Dental Veneers

How do dental veneers work?

At River Valley Dentistry, dental veneers start with digital X-rays to create the perfect blueprint that includes color, shape, and other factors.

Once we plan your case, two appointments usually leave you with a stunning new smile. At the first visit, the teeth are gently prepared to allow space for the ultra-thin porcelain to be crafted by a master lab technician. Our dentists provide all the information to a lab that’s needed to create a masterpiece.

Our dentists will also produce acrylic temporary restorations that mimic the veneers, which will be worn for about three weeks. These temporaries provide a preview of the general appearance of your new smile and allow further input regarding the appearance of your upcoming smile.

After hours of custom craftwork in the lab, you’ll return for a second appointment. We will try on each veneer and evaluate the appearance and fit, giving you an opportunity to preview the new look. He will then go through several precise steps to bond the thin veneers to the outer surface of your teeth, creating an incredibly strong bond between tooth and porcelain. Minor adjustments to your bite and a final polish will leave you with a smile you will love!

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers can correct chips, stains, and even deeply discolored teeth. They can also alter the length and size of teeth, or help teeth that seem rotated to suddenly appear straight.

They are incredibly thin shells that are applied on the front surfaces of your teeth. Depending on the style of veneers, the teeth may be prepped first by removing a small amount of enamel. Once installed, the veneers can cover noticeable flaws to make adjustments to alignment. They can also adjust their thickness to improve spacing.

They are very easy to apply, requiring preparation of the teeth and then securing them in place with a strong dental adhesive.

Dental veneers provide a highly conservative approach to esthetic smile makeovers and repairing bad teeth.

Veneers vs. crowns—what’s the difference?

While both veneers and crowns enhance the appearance and function of your teeth, the key difference lies in the coverage and application. Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth and are primarily used for cosmetic improvements. Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth and are used when there’s significant damage or decay, providing not just cosmetic enhancement but also structural restoration.

What do dental veneers cost?

Veneers are usually not covered by insurance because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. The cost can vary depending on your dentist. On average, traditional dental veneers range from $925 to $2,500 per tooth, while no-prep dental veneers cost around $800 to $2,000 per tooth.