Creating a Flawless, One-of-a-Kind Smile
At Northampton Dental Specialists Group, we want our patients to like what they see in the mirror. When teeth are stained, chipped, cracked, have gaps, or are misshapen, it can feel as if there is no way to change their appearance. Fortunately, with custom-made veneers in Northampton, smiles can be transformed, leaving behind no trace of imperfections. If you are seeking a professional solution that will change how you see your pearly whites, call to schedule a consultation today.
Why Choose Northampton Dental Specialists Group for Veneers?
- Dental Specialists with More Than 25 Years of Experience
- Flexible Dental Financing is Available
- Caring Dental Team Who Puts Patients First
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a type of cosmetic dental procedure that involves the placement of thin shells of a material used to conceal cosmetic defects such as small chips, stains, or discoloration. There are two basic types of dental veneers that we use in Northampton: composite and porcelain.
Composite dental veneers are those made from a material that starts as a putty-like substance, eventually drying into a solid form after being “cured” by a special light. These conceal minor cosmetic issues, are relatively inexpensive, and only require a single dental visit.
Porcelain dental veneers are constructed in a dental laboratory that uses an impression formed by your dentist. Receiving porcelain veneers requires more than one dental visit while you wait for the dental lab to manufacture your new veneers. Once your dentist has received them from the dental lab, you will return to have them placed on your teeth. These are highly durable, closely match your natural teeth, and last much longer than composite veneers.
The Process of Getting Veneers
The process of receiving dental veneers differs depending on whether you choose composite or porcelain. If you prefer composite veneers, your dentist will apply the composite material in layers to your teeth. After achieving the desired contours for your veneers, the material will harden and then be polished for a smooth finish.
If you choose porcelain veneers, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth so that dental lab technicians can create your veneers. This will occur after your dentist removes a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for your new veneers. You will receive temporary restorations in the meantime, to protect your smile while your permanent veneers are created. When ready, you will return to have your new veneers attached with dental adhesive.
The Benefits of Veneers
Veneers remain one of the most popular and worthwhile cosmetic solutions available. Capable of concealing a wide range of imperfections, they are highly versatile and can change the size, shape, and color of your smile.
Additional benefits include:
- Durable materials that can last a decade or more with proper care
- Natural-looking results because of the color-matching capability of composite and porcelain veneers
- Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant
- Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain
- A more confident smile that helps you look younger
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
Determining the cost of veneers requires a scheduled consultation with our Northampton dental team. Our dentists will assess the imperfections and determine which material will yield the best results. Also, your preferences and budget will be taken into account. Since no two cases are the same, you should not expect to pay the same as someone else. Even though dental insurance will not likely cover the cost of treatment, you can trust us to explain how flexible financing works at our office.
Veneers FAQs
Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?
You might be surprised to hear this, but the answer is “yes.” In fact, that’s why veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics.” With thin shells of high-quality dental materials, such as porcelain, we can conceal minor crookedness in as few as 2 visits. So, if you want a straighter smile, but you don’t want to wear metal braces for 2+ hours, schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Northampton!
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?
Like your natural teeth, veneers can break with enough pressure. That’s why we recommend exercising caution with crunchy foods, like hard pretzels, tortilla chips, and raw carrots. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of taffy, caramel-filled candies, and other sticky sweets entirely.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Yes, you can continue drinking coffee after your smile makeover with veneers. In fact, one of the many benefits of this cosmetic dentistry treatment is that stain-resistant materials, such as porcelain, are used. As a result, you don’t have to worry too much about noticeable yellow stains resurfacing. If you receive composite veneers, you will need to limit or avoid dark-colored beverages to reduce the risk of staining. All we ask is that you continue to take certain precautions to help prevent the uncovered teeth from discoloring, starting with always using a straw.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Before investing your time and money in the treatment process, you might be curious about the longevity of veneers. Fortunately, several studies have been conducted on the topic. For example, Beier found that 94% lasted 10 years and 83% lasted 20 years.
The key to prolonging veneer lifespan is prioritizing healthy habits. That starts with brushing for two full minutes each morning and extends to visiting our Northampton dental team every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
That depends largely on your aesthetic concerns and goals. For instance, if you want to fix a small chip that has always bothered you, then you may only need one veneer to achieve the results you desire. Conversely, if you want a completely new look, then we may need 10-12 veneers.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?
The short answer is “yes.” That’s why we need to complete a comprehensive oral exam! In the process, we look for tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems (all of which need to be addressed before cosmetic dental care is provided). We will also learn about your unique aesthetic concerns and goals to determine if veneers can deliver the results you desire.
Is It Painful to Get Veneers?
For most patients, getting veneers in Northampton is pain-free. The most invasive part of the process is removing a thin layer of enamel—about the width of a mechanical pencil lead. However, your mouth will be numbed during this step. So, at most, you’ll feel some pressure from the instruments. Compared to many other dental treatments, veneers are still very comfortable to receive.
Some patients experience mild sensitivity in the days following preparation, especially while enjoying cold drinks or hot food. However, this usually fades once your permanent veneers are in place.
Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?
After your permanent veneers are placed, there can be a short adjustment period where you might notice a mild change in your speech. Your tongue needs time to adjust to the new surfaces, as even small shifts can throw off its muscle memory.
That said, a temporary lisp or other subtle difference in sound usually resolves on its own within a week or two as your mouth adapts. If you want to speed up the process, practice makes permanent. Reading aloud and having normal conversations with friends and family will help your mouth adapt more quickly.
Can You Whiten Veneers?
Veneers themselves can't be whitened because porcelain doesn't respond to the gel the way natural enamel does. Ironically, the same property that makes them resistant to stains—their non-porous surface—also makes it impossible to bleach them.
If your natural teeth have shifted in shade over time and no longer match your veneers, whitening the surrounding teeth can help restore balance. However, if your enhancements were matched to a darker shade, the only way to brighten them is replacement. This is why our team recommends whitening your smile before placing veneers so that they can be matched appropriately.