Dental Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are permanently bonded to the front surface of your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, veneers are designed to cover cosmetic concerns including chipped, stained, or cracked teeth, as well as gaps between teeth and minor misalignment. Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer covers only the visible front face — preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

At Gentle Family Dentistry in Hampton, NH, Dr. Bei Li creates beautiful, individualized veneers that look completely natural — the result is a smile that is dramatically improved while still being uniquely yours.

What Veneers Can Correct

• Stained or discolored teeth that don't respond to whitening
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Gaps between teeth (diastemas)
• Slightly misaligned or uneven teeth
• Worn-down teeth from grinding or acid erosion
• Irregularly shaped teeth or teeth that are too small

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin custom shells fabricated by a dental laboratory. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and provide the most lifelike, translucent appearance. Porcelain veneers typically require two visits — preparation and then placement.

Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin applied and sculpted directly onto your teeth in a single visit. They require less enamel removal and are less expensive, but are more susceptible to staining and wear over time than porcelain.

Source: American Dental Association — Veneers (MouthHealthy.org)

The Veneer Procedure (Porcelain)

At the first appointment, Dr. Li removes a very thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth to be treated — typically less than a millimeter. This creates space for the veneer so your smile doesn't look bulky. Digital or physical impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers are crafted. Temporary veneers are placed while you wait.

At the second appointment, the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent porcelain shells are carefully fitted and bonded to each tooth using a strong dental adhesive. Dr. Li makes precise adjustments to ensure the bite is perfect and the appearance is exactly right. The final result is immediately visible and typically stunning.

Important Considerations

Veneer placement requires removing a small amount of enamel, making the procedure essentially irreversible — your teeth will always need veneers or another restoration from that point forward. For this reason, veneers are recommended only for patients with healthy teeth (no active decay or gum disease). Patients who clench or grind their teeth, or those with deep overbites, may not be ideal candidates. A custom fitted nightguard can help protect veneers in grinders.

Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic veneers, though financing options are available. Ask about our payment plans at your consultation.

Caring for Veneers

Maintain veneers with consistent brushing and flossing. Avoid biting fingernails, chewing on pens, or opening packages with your teeth. Limit coffee, tea, and red wine which can stain composite veneers. Wear a mouthguard during sports. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10–15 years or longer.