COSMETIC
RESTORATIVE
ADVANCED
GENERAL
MODERN SMILE DESIGN
Veneers
Crafted for your smile
Materials, preparation, and aftercare for your veneer treatment.
Veneers are thin, individually crafted restorations bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can correct discoloration, chips, worn or fractured edges, minor gaps, uneven proportions, and mild misalignment, while preserving the integrity and character of your natural smile.
Overview · Materials · Preparing · Post-Op Care · FAQs
01 — THE TREATMENT
A treatment defined by precision and patient-specific design
At Modern Smile Design, every veneer treatment is directed personally by Dr. Olga Dontsova, who brings more than thirty years of clinical experience and advanced postgraduate training in cosmetic and laser dentistry to each case. Veneers are not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Each restoration is designed to complement your facial proportions, smile line, lip dynamics, and the natural translucency of your existing teeth.
Dr. Dontsova works closely with each patient through every stage of the process, from initial consultation through final placement. The goal is never simply to produce white, uniform teeth. The goal is a result that looks deliberately and naturally yours, designed to age gracefully with you over the years to come.
02 — MATERIALS
Veneer Materials We Offer
Each material has distinct properties affecting strength, translucency, longevity, and aesthetic behavior. Dr. Dontsova selects the appropriate material based on the location of the tooth, the patient's bite forces, the condition of the surrounding dentition, and the aesthetic outcome being pursued.
01
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are highly durable, stain-resistant, and mimic the natural translucency of enamel. They are one of the most popular choices for cosmetic smile makeovers.
02
E.max Veneers
E.max veneers are made from high-strength lithium disilicate ceramic and are known for their exceptional aesthetics and natural appearance. They are ideal for patients seeking a highly lifelike smile.
03
Lithium Disilicate Veneers
Lithium disilicate is a premium ceramic material that combines strength and beauty. It offers excellent durability while maintaining a natural, translucent appearance.
04
Zirconia Veneers
Zirconia veneers are extremely strong and resistant to chipping and fracture. They are often recommended when additional strength is needed while still providing excellent cosmetic results.
05
Layered Ceramic Veneers
Layered veneers are individually handcrafted by skilled dental technicians who build multiple layers of ceramic to create superior depth, translucency, and natural beauty. They are often chosen for high-end cosmetic cases where ultimate aesthetics are desired.
03 — PREPARING
Getting Ready for Your Veneers
Once you have decided to proceed with veneers, the most important decision is behind you. What follows is a structured process designed to ensure the final result meets both your expectations and Dr. Dontsova's clinical standards. Thoughtful preparation, both in the weeks leading up to your appointment and on the morning of placement, plays a meaningful role in the outcome.
YOUR CONSULTATION
What to expect at your first visit
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Dontsova. During this appointment she will evaluate the condition of your existing teeth, the health of your gums and supporting structures, and the dynamics of your bite. Diagnostic photographs and digital records are taken to document your starting point and to inform the design of your final result. You will also discuss your aesthetic goals in detail, including any specific concerns about color, shape, proportion, or alignment.
Patients are encouraged to come to the consultation prepared. Bringing photographs of smiles you find appealing is genuinely useful, as it gives Dr. Dontsova a concrete reference for the direction you would like to pursue. A written list of questions, no matter how minor they may seem, is also recommended. Any previous dental records, particularly recent X-rays or treatment notes from another provider, should be brought as well if available. The more information available during this initial visit, the more precisely your treatment plan can be tailored.
LEADING UP TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
Final pre-treatment preparation
Approximately one to two weeks before your veneer preparation appointment, you will receive final pre-treatment instructions from our office. Patients are advised to maintain excellent oral hygiene during this period and to avoid any activities that may cause trauma to the front teeth. If you participate in contact sports or activities involving impact risk, please discuss this with Dr. Dontsova in advance.
Patients who smoke or use tobacco products are strongly encouraged to discontinue use well before treatment. Tobacco use affects gum health, healing, and the long-term stain resistance of any restoration. Patients with heavy clenching or grinding habits should also be evaluated for a custom night guard prior to placement. Protecting your investment begins before the veneers are bonded.
THE MORNING OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
How to arrive prepared
Eat a complete, satisfying breakfast the morning of your appointment. Veneer preparation and placement are detailed procedures that can take several hours, and patients who arrive hungry tend to be less comfortable and more anxious during longer chair time. A balanced meal beforehand makes the entire experience considerably easier.
Arrive well-hydrated and on time. Brush your teeth normally before your appointment. There is no need to avoid eating or drinking beforehand as you would for surgery. If you take prescription medications, take them on your normal schedule unless Dr. Dontsova has specifically advised otherwise. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
LIVING WITH TEMPORARY VENEERS
The interim phase between preparation and final placement
After your preparation appointment, temporary veneers will be placed to protect your teeth and to give you a preview of your final restorations. Temporaries are typically worn for approximately two weeks while your final veneers are being fabricated by the ceramist. They are functional and aesthetic, but they are not as strong as your final veneers and should be treated with appropriate care.
During this period, avoid sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, or chewing gum, all of which can dislodge a temporary. Hard or crunchy foods, including ice, hard crusty bread, and nuts, should also be avoided, as should any habit involving biting force on the front teeth. If a temporary does come loose, contact our office immediately so it can be re-secured before your final appointment.
Some sensitivity to temperature during the temporary phase is normal and typically resolves once your final veneers are placed. If you experience anything beyond mild sensitivity, please let us know.
A NOTE ON ANTICIPATION
It is normal to feel a degree of anticipation, and occasionally some anxiety, in the days leading up to your veneer placement. This is a meaningful decision, and one you have already made thoughtfully. Dr. Dontsova and our team are available throughout this period to answer any questions that arise. No concern is too minor to bring to us.
We generally recommend that patients avoid spending excessive time researching online during this period. Much of what is published about cosmetic dentistry is written for clicks rather than for clinical accuracy, and reading widely tends to introduce anxiety rather than reduce it. Your treatment plan has been designed specifically for you, by a doctor who knows your case. Trust the process, and bring any questions directly to us.
04 — POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Protecting Your Veneers
The care you provide your veneers in the days, months, and years following placement directly determines how long they will perform and how beautiful they will remain. Dr. Dontsova takes a hands-on approach to postoperative care, and our office is available to assist you with any concerns that arise after your final placement appointment.
THE FIRST DAYS AFTER PLACEMENT
What to expect immediately following your appointment
In the immediate 24 to 48 hours after your veneers are placed, your bite may feel subtly different as your teeth and surrounding musculature adjust to the new contours. This sensation typically resolves on its own within a few days. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is also common and generally fades over one to two weeks as the underlying tooth structure settles. If any sensation persists beyond that window or feels disproportionate, please contact our office for evaluation.
During the first few days, we recommend eating softer foods and avoiding extremely hot or cold beverages. Brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the gumline. Normal function and diet can typically be resumed within the first week.
HABITS TO AVOID
Protecting your veneers from unintended stress
Veneers are durable, but they are not indestructible. The most common cause of veneer damage is not normal eating but rather habits that place the front teeth under unintended stress. This includes chewing on ice, biting fingernails, chewing on pens or pencils, using your teeth as tools to open packaging, or tearing tape or thread with your teeth. None of these activities are appropriate for natural teeth either, but veneered teeth are particularly vulnerable to the kinds of microfractures these habits cause over time.
Dr. Dontsova will discuss any habit-related risks specific to your case during your post-placement follow-up. Patients who recognize these habits in themselves should make a conscious effort to break them in the first weeks after placement, while the new awareness is fresh.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT WITH A NIGHT GUARD
Why nightly use matters
Patients who clench or grind their teeth, whether they are aware of it or not, place significant stress on their veneers during sleep. If Dr. Dontsova has recommended a custom night guard, it should be worn every night, without exception. Skipping the night guard, even occasionally, places your veneers at meaningful risk of fracture, chipping, debonding, or accelerated wear.
A custom night guard is a smaller investment than a single veneer replacement. Patients who follow this recommendation consistently see significantly longer veneer lifespans and protect both the warranty on their restorations and the integrity of their underlying teeth.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance Visits
Long-term care of your veneers
Your veneers are a long-term restoration, but they require routine professional maintenance to perform at their best. We recommend professional cleanings and comprehensive examinations every six months, both to maintain the health of your underlying teeth and gums and to allow Dr. Dontsova to monitor your veneers for any early signs of issues that can be addressed before they progress.
Maintenance appointments are also an opportunity to professionally polish your veneers, which helps maintain their natural luster and stain resistance. Patients who maintain a consistent six-month recall schedule see the longest, most predictable outcomes from their veneer treatment. Missed maintenance visits may affect the eligibility of any warranty associated with your restorations and increase the likelihood that small issues go undetected.
WHEN TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE
Please contact our office promptly if you experience any of the following
• A veneer that has become loose
• Persistent pain or sensitivity beyond the expected adjustment period
• Gum swelling or bleeding around a veneered tooth
• A veneer that chips or fractures
• Bite discomfort lasting more than a few days
• Any noticeable change in the appearance or fit of your veneers
Most minor concerns can be addressed easily when caught early. Dr. Dontsova would always rather hear from you about something small than have you wait until it becomes something larger.
05 — FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my veneers last?
With proper care and consistent maintenance, veneers commonly last 10 to 20 years or longer. Longevity is influenced by oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits, and adherence to regular professional cleanings. Patients who wear their prescribed night guard, maintain a six-month recall schedule, and avoid the habits that stress front teeth often see lifespans well beyond the standard range.
Is sensitivity normal?
Yes. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is normal in the days following placement and typically resolves within one to two weeks. If sensitivity feels disproportionate or persists beyond that window, please contact our office. Dr. Dontsova will evaluate to determine whether any adjustment is needed.
Can veneers chip or break?
Yes. Veneers are made from durable ceramic materials, but they remain susceptible to chipping, cracking, or fracture when subjected to excessive force, trauma, or habitual stress. This is why night guards are essential for patients who grind, and why habits like chewing ice or using teeth as tools must be eliminated. Properly cared for, the vast majority of veneers will not chip or break.
What should I do if a veneer comes off?
Contact our office immediately. If you can locate the veneer, place it in a small container and bring it with you to your appointment. In many cases, the original veneer can be re-bonded without the need for a replacement, provided it is intact and the underlying tooth has not been damaged. Avoid attempting to re-attach it yourself, as this can compromise the bond.
Can I whiten my veneers?
Veneers do not respond to whitening treatments. Their color is set during fabrication and remains stable over time. If your surrounding natural teeth darken over the years, whitening those natural teeth can restore uniform color across your smile. Dr. Dontsova generally recommends completing any planned whitening before veneer placement, so that the veneers can be matched to your final desired shade.
Will my veneers require replacement in the future?
Most veneers will eventually require some form of maintenance or replacement due to normal wear, changes in the underlying tooth, or aesthetic preferences that evolve over time. With routine maintenance, this is rarely an urgent issue. Dr. Dontsova monitors veneers at each recall appointment and will discuss any anticipated work well in advance, so that decisions can be made on your timeline rather than reactively.
Why does my bite feel different?
In the days following placement, your teeth and surrounding musculature adjust to the slightly different contours of your veneers. This sensation typically resolves on its own within a few days. If anything continues to feel off after the first week, minor occlusal adjustments can be made quickly and comfortably at our office.
How do I keep my veneers looking their best?
The fundamentals are straightforward. Brush and floss daily, attend professional cleanings every six months, wear your custom night guard nightly if Dr. Dontsova has prescribed one, and avoid the habits known to stress veneers. If anything feels off or looks different, contact our office sooner rather than later. Veneers that are well-maintained from the start consistently outperform those that are not.
Ready when you are
Schedule Your Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Dontsova is the appropriate first step. During this visit she will examine your teeth, review your goals, discuss material options, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific case. The consultation is the foundation of every successful veneer outcome.
Or call us directly at (941) 231-8121