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You can’t really overstate the power of a beautiful, healthy [smile](https://aedit.com/aedition/5-dental-treatments-to-enhance-your-smile). And while what constitutes that goes so much deeper than aesthetics, there are some things you can do from a cosmetic dentistry perspective to enhance your smile – from your [teeth](https://aedit.com/concern/damaged-teeth-and-gums) to your lips to the harmony of the face as a whole. While even the highest quality dental work can’t compensate for a [poor diet](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-impact-of-candy-sugar-sweets-on-teeth-and-skin) (here’s looking at you, sugary drinks) or [bad oral hygiene](https://aedit.com/aedition/treat-prevent-mask-mouth-bad-breath-tooth-decay) (be honest, how often are you flossing?), there are a number of ways to achieve and maintain your best and most natural-looking smile with the help of the pros.

Recently, we hosted an Instagram Live with [Anjali Rajpal, DMD](https://aedit.com/provider/anjali-rajpal-428), a cosmetic dentist and founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts in Beverly Hills, CA, to learn more about how she designs ideal smiles for her patients and the [innovative treatments and techniques](https://aedit.com/aedition/cosmetic-dentistry-teeth-whitening-braces-trends) she uses to create them. Watch the entire conversation below or read on for a breakdown.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=234DDHZzFoE" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="100%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=234DDHZzFoE</a> 

### **1. Strive for Proportion, Not Perfection**
In aesthetic medicine, we talk a lot about [proportion](https://aedit.com/aedition/plastic-surgery-results-are-about-proportion-not-perfection) and [facial harmony](https://aedit.com/aedition/facial-harmony-in-aesthetic-medicine) – cosmetic dentistry is no different. “When I am designing a smile, I look at the shape of the face,” Dr. Rajpal says. While doing so, she is looking to determine how wide or long the teeth should be and how that relates to other facial features. “Not only do I have to look at the lines of the face with the eyes, the nose, the [forehead](https://aedit.com/aedition/cosmetic-forehead-procedures), the middle of the face, we also look at the position of the lips,” she shares. 

It’s proportion – not perfection – that you’re after. “A natural face will always have a bit of asymmetry,” Dr. Rajpal notes. And the same is true of the teeth you were born with. “Everything will have a slight amount of [asymmetry](https://aedit.com/aedition/cosmetic-procedures-for-body-asymmetries), but it’s the beauty of that asymmetry that actually makes everything flow together and makes the smile look natural and beautiful,” she adds.

### **2. Look at Your Lips**
Dr. Rajpal refers to the lips as the “frame” of the smile. “You want to make sure the upper teeth follow the curvature of the lower lip,” she explains. “Then we also see how the upper lip looks to make sure the lips are perfectly framing the teeth.” This examination is especially important for patients who get neurotoxin and filler injections in the lips and/or around the mouth. “Botox® and [fillers](https://aedit.com/procedure/temporary-lip-fillers) are a great complement to whatever I’m doing, but everything needs to be in balance,” she emphasizes. “You don’t want to overdo it because then you will throw off the way the teeth look.” 

As we’ve covered, over-injecting the lips can [negatively change the smile](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-lip-filler-botox-affects-the-smile). “If you do too much filler or too much Botox®, you might drop the lip down too much and then you actually won’t see any teeth,” Dr. Rajpal notes. Instead, she says you want to make sure you can “still see the edges of the teeth even when the lip is at rest” because “that means you have a youthful smile and you have a more proportionate length.” In theory, younger people have longer teeth because they have experienced less wear and tear. If time or teeth grinding have taken their toll, however, it is possible to add length so that you once again see the teeth when the lips are relaxed.

### **3. Position the Teeth First**
What’s the best way to ensure your enhanced smile lasts for years to come? [Properly aligning](https://aedit.com/procedure/teeth-and-bite-alignment-solutions) the teeth first. “My goal is to make sure the teeth are positioned in their best, most ideal, functional position, so that they last years and years and years,” Dr. Rajpal shares. The marriage of form and function is key. “I want to minimize any extra stress on the teeth,” she says. “In order to do that, I have to make sure all the teeth are perfectly in balance.” 

As she explains, the upper teeth are supposed to fit over the lower teeth “like the lid of a box.” If they are resting on eachother or if the front teeth are taking on too much, orthodontics is going to be needed before any other treatment can be pursued. “I have patients who come to me ready to jump right into [veneers](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-its-really-like-to-get-veneers), but their teeth are edge to edge,” Dr. Rajpal says. “I tell them that, if I do that, the veneers are going to break, and I won’t be able to make them the correct length.” Instead, she recommends “placing the teeth” with [Invisalign®](https://aedit.com/procedure/invisalign) first. “So, yes, you will delay the veneer placement a little bit,” she admits. “But, in the long term, it’s such a smarter way to go.”

If you are [compliant](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-to-know-before-starting-invisalign) (meaning: you wear your trays for 22 hours a day as prescribed), Invisalign® can work its magic in as little as three or four months. In the case of patients who are working towards veneers, the benefits of Invisalign® are twofold. For starters, it will put the teeth “where they need to go” to reduce unnecessary stress on them and to allow your dentist to be more conserviative in preparing the veneers. “I don’t want to be trimming extra tooth structure if I don’t need to,” Dr. Rajpal notes.

The second (though no less important) benefit is how proper alignment improves oral health. “If you line your teeth up and put the veneers on, then – from the front and the back – everything is lined up and you can clean them perfectly,” Dr. Rajpal explains. “If you put veneers on while your teeth are still crowded, they might look beautiful from the front but – from the back – you still have crowding.” The risk? “You can develop cavities,” she cautions. “They are just bacteria traps.”

### **4. Don’t Dismiss Veneers**
We can’t have a conversation about smile enhancement without talking about [veneers](https://aedit.com/procedure/veneers), but, let’s be real, we’ve all got preconceived notions about the treatment. Dr. Rajpal admits there are a lot of misconceptions out there ([we’ve debunked some of the most common](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-modern-porcelain-dental-veneers)). One she hears a lot: “People think I am going to have to cut down a ton of tooth structure,” she shares. “I think they oftentimes confuse a crown with a veneer.” While a [dental crown](https://aedit.com/procedure/dental-crowns) wraps around the entire tooth, a veneer is a facing that covers the front and the edge of the tooth. As a result, “you only need to take off a tiny bit from the front and the edge,” Dr. Rajpal explains. “Almost your whole entire tooth is still there.”

<BeforeAfterModule
  title={Before & Afters: Veneers}
  procedureId={748}
/>

Often, patients also have the idea that veneers have to look fake. When designed by an expert, that’s simply not true. “The cases that I do, I make sure that people do not know they just got veneers,” she says. “I don’t want their teeth to be blinding and attract all the attention.” In fact, they should blend right in. “The materials have changed so much throughout the years,” Dr. Rajpal explains. “You can incorporate characteristics into veneers such as shading, translucency, and texture.” This allows the veneer to look natural both IRL and in photographs. 

In some cases, Dr. Rajpal adds just one veneer, and it’s virtually imperceptible. “I have been able to match it perfectly well with the rest of the teeth, and you can’t tell that it’s a veneer at all,” she says. “As long as we’re taking the steps to ensure we are incorporating the right shading properties and texture, there is no reason they need to look fake.”

### **5. Know Your Options**
While veneers can be a game-changer, they are not for everyone. “My patients are really young, so some of them don’t want veneers because they feel like it’s just a little too premature,” Dr. Rajpal shares. “And I agree with them.” In cases where there is minimal wear and tear, a combination of Invisalign®, [dental bonding](https://aedit.com/procedure/dental-bonding), and [teeth whitening](https://aedit.com/procedure/laser-teeth-whitening) can completely transform the mouth. “If they have a lot of healthy, solid tooth structure, they don’t have discoloration, and they don’t have a lot of decay, there’s basically no real reason for the veneers,” she says. 

This is why it’s important to find a provider who specializes in smile enhancement. They will know how to use the array of modalities available in the most effective way, so that you see the best results in the shortest amount of time. 

### **6. Remember: Good Oral Care Is Not Negotiable**
So, you’ve invested the time and money in enhancing your smile. All of that work will be for naught if you don’t take the upkeep seriously. “You have to be here regularly for your cleanings and exams,” Dr. Rajpal shares. “If we lose touch with you and you’re building up all this bacteria, you’re much more prone to getting gum disease, getting cavities, all of that.” She likes to see her patients with veneers every three to four months for cleanings (in addition to an annual exam), and she will sometimes recommend a night guard as well to protect the dental work. “[Veneers] can generally last years and years, as long as you’re maintaining them really well,” she notes.

At home, [brushing](https://aedit.com/aedition/electric-toothbrush-benefits) and flossing are the name of the game. “The mechanical motion of brushing and flossing is what you need to do to remove plaque from your teeth,” she explains. “The toothpaste is only so important – it’s more your brushing technique.” Both should be done at least twice a day, and people with certain gum conditions may benefit from adding a [Waterpik](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FWaterpik-Ultra-Countertop-Water-Flosser-Oral-Irrigator-White%2F5740917) or [mouthwash](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-natural-oral-care-toothpaste-mouthwash-brands) to the mix. From there, “make sure your [diet is very balanced](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-wine-stained-teeth) so that your immune system is as strong as possible and so that you are less prone to wearing down your teeth and getting decay,” Dr. Rajpal says.

## **The Takeaway**
No matter what treatment protocol you choose, the goal of cosmetic dental treatments should be to make the smile look as natural as possible in the healthiest way possible. “I really am focused on making sure the teeth last well through the years whether I am doing bonding or veneers or Invisalign®,” Dr. Rajpal says. At the end of the day, Dr. Rajpal sees the job of cosmetic dentists this way: “I am here to help everyone look better and feel confident about their smile.”

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Expert Opinion

From Invisalign® to veneers to flossing, a cosmetic dentist breaks it down.

Cosmetic Dentistry Tips For A Healthy, Natural-Looking Smile

6 Tips For Achieving A Healthy, Natural-Looking Smile

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Over the years, there have been a lot of misconceptions about [dental veneers](https://aedit.com/procedure/veneers). When we debunked the most common [myths about veneers](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-modern-porcelain-dental-veneers), we were most surprised to learn that veneers are not as high-maintenance or unnatural looking as we once thought. “[Well done] veneers are very simple to maintain,” says [Jack Bodie, DDS](https://aedit.com/provider/jack-bodie-8156), a cosmetic dentist in Dallas. “Maintenance issues are more common with veneers that have poor margins (fit) or are not designed well.” 

But even the best-fitting veneers require a bit of in-office and at-home care for long-lasting results, which is why we reached out to three top cosmetic dentists to learn how you can get the most mileage out of them. 

## **How to Care for Veneers**
Curious about how to extend the lifespan of your dental veneers? Follow these eight tips:

### **1. Practice Good Dental Hygiene**
Needless to day, good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s the biggest key to lasting success for people with veneers. Professionally, you’ll also want to keep up with your semi-annual dental check-ups to monitor the health of your veneers. At home, proper dental care includes brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash as needed. 

Generally, flossing veneers should not be too difficult. If you are worried though about damaging or loosening the veneers, [Stacy Spizuoco, DDS](https://luxsmilesnyc.com/team/stacy-spizuoco-dds/), a cosmetic dentist at Lux Smiles in New York City, offers this technique: Insert the floss the way you normally would, but, instead of pulling it back out the same way, you can pull it through. She suggests using waxed floss, a rubber-tipped gum stimulator, or water flosser.

### **2. Stay Away from Hard Bristles**
Dr. Spizuoco recommends brushing veneers with a soft bristle toothbrush to preserve your beautiful smile. “The toothbrush should be angled 45 degrees into the gums, and, if you use a manual toothbrush, you should make small circles with [the] brush,” she explains. If using an [electric toothbrush](https://aedit.com/aedition/electric-toothbrush-benefits), Dr. Spizuoco recommends the [Philips Sonicare DiamondClean](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bedbathandbeyond.com%2Fstore%2Fproduct%2Fphilips-sonicare-reg-diamondclean-classic-electric-toothbrush%2F5381656%3FskuId%3D68523640%26wmSkipPwa%3D1) and [Oral-B Genius](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Foralb.com%2Fen-us%2Foral-b-genius-6000-rechargeable-electric-toothbrush%2F) because they have a gentle gum setting.

### **3. Choose a Gentle Toothpaste**
Avoid abrasive toothpastes, as they can damage the porcelain of your veneers. So, what *exactly* constitutes an abrasive toothpaste? According to Dr. Spizuoco, it’s one with small particles in it, like baking soda or pumice. For the most part, these toothpastes have been taken off the market, but it's important to keep in mind. On the flipside, Dr. Spizuoco recommends looking for a gentle formula that promotes gum health. Her picks? [Sensodyne](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cvs.com%2Fshop%2Fsensodyne-toothpaste-complete-protection-3-4-oz-prodid-1070003) and [Crest Gum Detoxify](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FCrest-Pro-Health-Gum-Detoxify-Toothpaste-Deep-Clean-4-1-oz%2F510336166).

### **4. Steer Clear of Foods that Stain Teeth**
One great thing about modern veneers is that they are not prone to stains. “Veneers are made of porcelain, which is a non-porous sheet of glass,” explains [Anjali Rajpal, DMD](https://aedit.com/provider/anjali-rajpal-428), Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dentist. “They cannot absorb stains, so they hold their color better than natural teeth or composite bonding.” With that said, your natural teeth are not immune to the [damage of acidic foods and drinks](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-wine-stained-teeth). 

When your porcelain veneers are placed, your dentist will match them to the shade closest to your natural teeth. Acidic beverages and foods (think: [red wine](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-wine-stained-teeth), coffee, soy sauce, and soda) can discolor natural teeth, making them a different shade than the veneers. Use a straw or immediately brush your teeth afterwards to limit any discoloration, and, when all else fails, leave it to the pros. “Generally, it’s the natural teeth that can be whitened every so often to match the shade of the porcelain veneers, since the veneers are more color-stable,” Dr. Rajpal notes. 

### **5. Skip Hard Foods or Objects**
Just like good oral health, this tip is for everyone. As a rule, you should avoid chewing on hard foods or objects, but it’s extra crucial with veneers. That means steering clear of everything from ice cubes to hard candies, as they can chip or crack the veneers or, even worse, your teeth. You’ll also want to kick bad habits like nail biting or pencil chewing to preserve your new smile.

### **6. Avoid the Grind**
“Probably the most important thing is to wear a custom fabricated [night guard appliance](https://aedit.com/aedition/dental-appliances-for-better-sleep) to prevent tooth movement and damage from clenching and grinding,” Dr. Bodie explains. As it turns out, teeth grinding doesn’t just cause headaches or [jaw aches](https://aedit.com/aedition/botox-to-treat-tmj-disorders-and-jaw-slimming), it can also wear down your dental veneers. “The mouth guard will reduce the amount of muscular force on the teeth and cover their surfaces, which will prevent them from being worn down,” Dr. Rajpal explains. “The veneers should be adequately protected from wear while the mouth guard is in place.”

### **7. Don’t Smoke**
There are a million reasons to [quit smoking](https://aedit.com/aedition/impact-of-cigarette-smoking-vaping-on-skin-hair-teeth-health) and getting veneers is one of them. Just like acidic food and drink, tobacco can discolor veneers and natural teeth, in addition to negatively impacting your oral health in general. Consider kicking the habit before investing in veneers. 

### **8. Find the Right Provider**
[Finding the right cosmetic dentist](https://aedit.com/aedition/finding-the-right-plastic-surgeon-dermatologist-or-cosmetic-dentist) to place your veneers and help you care for them is crucial to long-term success. As with any aesthetic provider, check out credentials, ask friends and family for referrals, and look at [before and after photos](https://aedit.com/aedition/importance-of-before-and-after-photos-in-plastic-surgery) before moving forward with treatment to ensure the best care. The extra effort will prove to be worth it. With the proper care, Dr. Spizuoco says your veneers can last 20 years or more! 	

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

While veneers are not as high-maintenance as you might think, they do require a bit of TLC. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your smile.

How To Care For Dental Veneers, According To Cosmetic Dentists

8 Expert Tips For Maintaining Veneers

veneers

Dentals veneers have gotten a bad rap over the years. They’ve been regarded as high-maintenance, unnatural looking, and causing heightened tooth sensitivity — but how much of that holds true today? The truth is: very little. A go-to treatment for people looking to conceal a damaged tooth or enhance an entire smile, veneers have come a long way. 

## **What Are Dental Veneers?**
[Dental veneers](https://aedit.com/procedure/veneers) are custom-made shells that are designed to cover natural teeth to improve their appearance. The thin shells are bonded to the front of the tooth and are commonly made from porcelain or resin. With the help of a dentist, patients are able to choose the shape, size, length, color, and spacing of their new teeth. The goal of dental veneers is to transform the appearance of the teeth to create a natural-looking smile. While veneers are an option for [anyone looking to enhance their smile](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-its-really-like-to-get-veneers), they can be a life-changing procedure for those with chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth.

## **What’s Different About Modern Veneers?** 
Believe it or not, porcelain veneers have been around for nearly a century. Originally serving as a temporary way to enhance the smiles of actors and Hollywood-types, their popularity and purpose is now widespread — and the technology has come a long way. 

The materials used for the caps and the techniques used for bonding have improved results and made veneers longer lasting. Today, you can choose from traditional veneers and so-called ‘minimal-prep’ or ‘no-prep’ veneers. With the classic veneers, a dentist will still shave off a small amount of tooth enamel — though significantly less than the former process. For minimal and no-prep veneers, little, if any, shaving is required. Instead, the veneer is bonded to the natural tooth. With the new bonding agents and proper care, veneers are expected to last upwards of two decades before needing to be replaced.  

## **Debunking Common Veneer Myths**
Even with all the progress that has been made, there are still plenty of misconceptions about the quality and effect of veneers. To better understand how modern dentistry has improved the procedure and results, The AEDITION asked two of the foremost experts in the field. Here, Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dentists [Anjali Rajpal, DMD](https://aedit.com/provider/anjali-rajpal-428), and [Sam Saleh, DDS](https://aedit.com/provider/sam-saleh-3266) to debunk the most common myths about veneers.  

### **MYTH 1: My natural teeth will be gone**
**Answer**: No, new techniques require less removal of the tooth structure than ever before. 

**Dr. Rajpal**: Porcelain veneers are facings of teeth which require minimal removal of tooth structure from the front and the edges of teeth. To achieve the best bonding results in the long term, the preparation should remain in the enamel layer and not go too deep. Most of the original tooth structure will remain intact. Typically, the reduction of tooth structure is around 0.3 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters,  but can vary from zero to one millimeter depending on how much of a shade change is needed and how much pre-existing wear has already occurred.
 
**Dr. Saleh**: I specialize in no-prep and minimal-prep veneers. This essentially means that I remove the minimal tooth structure required for the thickness of the porcelain veneers. The digital technology utilized in my practice makes it possible to design the teeth with extraordinary precision ahead of time. Since I know the end result before the preparation, I am able to be specific and conservative with any removal of natural tooth structure.
 
### **MYTH 2: I can only get veneers on my front teeth**
**Answer**: Depending on a patient’s teeth and aesthetic goals, veneers can be placed on one tooth or many.
 
**Dr. Saleh**: As a facial aesthetic dentist, each patient I work with presents a unique canvas to create a smile that is distinctive to their individual features. I aim to achieve a result that is both beautiful and functional. For some patients, that may mean that they need an individual tooth worked on. For others, it may require a full mouth reconstruction. As an average, I would say 10 veneers on the upper arch are most common.
 
**Dr. Rajpal**: Every case is unique and has to be evaluated according to the health and color of tooth structure, as well as facial form. I have done many cases where only one veneer was actually needed, and we were able to match it extremely well by working with a high-caliber lab and taking a proper custom shade. However, in many cases, it’s a good idea to see how wide a smile is corner to corner and veneer the visible teeth to achieve the most uniform look. 
 
### **MYTH 3: If I get veneers, my teeth will look stained**
**Answer**: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers will not stain — though the same cannot be said of their composite counterparts.

**Dr. Rajpal**: Composite bonding and natural tooth structure can stain over time, however, porcelain veneers are a solid sheet of glass. They are non-porous so they cannot absorb stains. 
 
**Dr. Saleh**: The longevity and aesthetics of the veneers are directly proportional to the quality of the materials used and its fabrication process. I am fortunate to have a dedicated team of laboratory technicians and master ceramists who work exclusively for me in my in-house laboratory. This way, I control the process from beginning to end ensuring high-quality function and aesthetics. I work exclusively with various forms of porcelain that are custom glazed. This makes the material impervious to stains, unlike natural tooth structure which continues to absorb stains as we age.
 
### **MYTH 4: My teeth will become more sensitive**
**Answer**: Assuming the procedure is performed properly by a qualified provider, any initial sensitivity should resolve.

**Dr. Saleh**: Sensitivity after placement of veneers depends highly on the individual patient and his or her pre-existing conditions of the teeth. In our experience, those patients who do experience sensitivity find it is for a short period and do not require further treatment. In many cases, patients who experienced sensitivity from their natural teeth reported that, after completing porcelain veneer treatment, it greatly reduced their sensitivity to hot and cold over the long term.
 
**Dr. Rajpal**: If the preparation of the teeth are done conservatively and protected with a desensitizing agent and proper bonding technique, there should be no reason for sensitivity.
 
### **MYTH 5: The veneer process is not reversible**
**Answer**: It is true that veneers are not reversible, so it is important to be confident about the procedure before committing.

**Dr. Rajpal**: Once the veneers are placed, it is not possible to go back to the original teeth. If the patient is extremely hesitant about placing veneers and there is room for bonding, then adding composite bonding to the tooth without removing tooth structure may be a good option in the meantime. In some cases, no-prep veneers are an option, but it requires the teeth to be slightly smaller and to have spacing for the best results. You want to avoid having the teeth look thick or bulky, which could cause gum irritation. 
 
**Dr. Saleh**: While the preparation is minimal, it is true that the treatment cannot be reversed. I, therefore, provide a thorough and comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning phase for all my patients. This results in their ability to make an informed decision that they can confidently commit to without regret. Truthfully, it’s never occurred that a patient wanted to reverse treatment. The before and after transformation is quite remarkable. Most patients comment that they feel they have the teeth and smile they were ‘always meant to have.’
 
### **MYTH 6: My smile will look unnatural**
**Answer**: Just as every smile is unique, so too is every person’s definition of ‘natural.’ Be clear about what you are looking for and be sure to ask to see before and after photos of previous patients to ensure your aesthetic aligns with that of your dentist.
 
**Dr. Saleh**: My philosophy towards aesthetics is objective. I see my role as delivering a smile that my patient’s want, therefore, communication is a key factor in the process. Our initial consultation will have between one to two hours of discussion followed by the creation of a model. The model will depict the new size, shape, and texture of the teeth. I place the new design in the mouth in the form of temporary veneers and/or crowns. I feel this gives my patients the best insight into their new smile. My patients are able to give me specific feedback with respect to the design, and it allows me to fine-tune the teeth into the smile of their dreams. 
 
**Dr. Rajpal**: I always communicate with the patient to understand their true desires. It is definitely possible to build character into the smile design and have slight imperfections or asymmetries for a more natural look. I can design a digital simulation as well as a wax mock-up to help visualize the potential final result. 
 
### **MYTH 7: Veneers are too expensive**
**Answer**: Veneers are an investment. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
 
**Dr. Rajpal**: They may seem like a large investment at the time, but veneers are a long-term investment that is well worth it. The smile is an extremely valuable asset. I have seen many of my patients in the entertainment industry book bigger roles and get more opportunities as a result of their enhanced smile. So in the end, oftentimes there is an appreciable return on investment. 
 
**Dr. Saleh**: As with any self-enhancement, porcelain veneers are an investment towards your overall oral health and systemic well-being. The true value, in my opinion, is the added confidence it brings. Many of my patients have reported life-changing results both professionally and personally. A large number of my patients started their journey following my work on social media. For some, it takes years to allocate the necessary resources to make their dream a reality. My fantastic administrative team is always there every step of the way to assist in any way they can.
 
## **The Takeaway**
Not your grandmother’s dental treatment, modern technology has improved the quality and longevity of porcelain veneers, with patients often enjoying the smile-enhancing benefits for decades to come. As with any cosmetic procedure, consulting with multiple providers will ensure you find the right treatment plan for your needs and aesthetic goals. 

Dental veneers have been around for nearly a century, but the technology has come a long way since their early days in Hollywood. Here, cosmetic dentists demystify the smile-enhancing treatment.

A Guide To Porcelain Dental Veneers For A Better Smile

Cosmetic Dentists Debunk The Most Common Myths About Veneers

shutterstock 623123291-min

[Dental veneers](https://aedit.com/procedure/veneers) have come a long way. Previously the procedure required extensive preparation of a patient's natural teeth, but now only the outermost layer of enamel is removed before personalized wafer-thin porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth, allowing for a stunning but natural-looking smile makeover. Porcelain veneers give the ultimate level of smile personalization. Patients can choose everything from the color to the shape to the spacing of their new teeth. We spoke to three people who have gotten veneers to discover what the process is really like and find out just how transformative the results can be. 


## **Julie, Madison, IN** 
Julie chipped her front teeth in a horseback riding accident and was looking for a way to get her perfect smile back. She was also unhappy with the color of her natural teeth for some time, so she opted for veneers as a way to resolve both of these problems in one go. “I’d had issues with my teeth for some time," she says. "I had braces as a teen but hadn’t worn my retainers as I should have, so they shifted and became gappy again. They were also starting to discolor, so I was considering doing [Invisalign](https://aedit.com/procedure/invisalign) and a teeth whitening treatment. Then I had the accident. I was fortunate because the structure of my front teeth wasn’t affected by the fall – it was purely cosmetic. I discussed options with my dentist and she suggested veneers would be a good way to resolve all my issues in one go.”

 **The AEDITION**: *What was the procedure itself like?*

**Julie**: “The process of having the veneers made and fitted was spread over two appointments in my case. This seems to be pretty standard. During my first appointment, we discussed my options for resolving the issues I had with my smile and once I’d decided on which option I wanted to go with, we started straight away. My teeth were prepared by my dentist (I believe she took off a layer of enamel) and she took impressions much like when you have braces fitted. I was fitted with temporary veneers and we discussed the color I wanted for the permanent set. My follow up appointment was almost three weeks later and that's when the temporary veneers were removed and my permanent set was fixed. I was able to leave the dentist’s office after the second appointment with a completely new and stunning smile!”

**The AEDITION**: *Was there any pain or discomfort?* 

**Julie**: “I opted not to have anesthesia because I have a pretty reasonable pain tolerance. I felt some discomfort when the dentist was taking the enamel off around my gum line and again in the same area when I was having the permanent set fitted, but it was bearable. After I left the dentist’s office, they were somewhat uncomfortable, not in a painful way, but more getting used to my teeth and jaw sitting in a new position. No part of the procedure was unpleasant.”

**The AEDITION**: *How satisfied are you with the result of the procedure?* 

**Julie**: “It was the best way for me to achieve the results I wanted quickly and without any painful procedures. My new smile has made me so much more confident. The veneers look natural and like my own teeth used to, only better. I really love them and can’t recommend veneers highly enough.”

**The AEDITION**: *Do you have any advice for people considering getting porcelain veneers?* 

**Julie**: “Do your research about the procedure and about cosmetic dentists if you’re considering a practitioner that you haven’t used in the past. Have a clear idea of the result you want but be open to what the experts suggest. Follow aftercare advice carefully to keep the results looking as good as possible.”

## **Kelly, New Rochelle, NY**
Kelly smoked when she was younger and decided to get veneers to fix discoloration on her natural teeth. She was also bothered by her slightly crooked teeth since she hadn’t had braces when she was younger. “I had a few issues with my real teeth that had bothered me for some time, but I hadn’t ever prioritized my smile," she says. "I had a few other procedures done to reduce signs of aging but felt my teeth were letting me down. I sought to resolve that as quickly and as painlessly as possible.”

**The AEDITION**: *How did you decide on your dentist for the procedure?* 

**Kelly**: “Until I decided to have a cosmetic dentistry procedure, my dentist was a standard dentistry office. They did some cosmetic stuff but not enough for me to consider them experts. I asked my friends for recommendations and then researched online. I found before and after photos really helpful in informing my decision. Then I had preliminary appointments with two practitioners and I ended up going with the second because I felt most confident and comfortable with him.”

**The AEDITION**: *How did you manage your anxiety during the procedure?* 

**Kelly**: “I used to be anxious when going to the dentist, to the point that I had to take medication with me to calm me down. I partly dealt with the anxiety by picking a dentist that I felt completely confident in and who practiced in an office that was comfortable. I told my dentist during the first appointment that I was a nervous patient, so he scheduled longer appointments for me to have plenty of breaks if I needed them. The whole staff was really kind and made sure I was as comfortable as possible throughout all three appointments.”

**The AEDITION**: *How much time away from work did you have to schedule for the procedure?* 

**Kelly**: “I only had to take three afternoons out of the office, one for each of my appointments. I scheduled them all for Fridays in case I had any pain after each of the stages. I’m glad I did because after the second and third appointments there was some discomfort, but nothing too bad. Getting time off can be difficult for me, which is partly why I chose to get veneers – the downtime was minimal."

**The AEDITION**: *How have you found the results of the procedure?* 

**Kelly**: “The results have been amazing. They felt unfamiliar for the first few days, but I got used to them quickly and the visual difference is amazing. The change in my new smile combined with my other procedures has made me so much more confident in professional and social situations. It's wonderful. I highly recommend other people invest in themselves.”

## **Laurie, Eugene, OR**
Laurie got her first set of veneers 20 years ago and is now on her second set. Porcelain veneers generally last around 15 years until they may need to be replaced. “I was told when I got my first set of veneers to expect to get around 15 years of wear out of them, but they looked fine until they reached 20 years old," she says. "The color had changed a little and I had a couple of small chips, so I got a full set again.”

**The AEDITION**: *How did you like your first set of veneers?* 

**Laurie**: “I was so excited to get my veneers. I’d hidden my smile for years and was so happy to finally be able to show off nice teeth in photos. From what I understand, the procedure has changed, but back then they prepared my real teeth by removing parts of them to form a small area to attach the veneer. That part was uncomfortable and I did have anesthesia, but the result was worth it.”

**The AEDITION**: *Was getting the new set different than the first time?* 

**Laurie**: “They removed my old set very carefully and gave what is left of my own teeth a clean to give the new set of veneers a good surface to stick onto. Then the procedure was pretty much identical to the first time. It wasn’t painful at all and I didn’t have any of the strange post-fitting feelings because I’d already gotten used to the old set.”

**The AEDITION**: *Did you opt for a different finish the second time around?* 

**Laurie**: “I did. My dentist and I discussed it and I wanted a slightly darker color so my teeth would look natural for my age! But that was the only change I made. I was happy with the shape and spacing of the first set, so that was just replicated again.”

**The AEDITION**: *Are you pleased with the results?* 

**Laurie**: “I was so happy with the first set and the results from this second set haven’t disappointed. It’s a great procedure and I’m amazed at how much of a difference having a nice bright smile can make daily life.”

Patient Perspective

Dental veneers have come a long way. We spoke to three people who have gotten veneers to discover what the process is really like and find out just how transformative the results can be.