Cosmetic analysis
Dr. Lee evaluates tooth proportions, alignment, gum contours, shade, and bite to identify what should actually change.
Dental veneers in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee uses veneers to change the visible shape, proportion, or color of selected front teeth when those goals cannot be reached predictably with whitening or minor contouring alone.
She evaluates tooth structure, gum position, bite relationships, and the overall smile before determining whether a veneer is the appropriate cosmetic restoration.
Cosmetic surface restoration
What can dental veneers change?
A veneer changes the visible facial surface of a tooth while leaving the underlying tooth as the structural foundation.
Dr. Lee considers veneers when the cosmetic goal involves proportion, shape, persistent discoloration, or selected surface defects and when the tooth can support that type of restoration.
- Change visible tooth proportions
- Mask selected discoloration
- Refine shape and symmetry
- Coordinate several front teeth within one smile design
What does veneer treatment involve?
Tooth preparation
The amount of tooth preparation depends on the tooth and the planned restoration. Dr. Lee preserves healthy tooth structure that does not need alteration.
Smile integration
When several visible teeth are involved, the veneers are planned together so proportion, color, and contour are consistent across the smile.
What are the steps to get veneers?
- Define the cosmetic goal. Dr. Lee identifies whether the desired change involves color, shape, proportion, spacing, symmetry, or a combination of factors.
- Evaluate the foundation. She assesses tooth structure, existing restorations, gum position, and bite relationships before recommending veneers.
- Plan the visible result. Tooth proportions and shade are coordinated across the teeth included in the cosmetic design.
- Prepare and record the teeth. The required tooth preparation is completed and the final restorative records are captured.
- Evaluate the final restorations. Dr. Lee reviews fit, contour, contacts, bite, and the relationship of the veneers to the surrounding smile before final placement.
Am I a candidate for veneers?
Custom veneers may be appropriate for adults with healthy teeth and gums who want to change the visible shape, proportion, or color of their front teeth.
If the tooth is heavily damaged, structurally weak, or requires more coverage than a veneer provides, Dr. Lee may recommend a crown or another restorative treatment instead.
When should you consider veneers instead of whitening or bonding?
Veneers become more relevant when the cosmetic goal involves shape or proportion in addition to color, or when discoloration is unlikely to respond well to whitening.
Dr. Lee compares the amount of change needed with the amount of tooth structure each option would alter before recommending treatment.
What affects the cost of dental veneers?
Cost depends on the number of teeth treated, the complexity of the cosmetic design, diagnostic and laboratory requirements, and any dental care needed before veneer treatment. Cosmetic veneers are often not covered by dental insurance.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Cosmetic veneer coverage varies by plan and by whether any part of treatment has a restorative indication.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. Her background in fine art informs her attention to proportion, shade, symmetry, and the overall appearance of your smile when planning your care.
Frequently asked questions
What can veneers change?
Veneers can change the visible shape, proportion, color, and selected spacing relationships of front teeth when the underlying teeth are appropriate for that restoration.
Do veneers require tooth preparation?
The amount of enamel preparation depends on the tooth and the planned veneer or restoration. Dr. Lee plans the preparation to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Are veneers the same as crowns?
No. A veneer covers the visible facial surface of a tooth, while a crown provides broader coverage around a prepared tooth.
Can whitening replace the need for veneers?
Whitening may be enough when color is the primary concern and the natural teeth respond well. Veneers are considered when shape, proportion, surface defects, or nonresponsive discoloration also need to change.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers can change the visible contour of selected teeth, but they do not move tooth roots. Dr. Lee compares cosmetic restoration with orthodontic treatment when alignment is part of the concern.
How do I care for veneers?
Brush and floss normally, keep regular preventive visits, and have changes in bite, looseness, chipping, or gum health evaluated.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.