6 Things to Know Before You Get Veneers
6 Things to Know Before You Get Veneers
If you’ve ever caught yourself hiding your smile in photos or daydreaming about perfect teeth, you might have looked into veneers. These thin, custom-made coverings are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, creating a confident, polished smile that still looks like you—but just a bit more camera-ready.
But before you commit to this cosmetic upgrade, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. There’s more to veneers than just a brighter smile—they’re a long-term investment in your appearance and oral health. Knowing what to expect before you get veneers will help you make a confident, informed choice.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made coverings—usually made from porcelain or composite resin— that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth in order to improve their appearance. They’re typically used to correct issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, or mild misalignment.
Think of veneers as a makeover for your smile—not a full reconstruction, but a transformative touch-up. And while they’re cosmetic in nature, they still require careful planning and expert care.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
There are two primary types of veneers: porcelain and composite.
- Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant. They mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel and typically last 10–15 years with proper care.
- Composite resin veneers are made from the same material that’s used for tooth-colored fillings. They’re less expensive and usually applied in a single visit, but they’re also more prone to staining. They generally last 5–7 years.
Your dentist can help you decide which type is best for you, depending on your aesthetic goals, budget, and oral and dental health.
Who’s a Good Candidate to Get Veneers on Their Teeth?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for veneers. You might be a good match if you:
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Want to improve the appearance of your smile
- Don’t grind or clench your teeth excessively
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
If you have gum disease, significant tooth decay, or significantly misaligned teeth, your dentist might recommend other dental treatments before veneers are considered.
6 Things to Know Before You Get Veneers
Now, let’s dig into the real heart of the matter—6 things you should know before you get veneers. These are the facts and considerations that can help you make the most informed decision possible.
1. Veneers Can Fix a Variety of Dental Problem
Veneers are very versatile. They can address a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, such as:
- Stains that don’t respond to whitening
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Small gaps or uneven spacing
- Minor misalignment
- Teeth that are too small or irregularly shaped
Keep in mind—veneers are best suited for cosmetic concerns. They aren’t suitable for correcting major alignment issues, significant bite problems, or teeth with extensive decay. If your concerns are more structural than cosmetic, you may want to explore orthodontic treatment (like braces or Invisalign), crowns or dental implants for damaged teeth, or professional whitening for surface stains. Your dentist can help you weigh your options and decide whether veneers are the right solution—or just one step in your overall smile plan.
2. Traditional Veneers Are Permanent
Once your dentist prepares your teeth for veneers, there’s no going back. A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth surface to make room for the veneer, which means this procedure is irreversible. You’ll need to maintain your veneers—and eventually replace them—as part of your long-term dental care.
If you’re not ready for a permanent change, no-prep veneers (like Lumineers) offer a less invasive alternative for some patients. These ultra-thin veneers can often be placed without removing enamel, making them reversible in certain cases. However, they’re not ideal for everyone: they may not mask darker stains or significant imperfections as effectively as traditional veneers. Your dentist can determine whether no-prep options will meet your goals without compromising on aesthetics or durability.
3. You Should Brush and Floss Your Veneers Like Regular Teeth
Veneers can’t get cavities, but the teeth underneath and the surrounding gum tissue are still vulnerable to normal tooth decay and disease. That means you should:
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
Keeping your mouth healthy helps your veneers stay beautiful and functional for longer.
4. There Are Reasons Some People Shouldn’t Get Veneers
Veneers aren’t the right fit for everyone. If you have significant tooth decay, gum disease, or weakened enamel, those issues will need to be addressed before veneers can even be considered.
Likewise if you grind your teeth (a condition known as bruxism), you could chip or crack your veneers over time. If you’re a grinder, your dentist might recommend wearing a night guard or exploring more durable restorative options instead.
Veneers also aren’t ideal for people with severely misaligned bites or major orthodontic issues. In those cases, braces or Invisalign might be a smarter first step. And if you’re hoping to dramatically change your tooth color, your natural teeth may need whitening before veneers are matched and placed to ensure a consistent look across your smile.
5. Veneers Are Considered a Cosmetic Procedure
Most insurance plans don’t cover veneers because they’re considered a form of elective cosmetic dentistry. That means you’ll likely be paying out of pocket. Many dentist’s offices provide financing options to increase the procedure’s accessibility.
If your dentist finds that veneers are needed to correct deterioration, chipping, or decaying teeth, some insurance companies may pay back a small portion of the treatment cost. This is typically done on a case-by-case basis and will vary from state-to-state.
6. Choose a Natural-Looking White Color
Hollywood-white isn’t always the right call. A good dentist will help you select a veneer shade that matches your skin tone, facial features, and the whites of your eyes. You want your new smile to look enhanced—but still authentic.
If you’re planning to whiten your natural teeth as well, that should happen before your veneers are color-matched, since the shade of porcelain doesn’t change once it’s set. A thoughtful color choice ensures your veneers blend beautifully with your surrounding teeth and age well over time.
Remember: the natural look never goes out of style.
The Veneer Process and Preparation
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect before veneers are placed:
- Consultation – Your Smile Design dentist will evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and determine if veneers are right for you.
- Preparation – For traditional veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed. Impressions are taken, and temporary veneers may be placed.
- Fabrication – Your permanent veneers are custom-made in a dental lab (this usually takes 1–2 weeks).
- Placement – The final veneers are bonded to your teeth, adjusted for fit and comfort, and polished for a seamless look.
The whole process typically takes 2–3 appointments spread over a few weeks.
FAQs about Veneers
What Do They Do to Your Teeth Before Veneers?
To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel—usually about 0.5 mm. This ensures the veneer lies flush with the rest of your teeth and looks natural.
Do They Shave Your Teeth Down for Veneers?
The word “shaving” can sound extreme, but in the case of veneers, it typically means removing a very thin layer of enamel—usually about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters—from the front surface of each tooth. This minimal reduction allows the veneer to sit flush against your natural teeth and creates a seamless, natural-looking smile. This process is far less invasive than what’s required for a dental crown. With crowns, a dentist must reshape the entire tooth—trimming it down on all sides—to create enough space for the crown to cover it like a cap. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly damaged, weakened, or decayed. Veneers, on the other hand, are purely cosmetic and preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Is It Painful to Get Your Teeth Shaved for Veneers?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. You might feel mild sensitivity after the prep appointment, but it usually subsides within a few days.
How Many Appointments Does It Take to Get Veneers?
Generally, for porcelain veneers, it takes two to three appointments—one for consultation, one for preparation, and one for final placement.
What Happens to Real Teeth Under Veneers?
The underlying tooth remains intact and functional. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene, your natural tooth can stay healthy for years beneath the veneer.
Should I Get My Teeth Straightened Before Getting Veneers?
If your teeth are significantly misaligned or your bite is off, orthodontic treatment (like Invisalign or braces) might be recommended before veneers are placed for optimal results.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Prices can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the materials chosen (as mentioned above, porcelain is more expensive than composite). Come in for a no-obligation exam and consultation appointment with one of our Smile Design cosmetic dentists and they’ll be able to tell you how much the overall procedure will cost.
Are Veneers Covered by Insurance?
Because veneers are considered cosmetic, they typically aren’t covered by dental insurance. Check with your provider—and your dental office—for payment options and financing plans.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers have a lifespan of 10–15 years—sometimes even longer.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite veneers typically last 4–8 years, but may need touch-ups or replacements sooner than porcelain.
Find Out If Veneers Are Right for You at Smile Design
Choosing to get veneers is a big step—and the best way to make the right decision is by talking to a trusted dental professional. At Smile Design Dentistry, we help patients all across Florida achieve smiles they love with customized cosmetic care.
Whether you’re ready to schedule a consultation or still wondering what to expect before you get veneers, we’re here to answer all your questions.
Contact your nearest Smile Design location today to take the next step toward a brighter, whiter smile!