Veneers That Still Look Like You
Look closely at natural teeth and you'll see small differences. One edge is a touch longer. A corner is slightly rounded. There is a little translucency at the tip. Those details are a big part of why a smile looks real.
Dr. Monika Kaceli keeps some of that variation in when she designs veneers. Her goal is a smile that suits you and gives you confidence, with slight imperfections so it reads as naturally yours. Uniform rows of identical, very white teeth are exactly what she tries to avoid.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Porcelain is durable and resists staining, and it can change a tooth's color, shape and length all at once.
Dr. Kaceli uses a minimal-prep approach, which means only a small amount of enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. Because some enamel is removed, veneers are a lasting commitment, and the plan should feel right before you start.
Composite veneers, made from tooth-colored resin, are an alternative. They cost less but usually don't last as long as porcelain. For smaller fixes, dental bonding in Newton may be enough.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Veneers can help with teeth that are worn, chipped, discolored, uneven in size or slightly out of line. To be a good candidate, you'll need:
- Healthy teeth and gums
- Enough enamel for minimal preparation
- Decay and gum disease treated first
- A plan for heavy grinding, if you grind
If crowding is the main issue, Dr. Kaceli may suggest straightening with Invisalign first so the veneers need less preparation.
From Design to Bonding
- Consultation and recordsDr. Kaceli takes photos and digital scans, using the iTero and TRIOS 5 scanners at our Newton office, and talks through what you want to change.
- Design and mock-upShe plans the shape and shade of each veneer around your face, and you see a mock-up before anything permanent is done.
- Gentle preparationA small amount of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth. Most patients don't need anesthesia for this step.
- Impressions and fabricationImpressions of the prepared teeth are used to make your custom veneers.
- Bonding and adjustmentThe veneers are bonded in place, and Dr. Kaceli adjusts the fit and bite until they feel right.
The First Few Days and Beyond
Some people notice mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days after their veneers are placed. It usually passes on its own.
Porcelain resists stains well, but the bonding edges and your natural teeth don't. Limiting coffee, tea and red wine helps keep everything even. Treat veneers kindly, too. Don't bite ice, pens or your nails.
With good care, porcelain veneers often last 10 to 15 years or longer. Regular checkups let us keep an eye on them.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
Dr. Kaceli plans veneers by looking at the whole face, from your lip line to your skin tone, so the shade and shape suit you. At our Newton office, Amy Orsini can review your insurance and prepare a pretreatment estimate, and you can finance treatment through Cherry or Sunbit.
Patients visit us from Newton Centre, Wellesley, Needham, Brookline and Dedham. You can also read what others say on our reviews page.
