Build a smile you’ll love sharing with the world.

We don’t often think about it because we smile every day, but smiles are pretty powerful and amazing. They help us express ourselves, and in doing so, they have the power to light up a room, brighten someone’s day, or serve as a spark for a new friendship.

If you’re self-conscious about your smile, these simple connections can feel difficult or even impossible, but they don’t have to be! Modern dentistry allows you to work with your dentist to improve your smile so it’s beautiful and as unique as you are. The result is a smile you love that gives you the confidence you need to crack the kind of grin that lights up a room and forges connections with the people around you.

If you’re thinking about improving your smile, dental veneers are one of the best options out there. But what are they, and why do they come so highly recommended? We want you to make the best treatment decision for you, but we know tracking down information isn’t always easy on the internet, so we’ve put together a guide on what you need to know about veneers and how they can renew both your smile and self-esteem.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are sculpted into the shape and size of a tooth before being permanently attached to the tooth you’d like to refresh. Each veneer is made specifically for you, so you’ll get input on the size, shape, and shade of your veneer.

They’re incredibly versatile because they’re made and placed individually, giving you the freedom to get a single veneer, an entire set, or anything in between. This versatility is one reason they’re so incredibly popular, but their beauty and longevity also play a role. Dental veneers look incredibly natural, so much so that no one will know you have them!

Plus, since they’re made of durable and stain-resistant porcelain, veneers generally last around 15 years or more when you take good care of them. Caring for them is incredibly simple as well, as all you need to do is give your veneers the same care your natural teeth need. This means following a thorough oral hygiene routine and making sure to not use your teeth—whether they have veneers on them or not—as tools to open packaging or crack nuts. If you follow Dr. Staley’s care instructions, your veneers should last you a long time. It’s this winning combination of features that makes this treatment so popular today!

What problems can they help resolve?

This is another area where veneers’ versatility shines, as they’re used to help resolve a wide range of issues. Veneers can help repair damaged teeth, including teeth that are worn, chipped, cracked, or slightly broken. They can also resolve cosmetic issues by closing gaps between your teeth, covering stains or discolorations that can’t be removed with whitening treatments, and adjusting the appearance of teeth that are slightly crooked, uneven, or irregularly shaped. On a larger scale, they can allow you to change the shape, brightness, and overall appearance of your smile.

Why choose veneers over other cosmetic procedures?

Depending on what dental issues you’d like to resolve, there are usually a few treatment options for you to choose from, but veneers are a go-to choice for many people. There are a few reasons for this, but they tend to boil down to durability, longevity, and versatility. For example, dental bonding requires less work on your teeth than dental veneers, but it isn’t as durable and it stains easily.

As a result, bonding generally only lasts between three and 10 years before it needs to be replaced, depending on how well you take care of it. Veneers last much longer, around 15 years or more with good care. That’s a big difference! Because of this, veneers provide a more permanent and durable solution than dental bonding, though there are circumstances in which bonding might be better, such as if you’re not sure you want to commit to dental veneers or if you want a quick, budget-friendly solution.

Another major plus of veneers is that they don’t require very much dental work on your teeth themselves. It’s generally best to save as much of your natural teeth as possible, so if you have a choice between veneers and a dental crown, veneers’ ability to save more of your teeth often makes them the better option.

What’s the process of getting a new smile?

Getting veneers generally takes a couple of appointments over the course of about two weeks. When you decide you want them, you’ll work with Dr. Staley to determine how many veneers you want and what you want them to look like. Seeing examples is often helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask to look at our collection of before-and-after photos to see other people’s results.

Together, you and Dr. Staley will design your new smile, choosing the size, shape, and shade of your new teeth. This helps ensure you’ll gain a smile that’s beautiful, naturally unique, and simply you — a smile you’ll genuinely love sharing with the world around you!

During your first appointment, Dr. Staley will prepare the teeth that will be getting veneers by numbing the area and shaving the front of those teeth down very slightly. This keeps the veneers even with your other teeth and helps them look even more natural. Once this is done, he’ll create molds of your teeth that will be used to make your permanent veneers. These are made by a specialized lab, so it’ll take a few weeks for them to be made and sent to our office. In the meantime, Dr. Staley will place a set of temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them and keep your smile beautiful.

When your permanent veneers arrive, you’ll be able to come in for your second appointment. Dr. Staley will numb your mouth again before removing your temporary veneers and replacing them with your permanent veneers. He’ll make sure they fit comfortably and that you love the way they look, making any adjustments necessary, and then you’ll be able to go on your way with your beautifully renewed smile!

How can they change your daily life?

Dental veneers can change your life on several levels, including potentially improving your oral health by protecting injured teeth or making your teeth straighter, which makes it easier to floss and brush your teeth thoroughly. One of the major differences for many people, though, is just how much confidence and self-esteem veneers allow them to reclaim.

Veneers give you the chance to love your smile again so you can engage with the world in a way that you may not have been able to before. You won’t have to worry about the way your smile looks; you’ll be able to just be in the moment and smile! The difference this can make in your self-esteem is stunning, and it makes the procedure beyond worth it for many people.

Chat with your dentist about the benefits of dental veneers!

Your smile should empower you to express your joy and forge connections with the people around you, and veneers can help you achieve this by allowing you to fall in love with your smile. If you’d like to learn more about veneers and whether they’re right for you, feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Staley at our dental clinic in Boise, ID, at any time!