Medically Reviewed by Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD on August 14, 2026
Are you currently experiencing crooked or misaligned teeth, chips, gaps, or discoloration? There’s no denying the impact having a less than stellar looking smile can have on your overall look and confidence. As such, you may be interested in dental options that can remedy this issue. A dentist in Charlotte, NC can assist you in finding the best option for you so you can get the beautiful smile you deserve.
Traditionally, smile correcting options have included metal braces or invisible aligners, and surgical procedures, each requiring months or years to reach a final result. However, another great option for getting a straighter, more even smile is dental veneers, which can address several cosmetic concerns at once through a single treatment plan rather than a long course of gradual correction.
Cosmetic Treatment Options
Veneers are a tooth-colored shell added to the outer portion of your teeth to improve your smile. They are permanently bonded to your teeth. A lot of people get porcelain veneers to correct a chipped or cracked tooth, but many people also get veneers on multiple teeth to get a more even and straight smile. Nowadays, porcelain veneers are typically the most common type of veneers available to dental patients due to their aesthetic qualities.
What Makes You a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers work best on teeth that are structurally healthy. Good candidates generally have enough natural enamel remaining for the veneer to bond to, gums free of active periodontal disease, and any tooth decay treated before the veneers are placed. Patients who grind or clench their teeth at night can still be candidates, but typically need a nightguard to protect the veneers once they are placed.
Veneers are not the right fit for every situation. Teeth with extensive decay, very little remaining enamel, or significant misalignment may be better served by other restorative or orthodontic options first. A consultation with a dentist in Charlotte, NC is the only reliable way to determine whether veneers are the right choice for your teeth.
What Is the Process to Get Veneers?
A dentist in Charlotte, NC will assess your teeth to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental veneers, which can be used to restore your smile in a single treatment plan rather than months of gradual correction.
If you are a candidate, a dentist will then take impressions of your teeth to be used as a guide for your custom-made veneers. Next, your teeth will be cleaned to ensure they are healthy enough before the veneers are placed. Your teeth will then be lightly prepared to create a surface for the veneers to bond to. The veneers are then placed with the use of dental cement and a bonding light.
Porcelain Veneers Compared to Composite Bonding
Porcelain veneers are not the only option for correcting chips, gaps, and discoloration. Composite bonding is a common alternative, and understanding the tradeoffs helps you choose the option that fits your goals.
Caring for Your Veneers
Once your veneers are placed, it is important to care for them to maximize longevity and your new smile.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or your fingernails.
- Never use your teeth to open packaging or condiment packages.
- Try not to chew with your front teeth. Eat harder foods with your back teeth only; cut up hard foods like chocolate bars so that this is possible.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, get a splint or retainer to protect your veneers.
- Wear a mouth guard when playing any sports.
Cheers for Veneers!
There’s no denying veneers can improve your smile and help you gain confidence again.
Get the smile you deserve without resorting to messy braces or surgical procedures.
Ready for a new smile and a new you? Call our doctors, Dr. Edwin Porter, in our office in Charlotte, NC today to get started and schedule your consultation now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Is getting porcelain veneers painful?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during preparation, since a local anesthetic is typically used when enamel is being reshaped. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold can occur for a short period after the temporary veneers are placed, but it generally resolves quickly.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic treatment because a thin layer of enamel is removed to fit them, which means the tooth will always need some form of covering. The veneers themselves can last a decade or longer and are replaced when they eventually wear or need updating.
Can porcelain veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers can visually straighten the appearance of mildly misaligned or uneven teeth by reshaping how they look from the front. For more significant misalignment or bite issues, orthodontic treatment is usually recommended either instead of veneers or before they are placed.
Do porcelain veneers stain like natural teeth?
Porcelain is highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and other common culprits, which is a major advantage over natural enamel. The cement used to bond the veneer can pick up minor staining at the edges over time, which is one reason regular cleanings matter.
How many veneers do most patients get?
The number varies by goal. Some patients choose a single veneer to correct one chipped or discolored tooth, while others opt for six to eight veneers across the front upper teeth for a fully even smile. Your dentist can recommend the right number based on your smile and goals.
About the Author
Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD
Charlotte Dental Arts
Dr. Edwin Porter has been recognized as a Top Dentist in Charlotte for over 20 years. He provides comprehensive cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers and full smile makeovers, for patients throughout the Charlotte, NC area.
