Veneers

Personalized Dental Veneers for a Natural-Looking Smile

Dental veneers are thin, customized coverings placed over the front surfaces of
selected teeth to improve their color, shape, size, spacing or overall appearance.

Arguello Dentistry provides personalized porcelain and composite veneer evaluations
for patients in Margate, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and surrounding Broward County
communities.

Veneers can provide a significant cosmetic improvement, but they should not make every
patient’s smile look identical. The best results complement your facial features,
natural tooth proportions, gumline, bite and personal preferences.

At Arguello Dentistry,we begin by listening to what you would like to change and evaluating the health and
structure of your teeth. We then explain whether veneers—or a more conservative
alternative—can predictably help you reach your goals.

Dental veneers may be considered to improve:

• Chipped or mildly fractured front teeth
• Permanent stains or discoloration
• Worn or shortened teeth
• Uneven tooth lengths or shapes
• Small gaps between teeth
• Mild cosmetic misalignment
• Teeth that appear narrow or disproportionate
• Old, discolored or mismatched cosmetic restorations
• The overall symmetry of the visible smile

Some patients need treatment for only one tooth. Others may benefit from veneers
across several visible teeth. The number of veneers should be based on your clinical
needs and desired result—not a predetermined package.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin restorations bonded to the front surfaces of selected teeth.
Unlike dental crowns, which cover most or all of a tooth, veneers primarily cover the visible front portion.

Veneers are designed individually so that their color, shape, texture and proportions
blend with the surrounding teeth and fit the patient’s smile.

The two primary types are:

• Porcelain veneers: Custom-made ceramic restorations fabricated to
  provide natural translucency, color stability and resistance to staining.
• Composite veneers: Tooth-colored resin material applied and shaped
  directly on the tooth, usually during a dental appointment.

Each option has advantages, limitations and maintenance requirements. The appropriate
material depends on the amount of correction needed, the condition of the teeth, your
bite, your cosmetic goals and your preferences.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic restorations created to fit over the visible
surfaces of selected teeth. Dental porcelain can reproduce many of the optical
qualities of natural enamel, including translucency, brightness and subtle variations
in color.

Porcelain veneers may be appropriate when a patient wants to improve:

• Moderate discoloration that does not respond adequately to whitening
• Multiple chipped or worn front teeth
• Uneven tooth shapes or proportions
• Small spaces between teeth
• Selected teeth that appear slightly rotated or irregular
• A smile with several cosmetic concerns that need coordinated treatment

Potential Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

• Natural-looking translucency and surface texture
• Greater resistance to staining than composite resin
• Precise control over tooth color, length and shape
• Ability to improve several cosmetic concerns at the same time
• Customized design for the patient’s smile and facial proportions

Porcelain veneers are not maintenance-free or permanent. They can chip, loosen, wear
or require replacement over time. Their longevity depends on the quality of the
remaining tooth structure, the bite, oral hygiene, diet, grinding habits and regular
dental care.

Composite Veneers and Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Composite veneers are created using tooth-colored resin similar to the material used
for

composite dental fillings
.
The material is bonded to the tooth, carefully shaped and polished to improve its
appearance.

Composite treatment may be useful for:

• Small chips
• Minor gaps
• Limited irregularities in tooth shape
• Localized discoloration
• Minor differences in tooth length
• Patients seeking a more conservative cosmetic option

Potential Benefits of Composite Veneers

• Often completed in fewer visits than porcelain veneers
• May require less alteration of natural tooth structure
• Can frequently be repaired directly if damaged
• May cost less initially than porcelain veneers
• Allows conservative improvement of selected areas

Composite resin is generally more susceptible to staining, surface wear and chipping
than porcelain. It may require periodic polishing, repair or replacement to maintain
its appearance.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers

Neither material is automatically better for every patient. The correct choice
depends on the condition of your teeth and the type of improvement you want.

Your dentist will explain which material is more appropriate after examining your
teeth, bite, gums and existing dental work.

What Cosmetic Concerns Can Veneers Improve?

Chipped or Fractured Teeth

Veneers may restore the visible shape of selected front teeth with small or moderate
chips. A tooth with extensive structural damage may need a

crown

instead.

Stained or Discolored Teeth

Veneers can conceal certain stains that do not respond sufficiently to

professional teeth whitening
.
The underlying cause and depth of the discoloration must be evaluated before
treatment.

Small Gaps Between Teeth

Veneers may close selected spaces by changing the visible width and contour of the
surrounding teeth. Larger gaps or spaces caused by tooth position may be treated more
conservatively with

clear aligners
.

Uneven or Misshapen Teeth

Veneers can improve teeth that appear unusually narrow, short, pointed or
asymmetrical. The design should maintain realistic proportions and complement the
adjacent teeth.

Worn Teeth

Veneers may restore some lost tooth length when wear is limited and the bite is
stable. Significant wear, grinding or loss of tooth structure may require more
extensive treatment, including

full-mouth reconstruction
.

Mild Cosmetic Misalignment

Veneers can change the visible shape of mildly irregular teeth, but they do not
physically move the teeth or correct the underlying bite. Orthodontic treatment may
be more appropriate when tooth position is the primary concern.

Alternatives to Dental Veneers

Veneers are not the most conservative or appropriate answer for every cosmetic
concern. Depending on your goals, alternatives may include:

• 
  Professional teeth whitening
  
  for natural teeth affected primarily by external staining
• 
  Clear aligners
  
  when tooth position, spacing or crowding is the primary concern
• Composite bonding
  for small chips, narrow gaps or localized shape corrections
• 
  Dental crowns
  
  for teeth that are extensively weakened, fractured or restored
• 
  Gingivoplasty or gum contouring
  
  when an uneven gumline affects tooth proportions
• 
  Tooth-colored restorations
  
  for smaller damaged or decayed areas

In some cases, combining conservative treatments may create a better result with less
alteration of healthy enamel. For example, clear aligners may improve tooth position
before limited bonding or veneers are considered.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Veneers?

You may be a candidate for veneers when:

• Your teeth and gums are healthy enough for cosmetic treatment
• You want to improve the appearance of one or more visible teeth
• You have enough healthy enamel for predictable bonding
• Your bite can safely support the planned restorations
• You maintain consistent brushing, flossing and professional dental care
• You understand that veneers may eventually need repair or replacement
• You have realistic expectations about the result

Cavities, active gum disease, dental infections and other oral-health problems should
be treated before veneers are placed.

When Might Veneers Not Be Recommended?

Veneers may not be the most predictable option when a patient has:

• Untreated tooth decay
• Active periodontal or gum disease
• Insufficient healthy enamel
• Extensive fractures or very large existing restorations
• Severe tooth grinding or clenching that is not controlled
• A deep or unstable bite that places excessive force on the veneers
• Major crowding or tooth-position problems
• Unrealistic expectations about shape, color or longevity

These conditions do not always prevent cosmetic treatment, but another procedure or a
different treatment sequence may provide a safer and more predictable result.

What Happens During a Dental Veneers Consultation?

1. We Discuss What You Want to Change

You will have an opportunity to describe which teeth concern you, what changes you
want and how natural or dramatic you would like the final result to appear.

2. We Examine Your Teeth and Gums

Your dentist evaluates the teeth, enamel, gums, bite and existing restorations.
Dental X-rays, photographs or digital scans may be recommended.

3. We Identify the Cause of the Cosmetic Concern

A tooth may look short because of wear, excess gum tissue, tooth position or its
natural anatomy. Correctly identifying the cause helps determine whether a veneer is
the right treatment.

4. We Discuss Veneers and Alternatives

Your dentist explains the potential benefits, limitations, tooth preparation,
maintenance requirements, treatment alternatives and expected costs.

5. We Develop a Personalized Treatment Plan

The plan may involve one veneer, several veneers or a combination of treatments.
When multiple procedures are recommended, their sequence is carefully coordinated.

What Happens During the Porcelain Veneer Procedure?

The exact process varies by patient, but porcelain veneer treatment commonly includes
the following steps:

Smile Evaluation and Planning

Your dentist evaluates tooth proportions, color, gum symmetry, facial features and
the amount of tooth visible when you smile and speak.

Tooth Preparation

A controlled amount of enamel may be removed from the front and sides of the selected
teeth to create space for the porcelain and establish a stable finish.

Digital Scan or Dental Impression

A digital scan or impression records the prepared teeth, surrounding structures and
bite. These records are used to design the custom restorations.

Temporary Veneers When Needed

Temporary restorations may be placed while the final veneers are being fabricated.
Temporaries help protect prepared teeth and provide a preliminary view of the planned
shape.

Final Evaluation

Before bonding, your dentist evaluates the fit, shape, color and relationship between
the veneers and surrounding teeth.

Bonding the Veneers

The teeth are prepared for bonding, and the veneers are secured using dental resin
cement. The bite is then evaluated and adjusted when necessary.

What Happens During Composite Veneer Treatment?

Composite veneers are commonly created directly on the teeth. Depending on the case,
treatment may include:

1. Selection of a composite shade that complements the surrounding teeth
2. Conservative preparation of the tooth surface when needed
3. Application and sculpting of tooth-colored resin
4. Hardening the material with a dental curing light
5. Refining the shape, surface texture and bite
6. Polishing the restoration for a natural finish

Composite veneers may be completed in fewer visits than porcelain restorations, but
they usually require more maintenance to preserve their polish and appearance.

Does Getting Veneers Hurt?

Local anesthetic may be used when teeth require preparation. Patients should not feel
sharp discomfort while the teeth are being prepared, although pressure or vibration
may be noticeable.

Temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur after treatment,
particularly when enamel has been prepared. Contact the office if sensitivity is
severe, progressively worsens or does not improve.

After the final veneers are placed, the bite should feel comfortable. If a veneer
feels high or the bite does not feel normal, contact the dental office rather than
waiting for the problem to resolve on its own.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Veneers are durable restorations, but they are not permanent. Their service life
varies according to the material, the condition of the supporting tooth, the bite and
the patient’s habits.

Factors that can affect veneer longevity include:

• Grinding or clenching
• Biting fingernails, ice or hard objects
• Using teeth to open packages
• Changes in the surrounding teeth or gums
• Tooth decay at an exposed margin
• Trauma or accidental impact
• Oral-hygiene habits
• Regular professional dental care
• Use of a night guard when recommended

A veneer may eventually chip, loosen, wear, discolor at the margin or require
replacement. Regular examinations help detect problems before they become more
extensive.

How Should I Care for Dental Veneers?

Veneers do not require a special cleaning system, but the supporting teeth and gums
must remain healthy.

• Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Clean between the teeth every day
• Attend regular dental examinations and professional cleanings
• Avoid chewing ice and other excessively hard objects
• Do not use your teeth to open packages or containers
• Wear a night guard when prescribed for grinding or clenching
• Wear an athletic mouthguard during contact sports
• Limit habits that increase staining around the veneer margins

Although porcelain is resistant to staining, the surrounding natural teeth can still
darken or change color. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps preserve a consistent
appearance.

Should I Whiten My Teeth Before Getting Veneers?

Whitening is often completed before veneers when surrounding natural teeth will
remain visible. Once the natural teeth reach the desired shade, the veneers can be
designed to complement that color.

Porcelain and composite restorations do not respond to whitening products. If you
whiten after veneers are placed, the natural teeth may become lighter while the
veneers remain the same shade.

Learn more about

professional teeth whitening at Arguello Dentistry
.

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The cost of veneer treatment depends on several factors, including:

• The number of teeth being treated
• Whether porcelain or composite material is used
• The amount of tooth preparation required
• The complexity of the smile design
• Whether temporary restorations are needed
• Whether gum, orthodontic or restorative treatment is required first
• Whether old restorations must be replaced

After your examination and consultation, the office can provide a written treatment
plan with estimated fees.

Veneers performed primarily to improve appearance are commonly considered cosmetic
and may not be covered by dental insurance. Coverage depends on the individual plan
and cannot be guaranteed.

Visit our

insurance, financing and financial options page

for more information.

Dental Veneers in Margate, Florida

Arguello Dentistry provides cosmetic dentistry consultations for patients interested
in porcelain veneers, composite veneers and other smile-improvement options in
Margate, Florida.

Our Margate dental office serves patients from Margate, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs,
North Lauderdale, Tamarac and surrounding Broward County communities.

Contact our Margate dental office

Dental Veneers in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Arguello Dentistry by the Sea provides personalized veneer consultations near Fort
Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and surrounding coastal Broward County communities.

Our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea office serves patients from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fort
Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes, Oakland Park and nearby communities.

Contact our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea dental office

Why Choose Arguello Dentistry for Dental Veneers?

Veneer treatment involves more than choosing a bright tooth shade. The restorations
must be planned in relation to your tooth structure, gumline, bite, facial features
and surrounding dental work.

Our approach includes:

• Listening carefully to what you want to improve
• Evaluating oral health before recommending cosmetic treatment
• Explaining porcelain, composite and non-veneer alternatives
• Considering conservative treatment whenever appropriate
• Designing tooth proportions around the patient’s individual smile
• Discussing treatment limitations and long-term maintenance honestly
• Coordinating whitening, clear aligners, gum contouring or crowns when needed
• Providing care at two convenient Broward County locations

Our goal is to create a healthy, natural-looking improvement—not to make every smile
look identical.

Schedule a Dental Veneers Consultation

You do not need to know whether porcelain veneers, composite bonding, whitening or
clear aligners are the right choice before scheduling.

Tell us what you would like to change. We will evaluate your teeth and gums, explain
the available options and help you select a treatment plan that fits your goals.

Request a cosmetic dentistry consultation online

Call our Margate office: (954) 532-1274

Call our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea office: (954) 568-8928

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin porcelain or composite restorations placed over the front
surfaces of selected teeth. They can improve tooth color, shape, length, spacing and
overall appearance.

What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?

A veneer primarily covers the front surface of a tooth and is generally used to
improve appearance. A

crown

covers more of the tooth and is often recommended when greater structural protection
is needed.

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

Veneers should not be described as permanent. Traditional porcelain veneer treatment
is generally irreversible because some enamel is removed, but the restorations
themselves may eventually require repair or replacement.

Do veneers require enamel removal?

Porcelain veneers commonly require removal of a controlled amount of enamel to create
space and establish a stable finish. The amount varies according to the tooth
position, veneer design and clinical situation.

Can veneers fix crooked teeth?

Veneers can change the visible appearance of mild irregularities, but they do not
physically move teeth or correct the underlying bite.

Clear aligners

may be more appropriate when tooth position is the main concern.

Can veneers close gaps between teeth?

Veneers may close small spaces by changing the width and contour of adjacent teeth.
Larger gaps or spacing caused by tooth position may benefit from orthodontic
treatment.

Can veneers cover stained teeth?

Veneers may conceal some stains that do not respond adequately to professional
whitening. The dentist must first identify the cause of the discoloration and confirm
that the tooth is healthy.

Can veneers whiten later?

No. Porcelain and composite veneers do not respond to whitening products. Whitening
is often completed before veneer treatment so the restorations can be matched to the
desired shade.

Can veneers get cavities?

The veneer material itself cannot develop decay, but the natural tooth underneath and
around its margins can. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental examinations remain
essential.

Can veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, although the surrounding natural
teeth and veneer margins may change over time. Composite veneers are more susceptible
to staining and may require periodic polishing.

Can veneers chip or break?

Yes. Veneers can chip, crack or loosen, especially when exposed to excessive bite
forces, grinding, trauma or hard objects. A night guard may be recommended for
patients who grind or clench.

How many veneers will I need?

The number depends on which teeth are visible when you smile, the concerns being
treated, tooth color, symmetry and the appearance of adjacent teeth. Some patients
need one veneer, while others may benefit from several.

Are veneers appropriate for teeth with large fillings?

It depends on the amount and quality of the remaining tooth structure. A tooth that is
significantly weakened or heavily restored may require a crown rather than a veneer.

Are veneers covered by dental insurance?

Veneers placed primarily for cosmetic reasons are commonly excluded from dental
insurance coverage. Benefits vary by plan and cannot be guaranteed.

Do you offer dental veneers near Coral Springs?

Yes. Arguello Dentistry is located at 100 FL-7, Suite 300 in Margate, convenient to
Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, North Lauderdale and Tamarac.
Call (954) 532-1274 or

request an appointment online
.

Do you offer dental veneers near Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. Arguello Dentistry by the Sea is located at 236 Commercial Boulevard in
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, near Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
Call (954) 568-8928 or

request an appointment online
.