Whether it's one chipped tooth or a full smile makeover, Dental Veneers in Durham starts with a design conversation, not a drill. Smile Center Dentistry previews your result digitally before any enamel is touched.
A rushed veneer case is how patients end up with a smile that doesn't match their face. Proportions that work on a screen don't always translate — we check the design against your actual face and smile line.
You'll see a mockup of your projected smile before we prep a single tooth, so there are no surprises. Adjustments at the mockup stage cost nothing; changes after fabrication are a different story.
When your case allows it, we use minimal-prep veneers that preserve more of your natural enamel. Preserving enamel matters for long-term tooth health, not just for this procedure.
We walk through the durability, cost, and appearance trade-offs between porcelain and composite before you choose. Neither material is universally 'better' — the right choice depends on your goals and budget.
If a veneer doesn't fit or match shade correctly, we adjust or remake it within the guarantee period. Shade matching is checked in natural light, not just under the exam lamp.
The right material and number of veneers depend on what you're trying to correct.
Thin, durable porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth for a long-lasting, stain-resistant result. Typically requires two visits: prep and impressions, then bonding.
A tooth-colored resin is sculpted directly onto your teeth, often completed in a single visit. We explain the shorter lifespan honestly compared to porcelain.
We use digital imaging to preview your projected smile shape and shade before any prep work begins. Nothing is finalized until you approve the design.
A chipped or discolored single tooth can often be addressed with one veneer rather than a full smile case. Ideal for isolated damage rather than an overall smile makeover.
For patients addressing multiple teeth at once, we plan shape, shade, and symmetry across the full arch. We stage complex cases in phases when that better serves the outcome.
We'll tell you if bonding could accomplish your goal at a lower cost before recommending veneers. Not every cosmetic concern needs the more involved veneer procedure.
We ask what you'd like to change about your smile when you book, so the consult is focused.
You approve shape and shade before any tooth preparation happens.
Temporary veneers are placed while your custom ones are fabricated.
We confirm you're happy with the result before you leave the chair.
"The digital mockup let me request a slightly different shape before they touched my teeth. Ended up exactly how I pictured it."
"Went with composite for budget reasons and they were upfront that it wouldn't last as long as porcelain. No pressure to upgrade."
"Porcelain veneers three years in and they still look like the day I got them."
"Minimal-prep option kept more of my natural tooth intact, which mattered to me."
"The design consult alone was worth it. I changed my mind about the shape twice before we even started."
Lifespan depends on material and habits like grinding — we discuss realistic expectations at your consult. We'll recommend the material likely to hold up best for your specific habits.
Tooth preparation is done with local anesthesia when needed, and most patients report minimal discomfort. We check comfort throughout the procedure rather than assuming it's fine.
Yes — our digital smile design mockup shows your projected result before any prep work begins. We can adjust the mockup as many times as needed until you're satisfied.
Porcelain is more durable and stain-resistant but costs more and takes longer; composite is faster and cheaper but wears sooner. Composite can be touched up over time; porcelain generally can't be repaired the same way.
Composite veneers can sometimes be applied with little to no enamel removal at all. Enamel removed for veneers doesn't grow back, which is why we're careful about how much we take.
Cost depends on material and how many teeth are involved — we give a specific quote after your design consult. We'd rather you understand the full cost before starting than be surprised partway through.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Veneers to patients throughout Durham and neighboring Durham, CA communities, with digital design done in-house. Design consults are available locally without a referral to an outside cosmetic specialist.
Licensed, design-focused, and local to Durham — call and ask about your options.
Call +1-866-227-2801