Sometimes, even minor cosmetic flaws can diminish an otherwise beautiful smile. Luckily, Harry Squire, DDS, and the team at Chesapeake Family and Implant Dentistry offer a comprehensive solution that can transform your smile in an instant: dental veneers. To find out what veneers can do for you, schedule a consultation at their office in Chesapeake, Virginia, today. Booking takes just moments online or over the phone.

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What are dental veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin, ultra-strong porcelain shells made to look just like real enamel. When fabricated to fit over the fronts of your teeth, they create a beautiful, natural looking new smile. 

Also known as laminates, veneers are a comprehensive cosmetic solution that can effectively conceal a wide range of common dental flaws, including: 

  • Visibly chipped or cracked teeth
  • Prominent gaps in your smile
  • Dull or permanently stained enamel
  • Irregularly shaped or worn teeth 
  • Minor tooth misalignments

Because it takes just two dental appointments to transform your smile with veneers, they’re an ideal solution for anyone who’s looking to fix multiple minor cosmetic problems all at once. 

What’s the process for getting veneers?

Getting veneers is a multi-step process that’s completed in two office visits:

First appointment 

Your first visit begins with a consultation to go over your cosmetic goals, followed by a dental exam to check the status of your oral health. Then, if you’re a good candidate for veneers, Dr. Squire helps you plan your new smile and prepares your teeth for bonding. 

After buffing away less than half a millimeter of enamel, Dr. Squire makes a mold of your teeth to send to a specialized dental lab that fabricates veneers with exacting precision. Finally, your teeth are fitted with temporary veneers to wear until your permanent veneers are ready. 

Second appointment 

Once your custom veneers arrive from the lab, Dr. Squire ensures they fit properly and look exactly as you imagined they would. If the shade of white seems a bit off, it can be corrected before they’re bonded to your teeth. 

Once every aspect of your new smile has been inspected and double-checked, Dr. Squire cleanses your enamel with a bond-promoting solution and adheres the veneers to your teeth with dental cement, using a special light to fortify the bond.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers are considered permanent in the sense that they’re incredibly strong and they remain durably bonded to your teeth for many years. Veneers aren’t actually permanent, however; they typically need to be replaced every 10-15 years.

You can maximize the lifespan of your veneers by maintaining good daily oral health habits, having routine professional cleanings and dental exams, and avoiding enamel-staining foods and beverages. 

To learn how veneers can improve your smile, call Chesapeake Family and Implant Dentistry or schedule an appointment online today.