Are Veneers Right For You?
- rebecca11683
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
The simple act of smiling provides a significant mental boost to both the smiler and the “smilee” – the person seeing the smile. It’s worth noting that these benefits of smiling are not dependent on your grin being perfect, and yet so many of us are self-conscious about our smiles. Here at Comprehensive Dental Specialists, we know that the use of social media now creates even more pressure to be “camera ready,” with a perfect, white and straight smile.
Because of this, tooth veneers continue to grow in popularity. Unlike braces or other orthodontic procedures that pull your teeth into place, or crowns or implants that rebuild whole tooth structures, veneers cover only the front face of the teeth, creating a consistent appearance.
To place veneers, Dr. Jabri or Dr. Aljabi will remove some of the enamel covering the front face of the tooth. This requires having sufficient enamel on the tooth to remove a layer without damaging the tooth itself. The type of coating used in your choice of veneer will determine how much enamel needs to be removed to ensure proper bonding. The two most common forms of veneers are composite and porcelain covers.
Composite veneers use the same composite resin we here at Comprehensive Dental Specialists use to bond teeth. This approach requires less enamel removal and takes less time because we can apply the resin directly to the tooth. Composite veneers are great for correcting one or two discolored or damaged teeth, but can also be used for more extensive covering and smile correction. The resin in composite veneers are less resistant to wear and discoloration, but they are also easier to repair.
Porcelain veneers are considered the highest quality option, providing strong and natural looking covers for your teeth. We’ll remove a bit more enamel for this process and then take an impression of your teeth so the porcelain veneers can be custom made to fit perfectly. You may have a temporary veneer placed while you wait for the porcelain ones to arrive. Porcelain veneers last longer and are more durable, but are also more expensive than composite veneers.
While veneers can make you more confident in your smile, they can’t repair other dental issues. If your teeth or gums are unhealthy, we strongly encourage you to improve your oral health before beginning cosmetic procedures. Because veneers are considered strictly cosmetic, the procedure may not be covered by your insurance, but Comprehensive Dental Specialists does have special financing available.
When you decide to invest in the aesthetics of your smile, you’ll want to maintain your veneers by regularly brushing, flossing, and scheduling a checkup with us every 6 months. We also recommend using soft bristled toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpastes, and avoiding whiteners that can discolor the veneer.
Veneers should last 10 to 15 years with proper installation and care. When you’re ready to improve your smile through veneers, talk to us about which veneer choice will work for your teeth to meet your bright smile goals.

Make an appointment to talk to your dentist about veneers. Call 815-744-1774 or email cdsofjoliet@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to thoroughly explain your options!