Thin, custom porcelain shells that cover chips, gaps, and stains whitening can’t fix. We walk you through each step, the cost, and your alternatives before you decide.
A chipped front tooth, a gap you have always noticed, or a gray stain that whitening never lifted can change how you smile in photos and in conversation. These small details are common, and they are often the reason people start looking into veneers.
At Family Dentistry of Lakeland, we offer porcelain veneers as a cosmetic dentistry option that reshapes the visible surface of your teeth with thin, custom porcelain shells. Our caring team explains each step, the cost, and your alternatives before you decide anything.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth to change their color, shape, size, or alignment. Unlike a crown, which wraps around the whole tooth, a veneer covers only the visible front surface. Porcelain also resists staining better than composite material and reflects light much like natural enamel. Veneers are a common choice for these concerns.
Restore the look of a tooth with minor damage.
Close small spaces between front teeth.
Cover discoloration that whitening cannot lift.
Even out the shape of your smile line.
Add length and balance to teeth that look undersized.
If a tooth is badly damaged, a custom crown may protect it better than a veneer, and we tell you honestly which option fits.
Veneers usually take two visits, and we talk through your goals first so the plan is built around the smile you want.
We review your goals and check the health of your teeth and gums.
We remove a thin layer of enamel so each veneer sits flush.
Temporaries may be placed while your set is made.
We check fit, shape, and shade, then bond each veneer in place.
Because preparation removes some enamel, veneers are considered a permanent change. That is why we take time on the first visit to make sure this is the right choice for your teeth.
Most healthy adults with good gum health and enough enamel are good candidates. We check a few things first because they affect how well veneers fit and how long they last.
Some patients ask about composite veneers, which is a term often used for composite bonding. Both can improve chips, gaps, and shape, but they work differently, as the comparison below shows.
| Feature | Porcelain Veneers | Composite Bonding |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Custom porcelain shells | Tooth-colored resin shaped on the tooth |
| Stain resistance | High | Lower |
| Visits | Typically two | Often one |
| Enamel removal | Thin layer removed | Little to none |
| Repairs | Often replaced if damaged | Easier to repair |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
A systematic review of 25 clinical studies found a 10-year estimated survival rate of 95.5 percent for porcelain laminate veneers, which shows how well the treatment holds up over time. For a bigger change across several teeth, veneers can also be one part of a full smile makeover.
Your cost depends on how many teeth we treat, the complexity of your case, and your coverage, so we review the numbers with you before you commit. Cosmetic treatment is often covered less than other dental care, and benefits vary by plan.
We accept all PPO plans, including those that consider us out-of-network, and not having insurance should not stand in your way. Financing options may be available for qualified patients, we accept FSA cards, and our insurance information page has more detail.
Here are answers to questions we hear often about veneers.
Cost depends on how many teeth you want to treat and how complex your case is. We review the estimate with you upfront, and our team can help you compare coverage and financing options that fit your budget.
With good care, many veneers last a decade or more. Brushing, flossing, regular checkups, and a guard if you grind your teeth all help protect them.
Most patients are comfortable during treatment because we can numb the area as needed. Teeth may feel sensitive for a short time afterward, and we go over what to expect before you begin.
Veneers require removing a thin layer of enamel, so the change cannot be undone. They can be replaced if needed, which is one reason we talk through every option before you decide.
It depends on your goals and budget. Veneers offer stronger stain resistance, while bonding is often faster and costs less, and we can walk you through both so you choose with confidence.
Porcelain veneers can give you a natural-looking smile that feels like your own. Our team takes a non-judgmental, patient-first approach to every visit, and we tell you upfront when another option may fit better. We are proud to care for Lakeland families, veterans, and military families, and we were voted second best dentist in Lakeland by The Lakelander magazine.
If you are curious whether veneers fit your smile, we are here to walk you through your options without pressure. Reach out through our contact form to schedule an appointment, and if another provider has already given you a treatment plan, ask us about a free second opinion.
Serving:
and surrounding communities
Office Hours:
Monday : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 7:00AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday : 8:00 AM – 5:00PM
Thursday : 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday : Closed
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
