Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile and transformative treatments in cosmetic dentistry. Each veneer is a wafer-thin ceramic shell — custom-made and carefully matched to complement your facial features — that is bonded permanently to the front surface of a tooth. The result is a completely redesigned smile that looks entirely natural. At Maggie A. Kleem, DDS in Berea, Ohio, Dr. Kleem works with each patient individually to ensure their veneers achieve the look they're envisioning, whether that means subtle refinement or a dramatic full-smile makeover.
Unlike whitening or orthodontics — which address individual concerns — veneers can simultaneously correct color, shape, size, and minor alignment issues in a single treatment. It's why veneers have long been the choice of patients who want comprehensive cosmetic improvement and are ready to commit to a lasting change.
What Can Veneers Fix?
Veneers are incredibly versatile. They are an excellent solution for patients dealing with any combination of the following cosmetic concerns:
- Stained or discolored teeth — including deep intrinsic staining that whitening cannot fully address, such as tetracycline staining or fluorosis.
- Chipped or broken teeth — veneers cover the damage completely and restore a smooth, even appearance.
- Uneven or misshapen teeth — teeth that are too short, worn down from grinding, or naturally irregular in shape can be brought into harmony.
- Minor gaps between teeth — small spaces or mild crowding that don't require orthodontic treatment can often be addressed with veneers.
- Teeth that appear too small — veneers add size and presence to teeth that look underdeveloped or worn, creating a fuller, more youthful smile.
The Veneer Process
Getting veneers at our Berea office is a two-appointment process. Here is what to expect from start to finish:
Consultation & Preparation
At your first appointment, Dr. Kleem will discuss your goals, evaluate your teeth, and determine whether veneers are the right solution for your specific concerns. Once you've decided to proceed, a very thin layer of enamel — typically less than a millimeter — is gently removed from the front surface of each tooth to be treated. This creates space for the veneer to sit flush and feel completely natural. An impression of your prepared teeth is then taken and sent to our dental laboratory, where your custom veneers are fabricated. Temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth and let you preview the look while you wait.
Placement & Bonding
After approximately one to two weeks, your custom porcelain veneers arrive from the lab. At your second appointment, the temporaries are removed, and each veneer is carefully tried in to check fit, color, and shape. Dr. Kleem will make any final adjustments before permanently bonding the veneers to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive and a curing light. The entire bonding process is completed in a single visit, and most patients leave the office ready to show off their transformed smile that same day.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers are a durable, long-lasting cosmetic solution. With proper care, most patients enjoy their veneers for 10 to 15 years — and many last even longer. Porcelain is highly resistant to staining, which means your veneers will maintain their color and brightness far better than natural enamel. Coffee, tea, and red wine that would gradually dull natural teeth have little effect on well-made porcelain veneers.
Caring for veneers is straightforward: brush twice daily, floss regularly, keep up with your professional cleanings, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Avoid using your teeth as tools and try to minimize biting directly into very hard foods with veneered teeth. When veneers do eventually need to be replaced, the process is essentially the same as the original placement — your existing veneers are removed and new ones are bonded in their place.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for veneers are patients with natural teeth who have cosmetic concerns they'd like to correct, and who are committed to good long-term oral hygiene. Because veneers are bonded to enamel, having adequate enamel on the teeth to be treated is important. Patients with severe structural damage, significant decay, or major bite issues may need other treatment first — or a different solution altogether.
Patients who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) are still candidates for veneers in many cases, but Dr. Kleem will recommend a custom nightguard to protect the investment. Your oral health also needs to be in good standing before cosmetic work begins — any active cavities or gum disease will be addressed first to give your veneers the best possible foundation.
Thinking about veneers?
The best first step is a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Kleem. She'll listen to what you'd like to change, evaluate your teeth, and give you an honest assessment of what veneers can realistically achieve — along with any alternatives worth considering. There's no obligation to move forward until you feel completely confident.
(440) 239-8389 Schedule your cosmetic consultation — book online anytime.