Veneers Ponte Vedra Beach

The Smile Makeover You’ve Been Looking For

Cosmetic dentist holding a veneer in front of a patient's smile

Are you concerned about the color, shape, size, or length of your teeth? Are there corrections you’d like to make to feel more confident about your smile? If so, veneers in Ponte Vedra Beach may be an excellent option to meet your cosmetic dentistry needs.

Veneers require an appointment with your dentist. They are materials we make out of either composite bond or porcelain. They sit on the teeth like shells to cover many types of imperfections. Veneers are very thin, therefore minimally invasive tooth preparation is required. They are also quite durable.

They are placed over a damaged, discolored, or otherwise displeasing tooth to improve the look of the enamel. This also protects it from further damage. The processes for creating a veneer out of porcelain and composite are different. The friendly staff at Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry can explain the differences. We’ll help you make the best decision for your veneers based on your individual circumstances and smile goals.

Why Choose Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry for Veneers?

  • Experienced and Friendly Dental Team
  • Beautiful, Natural-Looking and Lasting Results
  • Comprehensive Cosmetic Dental Care Under One Roof

Why Dental Patients Love Veneers

Man with a chipped tooth smiling

Veneers are an ideal solution to many conditions that negatively affect your smile. This is especially true for issues concerning your front teeth. At your initial appointment, Dr. Perry or Dr. De Bonis will discuss your concerns and goals with you. This will determine whether veneers can accomplish the results you desire.

Veneers are commonly used to resolve the following types of dental issues:

  • Discolored teeth (due to things like food or medication stains, past root canals, large fillings, or excessive fluoride use)
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Misshapen teeth, or those that are worn down (such as when people grind their teeth)
  • Uneven and misaligned teeth
  • Teeth that are overly large or too small
  • Tooth gaps
  • Tooth enamel abrasion
  • Tooth enamel erosion
  • Other cosmetic fixes to promote tooth uniformity

Porcelain Versus Composite Resin Veneers

Close up of adhesive material being applied to a veneer

There are several important differences between porcelain and composite resin veneers. Our dentists and our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have about each type of veneer.

In general, many patients wonder first about how much veneers cost. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than their composite resin counterparts. However, they also last considerably longer. Porcelain veneers can last from 10-15 years on average. Composite resin veneers have a life of about 5-7 years. Proper veneer care is the best way to ensure a long life for your custom veneers.

Porcelain veneers also do a better job of resisting stains. Additionally, many people feel they mimic the look of natural teeth better than composite veneers.

What to Expect When Getting Veneers

Close up of a veneer being bonded to the front of a tooth

Once you’ve decided to get veneers, you’ll undergo a two-visit process with Dr. Perry or Dr. De Bonis.

At the first appointment, we’ll prepare the tooth surface by buffing and shaping. This allows room for the thickness of the veneers when they are in place. Shaping does not affect your internal tooth structure.

During this first visit, we will also take an impression of your teeth. This helps us accomplish the best custom fit. Your veneers will be fabricated in a professional lab to specifically fit your unique teeth. Once tooth preparation is complete, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose a color that most closely matches your healthy natural teeth. If you’re getting a full set of veneers, you’ll choose a tooth-colored shade that looks bright and natural.

At your second visit, each of your custom veneers will be bonded to the tooth. Our dentists use a durable bonding cement that will keep them in place long-term. We will shine a special light on the cement compound to help it harden and set. Then, our dentists will make any adjustments in shape you may require. They will finish by polishing your new veneers and answer any remaining questions.

You will be awake for the entire veneer placement procedure. Little to no anesthesia is required for veneer placement.

Are you concerned about the look of your teeth between these two visits? If so, it is sometimes possible to place temporary veneers before your custom veneers are ready. If you’re interested in this option, just ask!

Caring for Your Veneers

Senior man brushing his teeth

If you want your veneers to last, it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices. Brushing and flossing are especially important. Our staff will provide guidance on caring for your new smile. However, you shouldn’t need to alter your tooth care practices drastically. Veneers can be cared for just like natural teeth. Here are a few ways to ensure your veneers last for many years:

  • Brush your teeth after every meal (or at least twice per day) using a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss your teeth daily
  • Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash 1-2 times daily
  • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, ideally every six months

No Need to Wait

Dentist placing a veneer over a tooth

Cosmetic dentistry treatment plans, including veneers, offer hope to so many patients who have lost confidence in their smiles. Dr. Perry, Dr. De Bonis, and our friendly, professional team understand the importance of providing a smile makeover. It lets you regain confidence and live your best life.

At Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, the health and wellbeing of our patients are the cornerstone of the work we do. It is our goal to provide professional, high-quality, compassionate care – just like we would for our own family members. Call us today to schedule a veneers consultation. We can’t wait to get you smiling again!

Veneer FAQs

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

Veneers can conceal several common imperfections, including mild crookedness. So, if you want to achieve a smile that’s straighter, brighter, and more symmetrical, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team at Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry! The sooner you do, the sooner we can determine if this is the ideal cosmetic dentistry treatment for you.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Since veneers are sometimes referred to as “temporary” and “permanent,” you might assume that yours will last forever. However, that’s not the case. They typically last for 10 years, but they can last longer with the right habits in place (i.e., brushing your teeth twice a day, scheduling a dental visit every six months, and exercising caution with crunchy foods).

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

There are some foods that we recommend avoiding in an effort to keep your veneers in pristine condition. A few examples include hard pretzels, tortilla chips, croutons, and raw almonds. It’s also best to avoid taffy, caramel-filled candies, and similar treats since they lack nutritional value and their sticky consistency can pull your veneers out of place. All that to say, it’s best to eat mostly healthy, well-balanced meals that contain cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, steamed carrots, and the like.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Yes! In fact, one of the reasons that so many patients love veneers is that they are crafted from stain-resistant materials, like dental porcelain. As a result, they don’t discolor the same way that your enamel does.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that not all of your teeth will be covered with veneers. So, if you want to maintain a bright, balanced smile, you need to enjoy your coffee the “smile-friendly” way. That starts with using a straw and extends to brushing your teeth about 20 minutes after you’re done.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

We mentioned above that veneers can last for over a decade. There are actually two studies that have been done (one by Layton and another by Beier), and both found that over 90% lasted for 10 years. The key to prolonging the lifespan of yours is implementing the right habits into your routine, like brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening. You should also avoid doing anything that could jeopardize the condition of yours, like using your teeth as tools, biting your nails, or using tobacco products.

Is There Anyone Who Isn’t a Candidate for Veneers?

The short answer is “yes.” To start, veneers are not recommended for patients who have an active infection in their gums. They also aren’t ideal for those who are struggling with severe misalignment. That’s why it’s so important for us to complete a comprehensive oral exam and learn about your smile goals during your consultation! It’s the best way for us to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers.

Woman in the dental chair smiling at her dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach