Before the consultation, I, a board-certified orthodontist, first check the position of your teeth and your bite using intraoral photos and X-rays. If orthodontics is more suitable, if whitening or resin alone is enough, or if no treatment is needed for now, I explain each option and the reasons honestly.

No-prep veneers are possible in some cases, but not for everyone. If the teeth stick out, are very dark, or need a big change in shape, minimal reduction of the tooth is needed. When additional reduction is needed, we fully explain the reason and the extent before treatment.

Because the final color of a veneer changes with the color of the bonding cement, on the day of placement we first try the veneers in with six cement shades to show you. You choose the color you want while looking in the mirror, and then we bond them permanently.

For front-tooth shape or length, color that whitening cannot brighten, small gaps, chipped edges or discolored resin, we consider veneers. However, if the cause is the position of the teeth, orthodontics may be the right choice, so we check the cause first and explain.

CERANATE veneers are made of IPS e.max ceramic. We consider a translucency that lets light pass softly, like natural teeth, and the strength front teeth need, and we aim for a color that blends naturally with the surrounding teeth rather than looking too white.

After taking an impression, the dentist in charge first designs the length, edge line, left-right symmetry and how much shows when you smile on a 3D model. We discuss the look you want together and balance the teeth as a whole while looking at your face and lip line.

You usually visit twice, with a check-up about two weeks later.

• Consultation and examination: panoramic X-ray, 7 intraoral photos, front-face, smiling and front-teeth photos, and same-day review of the records by an orthodontist
• First visit: tooth preparation (minimal reduction) if needed and impressions, with temporary teeth if needed
• Fabrication: 3D design and fabrication, usually 1 to 2 weeks
• Second visit: color check with a try-in, then permanent bonding
• About two weeks later: check of the gums, bite and margins
• One-day: preparation in the morning and placement that evening or the next day (depending on the teeth)

For the first few days the teeth may be sensitive. Please avoid biting hard things with your front teeth (ice, nutshells, nail biting). If you grind your teeth, there is a risk of fracture, so we recommend a night guard.

With age the gums may recede and the tooth edges may wear and darken, so we plan with tooth length, the gum line and harmony with existing restorations in mind. If there are gum problems, a periodontist checks them, and if gum treatment is needed first, we start by setting the order of treatment.

No. The amount of reduction needed depends on the position and thickness of the teeth, their color and the shape you want. After checking your teeth through an examination, we explain the possible methods and the extent needed.

It depends on how many teeth show when you smile and how closely the color needs to match. With 3D design we check how the teeth would look with different numbers of veneers and decide the right range together.

How long they last varies greatly with care and chewing habits. If they break, come off or change color, they may need to be remade.

Do not throw away a veneer that has come off. Keep it and contact us right away. After checking its condition, we decide whether it can be rebonded or needs to be remade.

Depending on your teeth, a one-day schedule is possible. The teeth are prepared in the morning and the veneers are placed that evening or the next day.

When the main goal is improving shape or color, Dr. Subin Lee, our veneer dentist, treats you. When there are gum problems or the gums need to be checked as well, a periodontist examines them. When four or more teeth are treated, teeth are reshaped, or gum surgery is needed, another dentist also checks your condition and adjusts the treatment plan together.