Porcelain Veneers in Colorado Springs
Veneers are the procedure people have usually already researched before they call. They have seen results they liked and results that looked obviously false, and what they want to know is which kind they would end up with.
The difference is almost entirely in preparation and shade selection: how much tooth is removed, how the margin is finished, and whether the porcelain was matched to your face or to a shade guide. Dr. Fred Guerra has practiced in Colorado Springs since 1989, and uses microscope-enhanced dentistry precisely because margins are where this work succeeds or fails.
What a veneer is, and what it is not
A veneer is a thin porcelain shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It changes color, shape, length and the appearance of small gaps. It is not a crown. A crown covers the whole tooth and is used when the tooth is structurally compromised. If a tooth is heavily filled or cracked, a crown is the honest recommendation, not a veneer.
What veneers fix well
- Permanent discoloration that whitening cannot reach, tetracycline staining for instance
- Chipped or worn edges on front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth slightly out of alignment, where full orthodontics is not wanted
- Teeth that are misshapen or noticeably smaller than their neighbors
What veneers do not fix
Significant crowding or bite problems. Veneers placed over a bad bite fail. They chip, they debond, they wear unevenly. Invisalign or Six Month Smiles first, veneers after, is the sequence that lasts.
They also do not fix active gum disease or decay, both of which get treated before any cosmetic work begins.
What the process involves
- Consultation. Exam, photographs, and a conversation about shade and shape.
- Preparation. A thin layer of enamel removed so the veneer sits flush rather than bulking the tooth forward.
- Temporaries. Worn while the permanent veneers are made, and a useful preview of length and shape.
- Fitting. Try-in, adjustment, then bonding.
At least two appointments. Preparation is irreversible, because enamel does not grow back, which is why the conversation before it matters more than the appointment itself.
What veneers cost
Veneers are priced per tooth, so the number depends on how many you are doing. Most cases involve the teeth that show when you smile rather than a single tooth in isolation, because a lone veneer among untreated teeth is harder to match than several done together. We quote per case after a consultation rather than from a price list.
Insurance generally does not cover veneers, classing them as cosmetic. CareCredit financing with an interest-free plan for the first six months, and the Smile 365 VIP Membership discount, both apply.
See veneer cases from this practice
Our before and after gallery is the most useful page on this site for a decision like this. Real patients, treated here, by Dr. Guerra.
Common questions
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Preparation removes a thin layer of enamel permanently, so the tooth will always need to be covered afterwards. That is a real commitment, and it is the reason we do not recommend veneers where something more conservative would do.
How long do they last?
Around 10 to 15 years with normal care. Grinding, ice-chewing and gum recession are what shorten them.
Can veneers stain?
Porcelain itself resists staining better than natural enamel. What can discolor over time is the bonding margin at the gum line, particularly with heavy coffee, tea or smoking.
Can I whiten veneers later?
No. Porcelain does not respond to whitening. That is why whitening is done first when both are planned, so the veneers are matched to your final shade.
What if one chips?
Small chips can sometimes be polished or repaired. Larger ones mean replacing that veneer.
What if I grind my teeth?
The grinding gets addressed first, usually with a night guard, or the new veneers wear the same way the natural teeth did.
Talk to us
Call (719) 596-1230 or request a consultation online to talk through whether veneers are right for your case. We are at 3208 N Academy Blvd, Suite 100, Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm.
