Dental Veneers in Cambridge, MA

Dental veneers are one of our specialties at Belmont Family Dentistry. Veneers can improve the appearance of a single tooth or provide a dramatic smile makeover. Patients choose veneers to:

• Close gaps between two teeth
• Correct teeth that are uneven lengths or sizes
• Straighten slightly misaligned teeth
• Whiten a badly stained tooth
• Restore chipped or damaged teeth
• Cover over a tooth that is malformed

To apply veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth surface, then your custom-made veneers are bonded onto them, wrapping slightly around the sides and biting edge for a natural appearance. We offer long-lasting porcelain veneers, which are carefully crafted using layers of porcelain to mimic the look of real teeth, and also composite veneers, which are more affordable, but do not last as long and are more prone to stains. Because veneers are a long-term commitment, it’s important to find a provider who takes the time to design the size and shape of your teeth to fit your mouth. The goal of veneers is for you to look like yourself, only better—you don’t want people to take one look at your smile and know you have veneers. When this happens, it’s usually because the veneers are too bulky or big. Any dentist can give you great teeth, but if they don’t match your face, they simply won’t look natural.

When designing your smile, we consider every detail—the shape and size of your lips, the number of teeth you show when you smile, and the number of teeth you’d like to show after getting your veneers. We even design your veneers to match your gender, as women usually have rounder teeth while men have more rectangular teeth with sharper angles. By taking your whole face into consideration, we can craft the perfect set of veneers for you.

Do veneers ruin your teeth?
It’s a common misconception that veneers ruin your teeth, but they require only removing a small amount of enamel, which doesn’t compromise the health or structure of the teeth at all. It does mean, though, that you will always need to have veneers—you can’t simply change your mind and take them off, as your teeth won’t have adequate enamel for protection.

Are veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers may need replacement at some point, but they can last for decades with proper care.

Do you have to brush veneers?
Yes, you have to brush and floss veneers just like you would your natural teeth. While the veneers themselves cannot get cavities, the rest of your natural teeth under the veneers still can.

Can veneers be done in one day?
There are some types of veneers that can be done in a day, but we don’t recommend them. For a realistic appearance, strength, and longevity, it’s best to have your veneers custom-made for you. These types of veneers take two appointments.

How many teeth do you get veneers on?
As many as you want! Some patients only need a single veneer, while others have veneers applied to all of the teeth that show when they smile.