Cosmetic dentistry
Porcelain veneers.
Ultra-thin custom shells bonded to the front of your teeth — a long-lasting cosmetic option for the right candidate, designed around your existing features.
A porcelain veneer is a custom-fabricated shell of dental porcelain, approximately half a millimeter thick, bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers can change the shape, the color, the contour, or the alignment of a tooth — addressing chips, persistent staining that won’t respond to whitening, small gaps, minor irregularities, or wear at the biting edge.
When veneers are the right answer
Veneers shine in specific situations. A single discolored front tooth that doesn’t respond to whitening. Two or three chipped or worn front teeth that need uniform restoration. Persistent staining from medications taken in childhood. Small gaps between front teeth. Minor irregularities that bother you but aren’t severe enough to warrant orthodontics.
For larger changes — significant misalignment, heavily worn teeth from grinding, or teeth that already need crowns — we’ll discuss the right alternative honestly. Sometimes the better answer is a different treatment entirely.
The process
The first visit is the design conversation. Dr. Agrawal discusses the result you’d like to see, evaluates your teeth and bite, takes photographs, and walks through what veneers can and can’t change. If you’re a good candidate, we move forward.
The preparation visit removes a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth being veneered — typically about half a millimeter — to make room for the porcelain. We take a digital impression, send it to the laboratory, and place temporary veneers so you can see and feel the new shape.
Two to three weeks later, the laboratory returns the custom veneers. We check the fit, color, and overall appearance carefully — making any small adjustments — then bond them permanently into place. The result is a refined version of your smile, designed around the features you already have.
Care and longevity
Veneers are cared for the same way as natural teeth — regular brushing, daily flossing, and routine cleanings. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard is essential to protect both the veneers and your natural teeth. With good care, modern porcelain veneers last ten to twenty years or longer. We’ve seen veneers from this office still looking beautiful after two decades.
Frequently asked
Veneers — common questions.
Am I a good candidate for veneers?
You're likely a good candidate if you have healthy teeth and gums, your bite is reasonably aligned, and your cosmetic concerns are on the front teeth — chips, persistent staining, small gaps, minor irregularities, or wear. Veneers don't work well on people who grind heavily without protection, or on teeth that already need crowns or large restorations.
How long do veneers last?
With good care and a nightguard if you grind, ten to twenty years is realistic for most porcelain veneers. Some last longer. The variables are bite stress, home care, and material — modern porcelains are stronger than what was used twenty years ago.
Is veneer placement reversible?
Mostly not. Traditional porcelain veneers require a thin layer of enamel to be removed so the veneer can be bonded onto the tooth without bulking it out. That's a permanent change. There are some minimal-prep veneer options that remove very little enamel, but they aren't right for every situation. We'll discuss what your case actually requires.
Do veneers stain?
Porcelain itself doesn't stain the way enamel does — but the bonded edges can darken slightly over time, and the natural teeth around the veneers can yellow. We discuss whitening before veneer placement so the final shade matches everything.
How many veneers do I need?
It depends entirely on the situation. Sometimes one veneer is the answer — a chipped or discolored front tooth that doesn't match its neighbors. Sometimes four to eight veneers create a more comprehensive smile improvement. We don't recommend more veneers than the cosmetic situation calls for.
Curious whether veneers are right for you?
Come in for an honest cosmetic consult — no pressure, no upsell.