Porcelain Veneers
in Scottsdale
Veneers are the fastest way to change the shape, shade and symmetry of your smile at the same time. At Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics we design every case digitally first, so you see and approve the result before we prepare a single tooth.
The short answer
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They cover chips, gaps, stains and minor crookedness. Porcelain resists staining and lasts longer. Composite can be done in one visit and costs less. Veneers usually take a little enamel off, so they are a long-term commitment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
What Are Dental Veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It covers discolouration, closes small gaps, and can lengthen or reshape a tooth that is chipped, worn or out of proportion with the teeth around it.
Because a veneer changes colour and shape at once, it solves problems that whitening alone cannot. Whitening lifts the shade of a tooth but does not change its outline, and it has no effect on a tooth that is dark because of an old filling, trauma or a root canal.
Veneers change enamel permanently
Fitting porcelain veneers means removing a thin layer of enamel, and enamel does not grow back. That is why we design the case digitally and review it with you before preparing anything — and why we will tell you if whitening, bonding or Invisalign would get you where you want to be without it.
Which Type of Veneer Is Right for You?
We offer three, and they differ in how long they last, how much enamel they need and what they cost.
Porcelain Veneers
Thin, custom-milled ceramic shells bonded to the front of your teeth. Porcelain reflects light much the way natural enamel does, and it resists staining from coffee, tea and wine. This is the most durable option and the one most patients choose for a full smile transformation.
Composite Veneers
Built up directly on the tooth from tooth-coloured resin, often in a single visit. They cost less than porcelain and can usually be repaired rather than replaced, but they stain more readily and have a shorter lifespan.
No-Prep Veneers
Ultra-thin shells that need little or no enamel removed, which makes them the most conservative choice. They only suit certain cases — teeth that are already well aligned and not too large — so candidacy is assessed carefully.
What Is the Veneer Process?
Porcelain veneers usually take two main appointments a few weeks apart, with temporaries in between.
Consultation & Smile Design
We photograph and scan your teeth, talk through what you want to change, and design the result digitally before anything is done to your teeth. You see the plan first.
Preparation
For porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed so the shell sits flush rather than looking bulky. We take final impressions and fit temporary veneers while your permanent set is made.
Try-In & Bonding
Your veneers are tried in so shade and shape can be checked in your own mouth and in daylight. Once you approve them, each one is bonded permanently and the bite is adjusted.
Follow-Up
We see you again shortly afterwards to confirm your gums are healthy and your bite feels right, then at your regular six-month visits.
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers are a good fit when the teeth underneath are healthy and the concern is how they look. They are commonly used for:
- Teeth that are permanently discoloured and do not respond to whitening
- Chipped, worn or slightly uneven front teeth
- Small gaps you would rather close without orthodontics
- Teeth that are misshapen or noticeably smaller than their neighbours
- Old bonding or veneers that have discoloured at the edges
Active decay or gum disease is treated first, and heavy grinding needs to be managed — usually with a night guard — before veneers go on, or they will chip. If a tooth is badly broken down, a crown is the stronger choice.
What Do Veneers Cost in Scottsdale?
There is no single figure, because the fee depends on how many teeth you treat, which material you choose, and how much laboratory work each case needs. A patient reshaping two front teeth and a patient treating a full upper arch are not comparable.
Rather than quote a range that may not apply to you, we give you a written treatment plan with an exact figure per tooth after your consultation, along with what — if anything — your insurance will contribute.
Spreading the cost
Veneers are usually classed as cosmetic, so most plans do not cover them. We offer Cherry patient financing, and applying does not affect your credit score.
Financing and membership optionsVeneers — FAQ
Does it hurt to get veneers fitted?
The process is comfortable for most patients. We remove only a small amount of enamel and use local anaesthetic where it is needed, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterwards is normal and settles on its own.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain is a very durable material. With proper care, your veneers will last for many years, even decades. Other types, such as composite resin and no-prep, may last for only a few years before they need to be replaced.
Can veneers be reversed?
They are not reversible. The process involves removing a few layers of enamel to fit the shells, and there is no current medical science that can help regrow lost enamel. Even so, they are durable and long-lasting, and they can be replaced in the future. Plus, we evaluate your needs and goals before proceeding to veneers. With our assessments, you can make more informed and confident decisions before going with veneers.
What can prolong the life of my new veneers?
Good dental habits are the key to ensuring long-lasting veneers. Brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and avoiding sweet and sticky foods are the basic things to do. Also, make sure to visit us at least once every six months, so we can assess your overall dental health and determine if any preventative procedures are necessary.
Will my insurance cover the cost of veneers?
Veneers are usually considered a cosmetic treatment, so most dental plans do not cover them. Where a tooth is being restored after damage, part of the treatment may be covered. We will check your specific benefits before you commit, and Cherry financing is available to spread the cost.
How many veneers will I need?
It depends on how much of your smile is visible when you talk and laugh. Some patients treat only two front teeth; others treat eight to ten so the shade and shape stay even across the whole smile. We will show you both options during your consultation.
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Written by the Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics team. Treatment is provided by Dr. Omar Karaboulad, DMD and Dr. Richard Alverson, DDS.
Last updated . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Call (480) 991-3244 to ask about your own situation.
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