Dental & Porcelain Veneers
Most of us weren’t born with picture-perfect teeth. Whether it’s chips, stains, or gaps, little imperfections can make you feel self-conscious every time you smile. That’s where dental veneers in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME come in.
At Gentle Dental, we help patients get the bright, balanced smiles they’ve always wanted with custom porcelain veneers. If you’re looking for a fast, long-lasting, and minimally invasive cosmetic solution, keep reading. This might just be the smile upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a thin covering of the front of a tooth used as a cosmetic fix for chipped, uneven, or discolored teeth. Dental veneers are a great solution for teeth that are in good health but are cosmetically damaged. Think of them as a makeover for your smile—designed to improve the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth. Veneers are often made of a composite resin material or porcelain in order to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Veneers can be used for one tooth or multiple, depending on the extent of the cosmetic damage. Veneers are bonded permanently to your teeth, giving you a durable and stain-resistant finish.
Common Reasons People Choose Veneers
Veneers aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about confidence. We recommend veneers to correct:
- Discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening
- Chipped or worn edges
- Gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked or uneven teeth
- Misshapen or small teeth
- Enamel erosion or minor surface damage
Instead of multiple treatments, veneers allow us to address several concerns with one sleek solution.
The Difference Between Veneers, Crowns, and Implants
Along with dental veneers, dental crowns and implants can fix a person’s smile. However, crowns and implants are usually used when there is wear, damage, or cracks in a tooth, whereas veneers are used for strictly cosmetic purposes. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, one of our specialists would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at one of our locations or fill out the contact form on our website!
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
There are a few differences between porcelain and composite resin veneers.
Porcelain veneers generally last longer and are more stain resistant than composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers also require several visits to the dentist office to create and implant. On your first visit, an impression will be taken of your tooth and then sent to a lab for the custom veneer to be made. You’ll be given a temporary veneer until the permanent one is sent from the lab where it’s created. On your next visit, our dental team will fit, shape, and bond the permanent veneer to your teeth.
- Made in a dental lab
- Ultra-thin and highly durable
- Natural-looking translucency
- Stain-resistant
- Last 10–15 years or longer with proper care
Composite resin veneers make the process a bit simpler than porcelain veneers. When getting a composite resin veneer, only one visit to the dentist office is needed. The advantages of composite resin veneers are that they are less expensive than porcelain and can be repaired relatively easily. When it’s time to get your veneer, the dentist will shape the composite resin, recolor it to match your other teeth, then bond it to your teeth using a special light. If you’re unsure which type of dental veneer is right for you, our dentists would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
- Applied directly in the office using tooth-colored resin
- Less expensive upfront
- Typically last 5–7 years
- Easier to chip or stain than porcelain
While composite veneers can be a good temporary solution, most patients prefer porcelain veneers for their long-term beauty and durability.
The Veneer Process: What To Expect
Here’s how it works from start to finish:
- Consultation & Smile Design
We start with a conversation—what do you want to change? We’ll evaluate your teeth, take photos, and map out your ideal smile together. - Tooth Prep & Impressions
To make room for the veneers, we gently remove a thin layer of enamel (usually less than a millimeter). Then, we take digital or traditional impressions for your custom veneers. - Temporary Veneers (If Needed)
We may place temporary veneers while your final ones are being crafted at the lab. These give you a preview of your new smile and protect your teeth in the meantime. - Final Placement
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, we bond them securely to your teeth and make any final adjustments for a perfect fit.
The entire process typically takes 2–3 visits over a few weeks.
How To Care For Your Veneers
Veneers are low-maintenance, but they still need love:
- Brush and floss like normal—veneers can’t decay, but the teeth behind them still can
- Avoid biting into hard foods with veneered teeth (like ice or hard candy)
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings
With the right care, your veneers can last well over a decade.
Are Veneers Right For You?
Veneers are ideal if you:
Want to dramatically enhance your smile
Have healthy teeth and gums
Aren’t looking for major orthodontic changes
Prefer a long-lasting cosmetic solution over temporary fixes
Not sure if you’re a good candidate? That’s what we’re here for. We’ll evaluate your goals, lifestyle, and dental health to help you decide if veneers are your best next step—or if another option might suit you better.
Let’s Create A Smile You’re Proud To Show Off
You don’t have to live with a smile that doesn’t reflect how you feel inside. Whether you want a subtle refresh or a full smile transformation, porcelain veneers offer a fast and stunning solution. If you have any more questions about dental veneers, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. With offices in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME, we’re here to provide the southern Maine area with the very best in family dental services.
Ready to explore what veneers can do for you? Schedule a consultation with Gentle Dental today—and let’s make your dream smile a reality.
