Transform Your Smile with Dental Veneers in Roseville, MN

A radiant, confident smile is one of the first things people notice. It can light up a room and leave a lasting impression. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth—whether due to deep stains, chips, gaps, or misalignment—you may find yourself hiding your smile instead of sharing it.

At Designing Smiles, we believe everyone deserves to smile with total confidence. For patients seeking a dramatic and permanent smile transformation, dental veneers are the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry. This one procedure can correct a wide range of aesthetic concerns simultaneously, giving you the flawless, camera-ready smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Our cosmetic dental team combines technical precision with an artistic eye to design and deliver veneers that are indistinguishable from perfect, natural teeth.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-crafted shells of tooth-colored material designed to be bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Think of them as a permanent facade for your smile. They are meticulously sculpted to change a tooth's color, shape, size, or length, completely masking the imperfections underneath.

This versatility is what makes them so powerful. Instead of needing separate treatments for whitening, orthodontics, and bonding, veneers can create a straight, white, and beautifully proportioned smile all at once.

We primarily work with two advanced materials:

1. Porcelain Veneers: This is the premium choice for most smile makeovers. Porcelain has a translucent, light-reflecting quality that perfectly mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel. It is incredibly strong and, most importantly, highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and red wine.
2. Composite Veneers (or "Bonding"): This alternative uses a tooth-colored resin—the same material used for fillings—which is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted by your dentist in a single visit. It is a more conservative and less expensive option, though it may not last as long or resist stains as effectively as porcelain.

As the American Dental Association's (ADA) MouthHealthy.org explains, veneers are a fantastic option for improving a smile, and our team is here to help you decide which material is right for your specific goals and budget.

Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are an ideal solution for patients who have good overall oral health (i.e., no active gum disease or severe decay) but wish to correct cosmetic imperfections.

You may be a perfect candidate if you are concerned about:

• Deep Stains or Discoloration: For staining that doesn't respond to professional teeth whitening—such as discoloration from tetracycline medication, excessive fluoride, or an old root canal—veneers offer a permanent, brilliant white solution.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate chips and wear can be completely concealed, restoring the tooth to its full, beautiful shape.
• Gaps and Spacing: Veneers can be custom-shaped to close small to medium gaps (diastemas) between teeth, creating a more uniform and even smile without the need for braces.
• Minor Misalignment: For slightly crooked, overlapped, or unevenly sized teeth, veneers are often called "instant orthodontics." They can create the illusion of a perfectly straight smile in just two visits.
• Worn or Misshapen Teeth: Teeth that are naturally too small, "peg-shaped," or have been worn down from grinding can be reshaped to look more youthful and proportionate.

It is important to note that if you have a significant bite problem or clench and grind your teeth (bruxism), we may need to address those issues first to protect the longevity of your veneers.

The Veneer Process: Your Journey to a New Smile

Achieving a new smile with porcelain veneers is a precise, multi-step process that typically takes place over two to three appointments.

1. Your Smile Design Consultation

This is the most important step. You will meet with your dentist to discuss your goals, concerns, and what you envision for your "dream smile." We encourage you to bring in photos of smiles you admire. We will perform a comprehensive exam and may take 3D scans or X-rays. Using digital smile design technology, we can even show you a "preview" or wax mock-up of what your new smile will look like before we ever begin treatment.

2. Tooth Preparation

Once you're completely happy with the design, we schedule your preparation appointment. To ensure your veneers fit seamlessly and don't look bulky, a very thin layer of enamel (typically less than a millimeter) is gently removed from the front of the teeth. This is done with a local anesthetic to ensure you are completely comfortable. After preparation, we will take a highly accurate impression or digital scan of your teeth. This "blueprint" is sent to a master dental laboratory where your custom porcelain veneers will be handcrafted.

3. Temporary Veneers

You will not leave our office with prepped, exposed teeth. We will place a set of beautiful, custom-made temporary veneers. These will protect your teeth and allow you to "test drive" the new shape and feel of your smile while your permanent set is being made, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.

4. Final Bonding: Your New Smile Revealed

This is the most exciting visit. Your temporary veneers are removed, and the teeth are cleaned. We will carefully place each permanent veneer, checking the fit, shape, and color. Once you and your dentist agree that they are absolutely perfect, the teeth are etched to create a strong bonding surface. A special light-activated cement is used to permanently bond the veneers to your teeth. We will make final bite adjustments and polish them to a brilliant, natural luster. You will walk out of our office with a brand new, stunningly confident smile.

Caring for Your Dental Veneers

Your new veneers are strong, but they are not invincible. With proper care, they can last for many years—often 10 to 15 years or more for porcelain.

The good news is that caring for them is simple:

• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: You can still get cavities in the parts of the tooth not covered by the veneer. Continue to brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
• Attend Regular Checkups: Visit Designing Smiles every six months for your professional cleaning and exam. We can polish your veneers and check the integrity of the bond.
• Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Do not bite your fingernails, chew on ice, or use your teeth to open packages. Veneers can chip or break under extreme, unnatural forces.
• Wear a Nightguard: If you have a history of clenching or grinding your teeth, we will craft a custom nightguard for you to wear while you sleep. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers

1. Does the veneer procedure hurt? No. The preparation appointment is performed using local anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain. It's common to experience some mild sensitivity in the gums and teeth for a few days after both the preparation and final bonding appointments, but this is temporary and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

2. How long do veneers last? This depends on the material and your habits. Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and can last 10 to 15 years, and often even longer with excellent care. Composite veneers (bonding) are not as strong and are more prone to staining, typically lasting 5 to 7 years before needing to be polished or replaced.

3. How much do veneers cost? The cost of veneers varies significantly based on the material you choose (porcelain is more expensive than composite), the number of teeth you are treating, and the complexity of your case. Because veneers are a highly customized cosmetic procedure, they are rarely covered by dental insurance. We will provide you with a detailed, transparent cost breakdown at your consultation and discuss our financing options.

Schedule Your Smile Design Consultation Today

You don't have to spend another day feeling self-conscious about your smile. The team at Designing Smiles has the experience and artistry to deliver the stunning, natural-looking results you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation. We can't wait to help you design the smile of your dreams.