Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD on August 13, 2026
Having a beautiful smile can affect your self-esteem and self-confidence. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you may be interested in a cosmetic procedure to correct it. A dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL may suggest dental veneers as a way to address smile concerns such as gapped teeth, discoloration, or misshapen or misaligned teeth.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers can be made from thin porcelain or composite resin, and both materials can look very natural when properly placed. Porcelain veneers are generally stronger and more stain resistant than composite, which means you can eat and drink most of your usual foods without worrying about how your teeth may be affected. Composite resin veneers, by comparison, tend to be more affordable and can often be completed in a single visit. Our breakdown of the top benefits of resin veneers covers that option in more depth if you are weighing the two materials against each other.
Why Patients Choose Veneers
Veneers are one of the most versatile options in cosmetic dentistry because a single treatment can address several concerns at once. Rather than treating a chip, a gap, and a shade mismatch as three separate problems, veneers can correct all three in one coordinated smile design. They also tend to require less tooth reduction than a crown, since only the front surface of the tooth is typically involved, which helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Most patients with generally healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for veneers, even if they have chips, gaps, staining that will not respond to whitening, or teeth that are slightly misshapen or uneven in size. Veneers are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment in cases of significant misalignment, but they can create the appearance of straighter teeth for many patients with mild to moderate irregularities. Our guide on whether porcelain veneers can fix crooked teeth without braces goes into more detail on where that line falls. Patients with active gum disease or significant untreated decay typically need those issues addressed first before veneers are placed.
What Does the Veneer Process Involve?
Porcelain veneers usually take two visits. At the first appointment, we prepare the teeth, take an impression or digital scan, and place temporary veneers while a dental lab fabricates your final restorations. At the second visit, we check the fit, shade, and shape before permanently bonding the veneers in place. Composite resin veneers are typically completed in a single visit, since the material is sculpted and cured directly on the tooth without a lab step in between.
Maintain Your Veneers
Your veneers can offer a lifetime of support for your new smile. A few simple habits will help extend the life of your veneers and keep your smile looking its best.
Maintain proper oral hygiene.
Regularly visiting a dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL will help keep your teeth healthy and increase the longevity of your veneers. Since your natural teeth are the foundation underneath, it is important to keep them healthy and clean with consistent brushing and flossing.
Maintain healthy habits.
Eating well and maintaining healthy daily habits will not only help your veneers stay in their best shape, but will also support your overall health and wellness.
Avoid harmful foods and habits.
Avoiding darker colored, hard, acidic, tough, or sticky foods and beverages can help maintain the integrity and appearance of your veneers and your new smile. This may include wine, ketchup, hard fruits and vegetables, ice, tough meats or bread, and sticky candy. These items do not need to be removed from your life entirely, but they should be enjoyed carefully to keep your veneers strong. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom nightguard to protect your investment.
Interested in Learning More?
Porcelain and composite veneers are both effective ways to improve your smile, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. Ready to get started? Visit our dentist in our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last ten to fifteen years or longer with good care, while composite resin veneers generally last five to ten years before they need touch-up or replacement. Routine dental visits let us monitor wear and catch any issues early.
Do veneers require removing a lot of tooth structure?
Veneers generally require less tooth reduction than a crown because only a thin layer of the front surface is prepared. Composite veneers often require even less preparation than porcelain, sometimes none at all, depending on your case.
Are veneers noticeable or do they look fake?
Well-designed veneers are shaded and shaped to complement your facial features and natural tooth translucency, so they should look like an enhanced version of your own smile rather than an obviously artificial one. A detailed consultation, including photos or a digital preview, helps set expectations before treatment begins.
Can veneers fix a gap between my front teeth?
Yes, veneers are a common solution for closing small to moderate gaps between teeth without orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will evaluate the size of the gap and your bite to confirm veneers are the right approach for your specific situation.
Does dental insurance cover veneers?
Most dental insurance plans classify veneers as a cosmetic procedure and do not provide coverage, though every plan is different. Our team can help you review your benefits and discuss financing options during your consultation.
About the Author
Founder, DG Dental
Dr. Dory Green is the founder of DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale. She earned her dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry and holds a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, with a practice focus on cosmetic veneer design and smile makeovers.
