Stage · Natural tooth
A front tooth in cross-section, lip side on the left: enamel over dentin, with the pulp running down the centre.
Porcelain veneers · Eagle River, AK
Porcelain veneers.
Thoughtfully designed.
Explore how porcelain veneers can refine the shape, color, and appearance of your smile — with an approach designed around you.
A conversation about possibilities. A plan made for you.The Legacy Smile Design Studio
Explore what’s possible.
See how subtle changes in shape, shade, and proportion can influence the appearance of a smile.
Educational illustration · clinical review pendingReferenceYour illustration
A front-view illustration of eight upper teeth. Explore ceramic shape, shade, and balance; this is not a photograph or a treatment outcome.
Natural shape · Warm ivory · Balance 50%
A little shape. A different character.
Compare the contours and edges of the illustrated teeth. Your dentist can help you discuss proportions that suit your smile.
A natural spectrum.
Explore subtle ceramic tones in the same illustration. These are not a clinical shade guide; screens and lighting affect color.
Explore proportion and balance.
Adjust small differences in the illustrated tooth heights, widths, and angles. Perfect symmetry is not a treatment requirement or a prediction.
Individual variationMore even proportions
Illustrative examples only. Actual treatment options and results vary and require a dental evaluation.
Natural shape, warm ivory shade, balance 50 percent.
Signature experience · The Veneer Studio
A closer look at veneers.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells bonded to the front of selected teeth. In cross-section you can see how little is removed, how the shell is bonded, and how a veneer compares with composite bonding for a chipped corner.
Step from the natural tooth to the thin layer of enamel that is removed, then to the bonded ceramic veneer.
Stage
Stage · Enamel removed
A thin, even layer is taken from the front surface and the edge, so the veneer can restore the original contour instead of adding bulk. This is permanent.
Stage · Veneer bonded
The ceramic shell is tried in, then bonded with a light-cured resin cement. Colour and translucency live in the ceramic; the cement fine-tunes the shade.
Select a part
Veneer
Enamel
The thin outer layer a veneer bonds to.
Veneers bond most predictably to enamel. The design aims to keep the preparation within it, which is why the amount removed is small and planned tooth by tooth.
Veneer
Dentin
The warm core that shows through.
Dentin gives a tooth its underlying colour. A veneer that is too thin can let a dark tooth show through; a thicker veneer needs more room.
Veneer
Pulp
Kept well away.
A conservative veneer preparation stays far from the pulp. Sensitivity after preparation is usually temporary.
Veneer
Enamel removed
A thin, permanent reduction.
Typically a fraction of a millimetre is removed from the front of the tooth so the veneer sits flush with the neighbours. Any enamel removed does not grow back.
Veneer
Porcelain veneer
A thin ceramic shell bonded to the front.
Made in a laboratory from an impression or scan, the veneer covers the labial surface and wraps the incisal edge. Colour, translucency and shape are set in the ceramic.
Veneer
Resin cement
The adhesive that makes it one unit.
A light-cured resin cement bonds the etched ceramic to the etched enamel. The final shade can be tuned slightly with the cement.
Veneer
Gum
The margin is kept just at the gumline.
The veneer edge is placed where it can be cleaned; healthy gum around it is part of a natural-looking result.
Veneer treatment may require irreversible enamel removal. This illustration does not show a preparation plan; the amount removed is decided tooth by tooth.
A chipped corner repaired two ways: composite added directly to the tooth, or a porcelain veneer over a prepared surface.
Repair
Repair
The chip
A small corner has broken away. Both repairs below restore the shape; they differ in what is removed, how long they last and how they age.
Repair
Composite bonding
Resin is sculpted onto the roughened surface and cured in a single visit, usually with little or no tooth removed. Repairable, but it can stain and chip over time.
Repair
Porcelain veneer
The front surface is prepared, and a laboratory-made ceramic facing is bonded over it. More durable and colour-stable, but it needs enamel removal and two visits.
Select a part
Repair
Porcelain veneer
A thin ceramic shell bonded to the front.
Made in a laboratory from an impression or scan, the veneer covers the labial surface and wraps the incisal edge. Colour, translucency and shape are set in the ceramic.
Repair
Chip
A broken incisal corner.
Small chips on front teeth are common. Which repair fits depends on the size of the chip, the bite and how much enamel is left.
Repair
Composite bonding
Resin added, little or nothing removed.
Composite is sculpted directly onto the tooth and cured in one visit. Less durable and less stain-resistant than ceramic, but reversible and repairable.
Which repair fits depends on the size of the chip, the bite and how much enamel remains. Both are discussed at an examination; neither is right for every tooth.
Illustrations are conceptual and not to scale. They do not show your anatomy, a preparation plan or a treatment result, and they are pending clinical review. Actual treatment options and results vary and require a dental evaluation.
What could veneers change?
Common goals,
beautiful possibilities.
Chips and wear
Explore how veneers may change the appearance of selected chipped or worn teeth.
The cause and extent of damage matter. A veneer is not a substitute for evaluating a damaged tooth.
Discuss bonding and other options ↗Discoloration
A veneer may mask some discoloration by covering the visible tooth surface.
Color changes alone may be addressed with whitening. The cause of the discoloration should be assessed first.
Explore teeth whitening ↗Small gaps
Changes in visible tooth width can alter the appearance of some small spaces.
Veneers do not move teeth or correct every bite concern. Orthodontic options may be more appropriate.
Explore clear aligners ↗Uneven shapes
Discuss whether changing selected tooth contours could support your smile goals.
Your remaining tooth structure and bite guide what is possible. A balanced illustration is not a treatment plan.
Compare cosmetic care ↗Educational illustrations · not treatment outcomes.
Your veneer journey
A clear,
comfortable
process.
Explore the steps involved in planning and creating a personalized veneer restoration.
Consultation and goals
Discuss the changes you have in mind, review your teeth and gums, and consider alternatives before deciding on veneers.
Smile planning
Your dentist considers your smile and bite with you. The studio illustrates design ideas; it does not determine your treatment or predict a result.
Preparation and fabrication
Preparation may remove enamel permanently. Impressions or scans help a laboratory make the veneer. Your dentist explains any temporary restoration and the schedule for your case.
Placement and aftercare
The veneer is checked and bonded to the tooth. Ask about cleaning, protecting your restoration, follow-up, and what to do if your bite feels different.
Questions about veneers
Helpful answers.
Clear information to help you begin a conversation with your dentist.
Denali National Park · NPS / Tim RainsHow long do porcelain veneers last?
Longevity varies with your teeth, bite, habits, and care. Veneers can chip or become loose and may need repair or replacement. Your dentist can discuss maintenance without promising a fixed lifespan.
Will I need enamel removed?
Porcelain veneers commonly involve enamel preparation. Any enamel removed does not grow back. Ask your dentist to explain the preparation and alternatives for your teeth before proceeding.
Are veneers permanent?
Treatment involving enamel removal is irreversible, but the veneer itself is not guaranteed to last forever. Plan for ongoing dental care and possible future replacement.
How do I care for veneers?
Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, clean between teeth daily, and keep dental checkups. Avoid biting hard objects. Ask your dentist about protection if you grind your teeth.
Can veneers stain?
Porcelain resists stains, but appearance can still change over time. Surrounding teeth and restoration edges also need care. Whitening does not lighten a porcelain veneer.
Are veneers suitable for chipped teeth?
They may be an option for selected teeth. The size and cause of the chip, remaining tooth structure, and bite need assessment. Bonding or a different restoration may be appropriate.
What are alternatives to veneers?
Depending on your goals, discuss composite bonding, whitening, or orthodontic treatment. These address different concerns. An examination helps determine which options fit your oral health.
How much do veneers cost?
Cost depends on the individualized treatment plan. Ask the Legacy team for an estimate and payment information before treatment. This page does not provide a price or promise insurance coverage.
Am I a good candidate?
An assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, and expectations is needed. Existing dental problems may need attention first. The illustrative studio cannot assess candidacy or recommend a treatment.
Planning your care · Payment options
A thoughtful plan includes the cost.
The number of veneers and your individual treatment plan shape the total fee. Ask our team for a treatment estimate and about insurance, direct payment, or Cherry financing.
Financing is subject to eligibility and current terms. No application or payment information is collected on this website.Your next step
Let’s talk about your smile.
Ready to explore whether veneers are right for you?
We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.