooth that needs improvement, such as a chip or stain, you can get a single veneer. Dr. Elderkin or Dr. Giggey will help you decide the best number of veneers for your smile goals.
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 or more years because they’re made from strong, high-quality materials/ Some patients even keep their veneers for longer if they take good care of their teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
Is veneer treatment painful?
No, veneer treatment is not painful. While we remove a portion of enamel to prepare teeth, this does not affect the nerves within the tooth. We etch a thin layer off the enamel to ensure the veneers conform to the teeth. To make sure you stay comfortable, we may numb the treated area.
Schedule a Veneer Consultation Today
Do you want straighter teeth but don’t need braces? Do you want to whiten teeth without strips or gels? Call Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to learn more about veneers in our Raleigh, NC office today at 919-295-0936.
You can also request a dental consultation with Dr. Cynthia Elderkin or Dr. Claudel Giggey on our website. If you have any questions about dental veneers, let Dr. Elderkin or Dr. Giggey know. Our dentists will be happy to help. Our Raleigh dentists serve Stonehenge, Six Forks, Traemoor, Hidden Valley, and the greater Raleigh area.