Downtown Cosmetic Dentistry - Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or ceramic that your downtown cosmetic dentistry professional attaches to the front surface of the teeth and can restore the look of natural teeth.

Their surface is also as strong and as durable as original tooth enamel.

Your veneers are customised to follow the natural contour of your original teeth, and thanks to recent advancements in materials and processes, veneers now typically look more natural than those of the past.

Veneers are a great way to totally transform your smile. Many of our satisfied patients have had badly stained, chipped, cracked, or worn teeth, and they’re thrilled with the way veneers improve their smiles.

If you have more minor teeth problems, like gaps between your teeth, you may prefer a more conservative treatment approach, like Invisalign. Come and talk with your downtown cosmetic dentistry professionals about your concerns and we can discuss the treatment option that’s right for you.

We want you to get the results you want, so we take the time to sit down with you and discuss why you’re interested in veneers and what you hope to achieve with them. If you have a particular look in mind, bring in photographs that show your target smile. We can then advise you whether veneers will help you achieve your long-term goals and which type of veneer will work best.

Once we decide veneers are the right choice, our laboratory creates a wax mock-up of your veneers that you can put in your mouth to better envision exactly how your new smile will look. We encourage you to invite your trusted family members or friends to your appointment so they can offer their feedback.

If you’re happy with the mock-up, we ask for your approval to continue the process. If you have reservations, don’t worry. We’ll make any changes, and then we’ll create another wax mock-up for you. We can go through this process as many times as we need to until you’re happy with the look and ready to approve the veneers.

Once you’ve approved the mock-up, we can make your veneers. Once they’re ready, we’ll contact you for an appointment to apply them.

After you’ve worn your veneers for a while, we encourage you to make a follow-up appointment. We’d love to check in with you and make sure your veneers are comfortable and working well for you.

At Downtown Dental, we can provide no-preparation veneers and porcelain veneers. While both types of veneer adhere to the front of the teeth, each type of veneer has its own benefits and drawbacks to consider.

No-preparation veneers are typically made from ceramic, and they can be reversed if patients decide they don’t like them in future. Porcelain veneers, considered traditional veneers, are irreversible and thus more durable. They’re also far less likely to stain. If they’re well cared for, porcelain veneers can look good for a lifetime.

As the name suggests, no-preparation veneers require much less preparation than porcelain veneers do. To apply porcelain veneers, we usually remove parts of the tooth structure, including the enamel. This isn’t usually necessary for no-preparation veneers, although some modifications may be necessary, depending on the placement and condition of your teeth. These modifications are always less invasive, and they never disturb the dentin underneath your enamel.

Because they require less preparation, no-preparation veneers reduce your time in the dentist’s chair.

You’ll usually receive a local anaesthetic to help you feel more comfortable while we’re applying your veneers. However, if we can place your no-preparation veneers on your enamel and you aren’t too sensitive to pain, it may be possible to do this procedure without the anaesthetic.

The cost of veneers depends on the number of veneers you need and their placement. The type of veneers also plays a part in the price you’ll pay. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than no-preparation veneers; however, because they’re much more durable, many of our patients think they’re worth the extra expense.

While costs vary, you can feel confident you’re getting a good deal when you visit Downtown Dental. We set our prices according to the British Columbia Dental Association fee guide, so they’re always competitive.

Whether your dental insurance will cover your veneers depends on your policy and the reasons you’re having the procedure done. Although most Canadian dental insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic procedures, if you’re getting veneers to restore broken or decayed teeth, it may be considered a necessary, and thus covered, procedure.

If you think you’d like veneers, call us on (604) 669-1111 or complete our online consultation form. We’d love to help you improve your smile.