Porcelain Veneers in South Lake Union, Seattle
Custom Porcelain Veneers, Designed Around You
A Long-Term Investment in Your Smile
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin layers of dental porcelain bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They change the shape, color, length, and alignment of teeth in ways that whitening or bonding alone cannot. Because porcelain reflects light similarly to natural enamel, well-made veneers look striking up close and natural in everyday conversation.
A full set of veneers is a long-term decision: the tooth structure is permanently changed, and the veneers themselves typically need replacement after ten to twenty years. That is exactly why we take a slower, more conservative approach to planning them.
Common Reasons Patients Choose Veneers
- Discoloration that does not respond to whitening
- Chips, cracks, or wear on the front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are slightly crooked or uneven in length
- Teeth that look small or worn down
- A single tooth that stands out from the others
- A complete smile refresh as part of a smile makeover
Your Veneer Process at DDS
Step 1: Consultation and design
Your dentist spends real time understanding what bothers you about your smile and what you want to keep. We take digital photos, scans, and (when helpful) a wax or digital mock-up so you can see the proposed result before committing.
Step 2: Preparation
At your preparation visit, a very thin layer of enamel is gently removed from the front of the teeth being veneered. Detailed impressions are taken and sent to a master dental laboratory, where your custom veneers are crafted.
Step 3: Temporary veneers
You wear comfortable temporary veneers while your final restorations are being made. Many patients use this period to give us feedback on shape and length before the final design is locked in.
Step 4: Bonding your final veneers
At your final visit, we try in your veneers, confirm the shape, color, and feel are right, and bond them permanently to your teeth. Most patients walk out the same day with their new smile.
Step 5: Care and follow-up
We see you back to make sure the bite is comfortable and the veneers feel like part of your natural smile. With good home care and routine cleanings, your veneers should serve you for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last ten to twenty years or longer.
Are veneers reversible?
No. Because a thin layer of enamel is removed during preparation, veneers are a permanent change to your teeth. That is why we plan them carefully and only recommend them when they are the right tool for what you want.
Do veneers hurt to get?
No. Preparation is performed comfortably with local anesthetic. Sensitivity for a few days after preparation is normal and resolves quickly. Sedation is available if you would prefer extra ease.
How many veneers will I need?
It depends on what is bothering you. Some patients only need one or two to address a chipped or discolored tooth. Many smile makeovers involve six to ten veneers across the front teeth. We will recommend the smallest number that gets you the result you want.
How much do veneers cost?
Cost depends on the number of veneers, the complexity of the case, and the laboratory used. We provide a clear, written estimate at your consultation. CareCredit financing is available.
Will my veneers stain?
Porcelain itself is highly resistant to staining. The composite bonding cement at the edges can pick up some color over time, which is one of the reasons we monitor margins at your routine cleanings.
What is the difference between veneers and bonding?
Bonding uses composite material sculpted directly onto your tooth in one visit. It is less expensive, less durable (about five to seven years), and best for smaller changes. Veneers are custom-made in a lab, more durable, and better suited for bigger transformations across multiple teeth.
Can I whiten my teeth after I get veneers?
Veneers themselves don’t whiten, so any whitening should happen before veneer design so we can match the shade you want to keep.
What happens if a veneer breaks or comes off?
It is uncommon, but if it happens, call us and we will see you quickly. In many cases, a veneer that has come off can be re-bonded; if it is broken, it can be replaced individually.
How to Make Your Veneers Last
- Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily
- Avoid using your front teeth as tools (no opening packages or biting fingernails)
- If you grind or clench at night, wear a custom night guard (we will make one for you if needed)
- Keep your routine cleanings every six months so we can monitor the margins
- Limit deeply staining foods and drinks immediately after polishing visits
