Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you could change something about your smile? Maybe your teeth are stained in a way that whitening can’t fix. Perhaps you have a small chip from an old accident, or a gap between your front teeth that has always made you self-conscious.
For decades, porcelain veneers have been among the most beautiful and durable ways to transform a smile. Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. That’s because high-quality dental porcelain is not only beautiful but also incredibly durable and stain-resistant. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn use only the finest materials and work with master ceramists to ensure your smile makeover stands the test of time.
At West Ashley Family Dentistry, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn combine advanced cosmetic training with a true artist’s eye to create smiles that look natural, feel comfortable, and boost your confidence every single day.
Why Patients Choose Our Porcelain Veneers:
- Natural appearance: Porcelain reflects light just like natural tooth enamel
- Stain-resistant: Coffee, tea, and wine won’t dull your smile
- Durable: With proper care, veneers last 10-15 years or longer
- Quick transformation: Complete your smile makeover in just two visits
- Minimally invasive: Only a thin layer of enamel is removed
- Customized for you: Each veneer is handcrafted to match your facial features
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Think of a veneer like a custom-made, ultra-thin shell for your tooth. It’s crafted from high-grade dental porcelain in a professional lab to match your color, shape, and size perfectly. Once bonded to the front of your tooth, it completely transforms its appearance.
Porcelain is a special material. It reflects light just like natural tooth enamel, so your smile will never look fake or “flat.” It’s also incredibly durable and stain-resistant, so your new smile stays bright for years.
Veneers are a permanent restoration because a tiny amount of enamel is gently removed from your tooth to make room for them. This ensures they look natural and feel smooth, not bulky. They can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including:
- Stubborn discoloration that does not respond to whitening
- Small gaps between teeth (diastemas)
- Teeth that are misshapen, crooked, or too small
- Teeth worn down by age or grinding
- Chipped, cracked, or slightly broken teeth
Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers may be right for you if you have:
- Teeth that are permanently stained or discolored (even after professional whitening)
- Small chips, cracks, or worn edges
- Gaps between your teeth that you’ve always wanted to close
- Teeth that are slightly misaligned, misshapen, or too small
- A smile that doesn’t feel like “you” anymore
The best candidates have healthy gums and enough enamel to support the veneers. If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a night guard to protect your investment. During your consultation, Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will evaluate your oral health and discuss whether veneers or an alternative is right for you.
Why Choose Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn for Your Veneers?
Creating a smile with porcelain veneers is part science, part art. It requires a deep understanding of facial proportions, tooth anatomy, and how light interacts with surfaces. It also requires a gentle touch and an eye for natural beauty.
Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn have both pursued advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and smile design. They don’t just look at your teeth in isolation. They consider your overall facial features, your personality, and your goals. We take the time to understand what you don’t like about your current smile and what you hope to see when you look in the mirror.
Their training at the Dawson Academy also means they look at your bite and jaw health before starting any cosmetic work. This comprehensive approach is crucial. A beautiful smile must also be a healthy, stable smile that functions properly. They want your new veneers to last and to feel great, not just look great.
Dr. Lynn also served as a faculty member at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine until 2015, bringing advanced teaching experience and clinical expertise to every smile she designs.
Real Results; Real Smiles.
Patient Review
“Dr. Dickert is fabulous! I had only a limited time in town and reached out to cosmetically replace my veneers on two top teeth. Dr. Dickert explained the procedure each step of the way, talked through the different options, and was very accommodating. He took the time to make sure I understood each step and asked my opinion on the shaping and placement of the veneers, which was a relief! I can tell that Dr. Dickert and his staff are highly motivated and passionate about their work which made my time enjoyable. The team is extraordinarily knowledgeable, friendly, and lead me to a bigger and brighter smile! I would HIGHLY recommend WA Family Dentistry for any of your dental needs.”
Seeing is believing. View our smile gallery to see real before-and-after photos of patients who have transformed their smiles with porcelain veneers at West Ashley Family Dentistry.
Your Veneers Journey: From Consultation to New Smile
We believe in clear communication every step of the way. Here is what you can expect when you choose to transform your smile with us.
Step 1: Your Smile Consultation
Your journey starts with a conversation. You will sit down with Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn to discuss exactly what you would like to change. They will listen to your concerns and closely examine your teeth and gums to ensure that veneers are the right option for you.
This is also your chance to ask any questions you have. We want you to feel informed and excited about the possibilities.
Step 2: Designing Your Smile
Once we decide to move forward, the next step is preparation. Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will gently prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel, about the thickness of the veneer itself. This ensures your new smile will fit perfectly and feel completely natural.
We will then take digital images and precise impressions of your teeth. These are sent to a master dental ceramist who will craft your custom veneers. In the meantime, we can provide you with temporary veneers so you can walk around with a beautiful smile while you wait for your permanent ones.
Step 3: Placing Your New Smile
When your custom veneers are ready, you will come back to our Charleston, SC, dental office on St. Andrews Boulevard for the big reveal. We will place each veneer on your tooth first to check the fit, color, and shape. We want you to love what you see. Once you and Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn are both happy, we will bond them permanently to your teeth using a strong, specialized adhesive.
The result is a smile that’s brighter, more uniform, and uniquely yours. Patients often tell us they can’t stop smiling after we place their veneers.
Pain & Recovery: What to Expect
Most patients report little to no discomfort during the veneer process. We use local anesthesia during the preparation phase, so you won’t feel pain. Some patients experience mild tooth sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days after the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly.
Your mouth may take a few days to adjust to your new veneers. This is normal! Within a week, most patients forget they even have veneers because they feel so smooth and natural. If your bite feels off at any point, just let us know, and we can make a small adjustment to ensure perfect comfort.
Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
The best part about veneers is that they don’t need any special, complicated care. You treat them just like your natural teeth, with a few simple tips in mind.
- Brush and floss daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Keeping your gums healthy is the key to making your veneers last.
- Keep up with your regular dental checkups. We will check your veneers at each visit to ensure they are in great shape and that your gums are healthy.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools. Don’t bite your nails, open packages, or chew on ice or hard candy. This is good advice for all your teeth, but especially for protecting the edges of your veneers.
- Consider a night guard if you grind your teeth. If you wake up with a sore jaw or your partner mentions you grind at night, let us know. A custom night guard can protect your veneers and your natural teeth from wear.
Nervous About Dental Work? You’re Not Alone.
Many patients feel anxious about cosmetic dental procedures, especially if they’ve had bad experiences in the past. At West Ashley Family Dentistry, we’re experienced at helping nervous patients feel comfortable and at ease.
- Gentle numbing techniques: We use a topical gel before injections and go at your pace
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Helps you relax while staying awake and aware
- Calming environment: A warm, welcoming office designed with your comfort in mind
- Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn’s gentle approach: Patients consistently describe them as “caring” and “non-judgmental.”
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through your smile makeover. We’ll help you relax.
Your Investment in a Confident Smile
Porcelain veneers are an investment in your confidence, your appearance, and your quality of life. The cost varies based on the number of veneers and the complexity of your case.
Estimated range per veneer: $1,200 – $2,500
Note: Porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, so most dental insurance plans do not cover them. However, we make your smile makeover affordable through:
- CareCredit financing: Low and no-interest payment plans available
- In-house payment arrangements: Flexible options for qualified patients
- Complimentary insurance verification: We’ll help you understand your benefits
During your consultation, we will provide a clear estimate with no hidden fees or surprises. Your dream smile is closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do veneers look fake?
Not at all. In fact, the goal is for people to notice your smile looks amazing without being able to pinpoint why. High-quality dental porcelain mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn work with expert ceramists to ensure your veneers have the right translucency, color variation, and shape to blend in perfectly with your smile.
Can I get just one veneer?
Yes, absolutely. Many patients come to us with a single tooth that’s chipped, discolored, or oddly shaped. A single veneer can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth so it blends in seamlessly. It’s a great option for fixing that one tooth that has always bothered you.
Will my veneers stain over time?
Porcelain is highly stain-resistant, one of its best qualities. The bonding agent used to attach them can sometimes pick up color over many years, but this is rare. The most common cause of discoloration is plaque buildup around the edges of the veneer. Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings will keep your veneers looking bright.
Will they feel weird when I talk or eat?
There’s usually a very short adjustment period, just like when you get a new crown or dental work. Your mouth is incredibly adaptable. Within a few days, most patients forget they even have veneers because they feel smooth and natural. If your bite feels off at all after placement, just let us know, and we can make a small adjustment.
How long will my veneers last?
With good dental care and at-home maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer. They are a durable, long-term investment in your smile. We have patients whose veneers have lasted 20 years or more with the right care. Regular checkups help us monitor them and plan for any future care.
What if I grind my teeth at night?
If you grind your teeth, we strongly recommend a custom night guard to protect your veneers. Grinding can cause premature wear, chipping, or cracking. We’ll evaluate your bite during your consultation and let you know whether a night guard is recommended.
Ready to Love Your Smile?
You don’t have to hide your smile any longer. Porcelain veneers can give you the confidence to laugh freely, speak up, and smile in every photo.
Call West Ashley Family Dentistry today at (843) 371-5480 to schedule your cosmetic consultation. You can also request an appointment online.
Proudly serving Charleston, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, James Island, Daniel Island, and all across the Lowcountry.