Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most transformative options in cosmetic dentistry, offering a precise, beautiful solution for teeth. These ultra-thin ceramic shells bond permanently to the front surfaces of your teeth, covering imperfections like stains, chips, or an uneven appearance while preserving most of your natural tooth structure. For those who have tried whitening or other approaches without satisfying results, veneers often deliver what nothing else can. Through veneers, you can get a naturally radiant smile that looks and feels completely like your own.
At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings over 20 years of experience and a meticulous eye for detail to every veneer case. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), Dr. Coambs has earned Charlotte Magazine’s Top Dentists Award every year since 2016 and trained at The Dawson Academy, where clinicians develop a thorough understanding of bite function and facial esthetics. She designs each set of veneers with the full picture of your smile in mind.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-crafted ceramic shells that attach to the visible front surfaces of your teeth. According to the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy resource, veneers are a well-established treatment for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, and can also address gaps between teeth. Once bonded in place, they become a permanent part of your smile. The translucency of high-quality dental porcelain allows light to pass through the shell in a way that is incredibly similar to natural enamel, producing results that are difficult to distinguish from your own teeth.
Because veneers only cover the front surface of a tooth, the focus is on preserving the surrounding gum tissue and enamel. The most common reasons patients pursue porcelain veneers include permanent staining that whitening cannot remove, chips or worn edges on visible teeth, misshapen or uneven teeth, small gaps between front teeth, and slightly rotated teeth where full orthodontic treatment isn’t preferred. Patients with active gum disease, significant decay, or severe bite problems need to address those concerns first before veneers can be applied.
Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers
Not all veneers are the same, and understanding the difference helps you make the right decision for your smile. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory from high-quality ceramic material and typically require two or more visits to place. Composite veneers use a tooth-colored material similar to cosmetic bonding and can often be completed in a single appointment. Composite options are lower-cost upfront and easier to repair, but they are less resistant to staining and wear over time.
Porcelain tends to be the preferred choice for patients seeking long-term esthetic results. This material holds its color exceptionally well, resists staining from coffee and tea, and maintains a natural-looking luster. Dr. Coambs evaluates your goals, oral health, and the condition of your teeth to help you determine which option is the right fit for your lifestyle.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
The veneer process begins with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Coambs evaluates your oral health, discusses your goals, and takes detailed impressions of your teeth. Your custom veneers are then fabricated in a dental laboratory to precise specifications. While those are being prepared, temporary veneers are placed to protect your prepared teeth.Â
At your placement appointment, the veneers are carefully fitted, adjusted as needed, and bonded using a durable dental cement. Dr. Coambs draws on her Dawson Academy training throughout the process to ensure your veneers are properly aligned with your bite and comfortable for the long term.
Caring for your veneers follows the same habits recommended for your natural teeth. Routine brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings protect both the veneers and the underlying tooth structure. Wearing a nightguard is advisable if you clench or grind your teeth. Scheduling your periodic dental exams as recommended gives Dr. Coambs the opportunity to monitor your veneers and address any concerns early.
Financing Your New Smile
The cost of porcelain veneers depends on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your case. Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum works to make treatment accessible by accepting financing through CareCredit and Cherry, as well as our Membership Plan for patients who prefer an in-house option.Â
If veneers are just one part of a larger transformation, our smile makeover options can combine multiple treatments into a single, cohesive plan. During your consultation, Dr. Coambs and her team walk you through all pricing details and help you find an arrangement that works for your budget.
Schedule Your Veneer Consultation at Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has spent over two decades helping patients in Charlotte, NC, achieve smiles that genuinely reflect how they want to look and feel. Her FAGD designation, her training at The Dawson Academy, and her consistent recognition as one of Charlotte Magazine’s Top Dentists every year since 2016 speak to the depth of care and precision she provides to every patient. Whether you are addressing a single concern or pursuing a complete smile design, she approaches your care with the full picture of your oral health in mind.
Achieving your ideal smile begins with a conversation. To get started, request your consultation and take the first step toward a smile you love.
Love.Your.Smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, porcelain veneers are excellent for correcting misshapen teeth and uneven teeth. These thin shells of ceramic are custom-designed to reshape and resize teeth for optimal proportions. The veneer procedure involves careful planning to ensure each restoration creates symmetrical, balanced results. When permanently bonded to your teeth, veneers provide immediate improvement in tooth shape and alignment, creating a harmonious natural looking smile.
The dental lab typically requires 2-3 weeks to craft your custom porcelain veneers after impressions are taken. During this time, skilled technicians create thin shells precisely matched to your specifications and desired aesthetic goals. While waiting for your permanent restorations, temporary veneers protect your prepared teeth. Once the dental lab completes fabrication, you’ll return for the final veneer procedure where your new veneers are permanently bonded for lasting results.
Certain oral health issues can affect veneer candidacy, including active gum disease, extensive tooth decay, or severe bite problems. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate these concerns before proceeding with the veneer procedure. Addressing underlying oral health issues first ensures optimal outcomes and longevity. Patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit their dentist regularly after placement to prevent complications and ensure their veneers stay healthy and beautiful for years.
The cost of porcelain veneers varies based on several factors, including the number of teeth treated, case complexity, and materials used. Individual veneers can range significantly in price, with multiple factors influencing the final investment. During consultation, we provide detailed pricing information and discuss payment options. The cost of porcelain veneers reflects the quality of materials, custom fabrication process, and professional expertise required to create your natural looking smile.
Porcelain veneers provide whiter teeth through their inherent color properties rather than bleaching existing tooth structure. These thin shells are crafted in your desired shade and maintain consistent coloring over time. Unlike traditional whitening treatments, veneers offer permanent color enhancement that won’t fade or stain. The ceramic material creates a natural looking smile with translucent qualities that mimic natural teeth, ensuring your veneers stay beautifully white throughout their lifespan.
Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin applied directly to the tooth surface and can typically be completed in a single appointment. They are less expensive than porcelain but tend to stain over time and may require more frequent repairs or replacement. Porcelain veneers are custom-fabricated in a laboratory and bonded to the tooth at a second visit. They offer superior stain resistance, greater durability, and a more natural-looking finish over the long term. Dr. Coambs will discuss both options and help you determine which best fits your goals and investment preferences.
Dr. Coambs designs every veneer plan around your face, your goals, and your life — award-winning esthetic dentistry in South Charlotte.
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
Dental Membership Plan
We offer an excellent Membership Plan designed specifically for patients without traditional insurance coverage. Our “Love.Your.Smile.” plans provide access to preventive care, including regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, along with valuable discounts on additional treatments. If you’re looking for transparent pricing and quality dental care without the hassle of insurance claims, our membership plan may be the perfect solution for you and your family. Our team will be happy to discuss which plan best fits your needs during your visit!
