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A man smiling in front of a blue mirror case, admiring his new veneers at a dental clinic

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers, alternatively termed dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front of compromised teeth. Dental veneers create cosmetic and functional improvements to teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, and or misaligned.

Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for cosmetic dental treatments because they are highly durable and long-lasting. They are also less invasive than other cosmetic dental treatments, such as dental implants or braces.

veneers

What are the advantages of porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers offer many benefits for those looking to enhance their smile, including:

  • Natural appearance: Porcelain veneers are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth, so you can enjoy a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
  • Stain resistance: Porcelain is highly resistant to stains, so your veneers will stay looking bright and white for years to come.
  • Long-lasting: With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years or more.
  • Minimal tooth preparation: Unlike other cosmetic dental treatments, such as dental implants or braces, porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation and are less invasive.
  • Versatility: Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, from discolored teeth to gaps between teeth.

What is the porcelain veneer treatment procedure?

  • About half a millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface will be removed, which is an amount equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Smile DD Studio will then make a model or impression of your tooth.
  • Smile DD Studio will evaluate your existing teeth and create a design to best compliment your smile and bite. We will send this design and the impression to professional dental laboratory technicians, who will custom-make your veneer. During this time Smile DD Studio will place a temporary natural-looking filling on your tooth.
  • Once your custom veneer is ready, we will fit the veneer onto your tooth surface to confirm that the veneer is the perfect color and shape for your smile.
  • Special cement is applied and the veneer is placed on your tooth. Once properly positioned, Smile DD Studio will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer. This activates chemicals in the cement causing it to harden and bond very quickly.
  • The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite, and making any final adjustments to the veneer as necessary. Smile DD Studio may ask you to return in a couple of weeks to follow up on your beautiful new smile.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

Porcelain veneers are a great option for many people looking to enhance their smile, but they may not be right for everyone. During your consultation with Dr. A, he will evaluate your teeth and gums and discuss your goals for treatment to determine if porcelain veneers are the best option for you. Factors that may affect your candidacy for porcelain veneers include:

  • Oral health: You must have good oral health before undergoing any cosmetic dental treatment, including porcelain veneers. If you have gum disease or other oral health issues, these must be addressed before veneers can be placed.
  • Tooth structure: Porcelain veneers require a certain amount of tooth structure to be removed, so if you have very thin or weak teeth, they may not be the best option for you. In these cases, Dr. A may recommend a different cosmetic dental treatment.
    • Bite issues: If you have significant bite issues, such as an overbite or underbite, porcelain veneers may not be the best option for you. In these cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary before veneers can be placed.
    • Personal goals: It’s important to have realistic goals for your porcelain veneers. While they can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, they are not a solution for all dental issues. During your consultation, Dr. A can discuss what you can expect from the treatment and help you determine if it’s right for you.

Porcelain Veneers Aftercare

After your porcelain veneers have been placed, it’s important to take good care of them to ensure they last as long as possible. This includes:

  • Brushing and flossing regularly: Just like your natural teeth, porcelain veneers need to be brushed and flossed regularly to keep them clean and healthy.
  • Avoiding certain foods and drinks: While porcelain is highly stain-resistant, it’s still important to avoid certain foods and drinks in excess that can cause stains, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
  • Wearing a night guard: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, Dr. A may recommend wearing a night guard to protect your veneers and prevent damage.
  • Regular dental check-ups: It’s important to see Dr. A regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure your veneers are in good condition and your overall oral health is maintained.

Alternatives To Porcelain Veneers

At Smile Design Dental Studio, we understand that each patient’s needs and preferences are unique. While porcelain veneers are a popular choice for transforming smiles, they may not be suitable for everyone. That’s why we offer various alternatives:

  • Composite Bonding: This is a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to veneers. Composite resin is applied and sculpted on the teeth to improve the appearance of your smile.
  • Dental Crowns: For teeth that require more extensive restoration or protection, dental crowns are an excellent option. They cover the entire tooth and can be made to match your natural teeth color.
  • Orthodontics: For issues related to teeth alignment or spacing, braces or clear aligners can be effective solutions.
  • Teeth Whitening: For patients looking to simply brighten their smile, professional teeth whitening can be a great alternative.

Each of these options has its advantages and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals for your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer. Their longevity depends on good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits that can damage the veneers, such as biting on hard objects or grinding your teeth.

Porcelain veneers are considered a semi-permanent dental procedure. This is because a small amount of tooth enamel usually needs to be removed to accommodate the veneer. Once this enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced, making the procedure irreversible.

Caring for porcelain veneers involves the same good oral hygiene practices as for natural teeth: regular brushing and flossing, avoiding biting hard objects, and regular dental check-ups. Although veneers are stain-resistant, it’s still a good idea to limit stain-causing foods and drinks.

Yes, one of the primary benefits of porcelain veneers is their natural appearance. Dr. Aguebor will ensure that your veneers are matched in color and shape to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Veneers are not suitable for everyone. Patients with conditions like severe tooth decay, gum disease, or who have insufficient enamel on their teeth may not be good candidates for veneers. Dr. Aguebor can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.

Getting veneers typically involves three steps: the initial consultation, preparation of the teeth, and the application of the veneers. During the consultation, Dr. Aguebor will discuss your goals and examine your teeth. The teeth are then prepared, and impressions are taken. Finally, the veneers are created and bonded to your teeth.

The cost of porcelain veneers varies based on several factors, including the number of veneers and the specific needs of the patient. At Smile Design Dental Studio, we provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.

Yes, once your veneers are applied and fully set, you can eat normally. However, it’s recommended to avoid extremely hard foods or using your teeth to open packaging to prolong the life of your veneers.

The veneer procedure is typically not painful. Some patients may experience slight sensitivity or discomfort during the tooth preparation phase, but this is usually minimal and temporary.

Choose Dr. A for Your Porcelain Veneers in Manhattan, NY

If you’re considering porcelain veneers in Manhattan, Dr. A is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to patient satisfaction, he can help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a more confident, beautiful smile.