What’s the Latest on Improving Your Smile? Everything You Want to Know About Veneers: Truths, Myths, Costs and More.

Not happy with your smile? You’re not alone. Constant photo snaps on our phones, social media, virtual meetings, dating apps, and more have made us hyper-aware of our smiles. It’s just the world we live in these days. Whether you’re considering a major overhaul or just a tweak, many Charlotte women are turning to veneers to brighten, straighten, and transform their smiles without the downtime of braces or endless whitening sessions. We spoke with one of the QC’s premier dentists, Dr. Seti Byrd from SKYVIEW DENTISTRY, to get the complete low-down on Veneers in 2025.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Dr. Byrd explains that “It’s almost like contact lenses for your smile.” They can be completed in just a few sessions and are durable and stain-resistant. With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or more. People typically choose veneers as a faster and less cosmetically intrusive solution than wearing adult braces for months or years, and a more permanent solution than whitening.

‘We’re seeing more patients of all ages choosing veneers, not just for aesthetics but for functionality. For example, things like an overbite, worn enamel, or gaps can all be fixed using veneers,” explains Dr. Byrd. “Veneers can provide a boost of confidence in just a couple of visits.”

Why Consider Veneers?

There are several reasons people opt for veneers these days:

• Whitening: To permanently whiten teeth that are deeply stained or discolored and don’t respond well to bleaching.
• Worn Enamel: Veneers can cover teeth with eroded enamel, protecting them and improving aesthetics. NOTE TO SELF: Your tooth enamel can thin as a natural part of aging or years of lifestyle choices, which causes your teeth to respond less well to bleaching.
• Shape and Size: To make teeth appear more uniform, veneers are often used to correct teeth that are small, misshapen, or worn down.
• Alignment and Spacing: To close gaps between teeth or make slightly crooked teeth look straighter without braces.
• Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Veneers can restore the appearance of damaged teeth.

But What About Looking Fake?

Dr. Byrd fully addressed one of our main concerns with veneers: what about those big, horsey, chiclet teeth we’ve seen on social media?

Dr. Byrd says it’s a misconception that all veneers are noticeable and look fake. It definitely doesn’t have to be that way ~ that look is either a cosmetic choice or an inexpert clinician. “At Skyview Dentistry, we use several key steps to create natural, custom-designed smiles that look like the best version of you,” she explains.

“That oversized, uniform look you see online happens when veneers are made without studying the patient’s natural smile. One way we avoid that flat, ultra-white look is by using digital scans and 3D imaging to map the shape, size, and contour of your existing teeth, facial structure, and even how you smile when you talk. From there, we can design the veneers with subtle translucency, natural surface texture, and color layering that mimics real enamel.”

For a natural-looking result, Dr. Byrd also recommends avoiding the whitest shades and instead opting for a shade two to three shades lighter than your current shade of teeth. “Most times, with the warmth we will add, the teeth will reflect light the same way natural enamel does.”

A couple of other techniques employed at Skyview Dentistry for the most natural-looking results:

● We’re careful not to over-shave the teeth before placing veneers. That helps them sit flush with your gums and avoids that thick, fake look.

● You don’t have to shave down your whole tooth anymore. Modern porcelain and bonding techniques allow us to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.

● Another misconception is that everyone usually has a full set of veneers. Veneers can be used on as few or as many of your teeth as you would like, so if you only want to have a few teeth covered, we will tint them to match the color of your other teeth so they’ll blend in perfectly.

“Unless you live with dental professionals, no one will know the difference. Our precision-crafted and professionally placed veneers make it virtually impossible to distinguish a veneer from a natural tooth, says Dr. Byrd. “The only thing people will notice is that you tend to smile more than ever.”

What Type of Veneers are for You?

There are three different types of veneers the dentists at Skyview Dentistry work with, depending on your goals:

Porcelain Veneers:

Porcelain is considered the most natural-looking material because it has a similar texture and translucent appearance to natural tooth enamel. They are also very durable and stain-resistant.

CONSIDERATIONS:
i. These are a permanent cosmetic treatment because they require the removal of a layer of tooth enamel to accommodate their placement.
ii. They tend to be more expensive.

Composite Veneers:

Composite veneers are made from a thin layer of composite resin, the same material that is used to fill dental cavities and in dental bonding treatments.

CONSIDERATIONS:
i. These are usually cheaper and ideal “quick fix”
ii. These veneers aren’t quite as durable as porcelain veneers. They absorb stains and need to be replaced on average after about 6 years.

No-Prep Veneers:

With these veneers, your natural teeth will be untouched. Very thin, very customized pieces of porcelain will be bonded to your natural teeth. They’re ideal for younger clients and those with pretty good alignment but want to change the shade or shape of their teeth.

What are the Costs:

Veneers are an investment. Depending on how many teeth you’re treating and what your
goals are, the price can range anywhere from $1500 to $2000 per tooth at Skyview Dentistry. Most patients use financing options so they can pay monthly instead of all at once. The good news is that with proper care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more.

The Skyview Dentistry Veneer Process:

Dr. Byrd explains the process:

During your initial visit, we offer a free consultation where our team will assess whether
veneers are the right choice for you.

a. This will typically involve a dental examination. To qualify for veneers, your teeth
and gums must be healthy. The dentist will also check for any habits, such as teeth grinding, that could potentially damage veneers.
b. From there, we create a recommended treatment plan, cost, and payment plan options.
c. We can also discuss alternatives that might be more cost-effective, such as Invisalign and whitening at that time.

If you decide to move forward, it’s a simple 2-step process:

a. The first step will be to remove a small portion of enamel from the teeth that are
getting veneers so we can ensure they bond to your teeth and won’t stick out.
Then we’ll take scans of your teeth to ensure that the custom-made veneers will
fit perfectly, and collaborate with you to select the ideal shade, ensuring it
complements your unique smile.
b. The second and last step will be to review the new final veneers, checking both
their shape and color against your teeth. If everything meets your expectations,
we will permanently bond them to your teeth.

Are Veneers for You?

Interested in learning more about veneers or how to improve your smile? Make an appointment today for your free consultation at SKYVIEW DENTISTRY with Dr. Byrd, where her approach to dentistry uses a combination of art and science to transform patients’ lives through their smiles. Dr. Byrd is committed to staying at the forefront of dental technology and techniques, ensuring that her patients receive the most modern and effective care available.