Are porcelain veneers a permanent cosmetic solution?

Because a small amount of enamel is removed, veneers are considered a long-term or permanent cosmetic treatment. If a shell becomes damaged or wears down after many years of use, it will need to be replaced to keep your underlying tooth protected and looking its best.

How do I properly care for my new smile after treatment?

Caring for your porcelain surfaces is just like looking after natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit Dr. Mathison for routine cleanings and evaluations. It is also wise to avoid biting down directly on hard objects like ice cubes, hard candy, or pen caps to protect the ceramic edges from chipping.

Does getting porcelain veneers hurt?

The comfort of our patients is a top priority at Brian C. Mathison DDS, Family Dentistry. The surface preparation process is highly conservative, and localized numbing options are used to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout your visit. Most individuals report nothing more than minor, temporary tooth sensitivity to temperature for a few days following the placement appointment.

Can veneers fix noticeably crooked teeth?

If you deal with severe alignment or bite issues, traditional orthodontic care may be recommended first. However, for minor crowding, slight rotations, or small gaps, porcelain shells can create a beautifully uniform appearance. This capability is why many people refer to this advanced cosmetic treatment as "instant orthodontics."

Clear Aligners

Skip To:

Reveal a More Confident Smile with Custom Dental Veneers

Your smile is often one of the first things people notice, and even small imperfections can affect how you feel about sharing it. If chipped, stained, uneven, or worn teeth are keeping you from smiling with confidence, dental veneers may provide a beautiful solution.

At Brian C. Mathison DDS, Family Dentistry, Dr. Brian Mathison uses custom tooth veneers to enhance the appearance of your smile while maintaining a natural look. With a commitment to helping patients achieve their smile goals, our team is proud to provide cosmetic dentistry services that can create lasting improvements.

Call 701-356-3999 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from West Fargo, Moorhead, and Dilworth who are looking to enhance their smiles. 3D Model of Porcelain Veneer Placement

A Trusted Fargo Dental Practice Since 2002

Choosing a dentist for cosmetic care requires finding someone with deep roots in the community and a long history of clinical reliability. Dr. Brian Mathison has spent over two decades serving families throughout the region, building a reputation based on honesty, transparency, and gentle dental care.

Conveniently located at 4742 Amber Valley Pkwy SW, our office provides easy access for residents and those driving in from surrounding areas. By choosing a local professional who understands the specific values of our community, you receive a higher tier of accountability and support throughout your treatment journey.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells crafted from premium porcelain or durable composite resin. Veneers bond directly to the visible front surfaces of your teeth, improving their appearance and creating a more uniform smile.

What Can Dental Veneers Correct?

One of the greatest features of this cosmetic treatment is its remarkable versatility. Instead of undergoing multiple independent procedures to address different cosmetic concerns, you can fix several imperfections at the same time.

Tooth Discoloration: Certain stains caused by internal tooth trauma, old fillings, or prescription medications can resist even the strongest professional teeth whitening gels. Veneers cover these deep discolorations with a bright, uniform shade.
Chipped, Cracked, or Worn Teeth: Years of grinding, accidental bumps, or general wear can leave teeth with uneven, jagged edges. Custom porcelain shells restore the missing tooth structure and reestablish a youthful shape.
Gaps and Spacing Issues: If you feel self-conscious about noticeable spaces or small gaps between your front teeth, veneers fill those voids instantly, creating a beautifully continuous smile line.
Minor Alignment and Crowding: For teeth that are slightly turned, uneven, or slightly crowded, porcelain restorations can correct the symmetry.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Exceptional Stain Resistance

Unlike natural enamel or composite bonding, high-grade dental porcelain is non-porous. This specialized surface composition means it actively repels stains from dark liquids and foods. Your upgraded smile will stay bright, even if you regularly enjoy your morning coffee or tea.

Incredible Strength and Durability

Once bonded directly to your natural tooth structure, the ceramic becomes immensely strong. With routine hygiene, these shells may last between 10 and 15 years, providing long-term structural integrity.

A Natural Look and Feel

Dr. Mathison meticulously plans the shape and translucency of each shell to match your natural facial features. The final result blends seamlessly with your remaining teeth, meaning your friends and coworkers will notice a beautiful smile rather than a dental treatment.

What to Expect During Your Dental Veneer Appointment

The Preparation Visit

After a comprehensive consultation to design your ideal look, the preparation appointment begins. Dr. Mathison gently removes a highly conservative layer of enamel from the front of the teeth—often less than a millimeter—to ensure the new shells do not look bulky or thick.

Next, our team uses digital scanning technology to capture a highly accurate three-dimensional impression of your teeth. These digital files travel to a premier dental laboratory where technicians custom-craft each piece. Before you leave, temporary covers are often placed to keep your teeth comfortable while your porcelain is being fabricated.

The Placement Visit

Once your custom porcelain arrives at our Fargo dental practice, you return for your final placement. Dr. Mathison places each shell over your teeth to review the fit, shape, and color match, making any micro-adjustments needed right there in the chair.

After clearing the tooth surface, a specialized liquid adhesive is applied, and a high-intensity curing light hardens the bond in seconds, locking your new smile into place.

Aftercare Tips and Guidelines for Dental Veneers

Your investment deserves the highest level of care. Following simple daily habits helps keep your porcelain looking brilliant and feeling secure for years to come. patient in dental chair with beautiful smile

Use a Non-Abrasive Fluoride Toothpaste: Avoid whitening toothpastes that feature harsh baking soda or abrasive scrubbing particles, as these can create microscopic scratches on the polished porcelain glaze over time.
Protect Against Impact: Never use your teeth as tools to rip open plastic packaging, crack nuts, or chew on pen caps. If you participate in local sports or recreational activities, always wear a protective athletic mouthguard.
Commit to Daily Flossing: While the porcelain shell cannot decay, the natural tooth structure underneath it is still vulnerable to plaque. Consistent flossing at the gumline prevents decay along the margins of the restoration.

Dental Veneers in Fargo, ND