Veneers are an excellent choice for patients with healthy teeth and gums who want to improve the shape, color, or alignment of their smile. They’re ideal for addressing cosmetic issues like chips, discoloration, minor spacing, and irregular tooth shapes. However, they’re not a fix for large cavities or severe alignment issues. During your consultation, we’ll assess your oral health and help you decide if veneers—or another cosmetic treatment—will best achieve your goals.

To place veneers, we do need to remove a very thin layer of enamel—usually less than a millimeter—from the front of each tooth. This step ensures that the veneer lays flat and looks natural, not bulky. While this process is irreversible, it’s minimal and safe when done by an experienced dentist like Dr. St. George. We always preserve as much natural structure as possible to protect your long-term oral health.

With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade. They’re stain-resistant and strong, but like natural teeth, they can still chip if exposed to trauma or constant grinding. We’ll give you tips on how to care for your veneers—like wearing a nightguard if you clench your teeth—and help you keep your results looking beautiful for years to come.

While both veneers and crowns can enhance the appearance of a tooth, they serve different purposes. Veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth and are mainly used for cosmetic improvements. Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth and are used when more structural support is needed—such as after a root canal or for a tooth with extensive damage. We’ll help you determine which option is best based on your dental needs and goals.