Do you have chipped, cracked, or broken teeth? Many people do, but it can sometimes seem like everyone else has sparkly white, seemingly perfect teeth. But here is the secret: while some people are blessed with great teeth, a large portion of people actually have porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are one of the simplest approaches to improving your smile. They look like natural teeth, but they are actually just thin layers of porcelain that cover imperfections and get placed over the front of your teeth. They may be thin, but they are strong and built to last.
If you’re thinking about porcelain veneers, here’s what you need to know.
You Will Enjoy a Natural Looking Smile
Each porcelain veneer is crafted in a lab to match the natural look of your smile. We can match the color and shape of your veneer or veneers to the rest of your teeth so everything looks like it belongs. If you want whiter teeth, then we can use a combination of teeth whitening and veneers to give your entire smile a sparkly clean appearance.
Ultimately, we will work with you to design the smile you want. We will ensure the veneers blend so well with the rest of your teeth that no one can tell the difference…not even you!
What Issues Veneers can Solve
Porcelain veneers are ideal for several common cosmetic issues. Essentially, they act like a mask for your teeth. Most people who choose to have veneers will get them over their front two teeth, as well as several other upper teeth that show when you smile.
If you want to fix any of the following, then porcelain veneers could be right for you:
- Chipped or worn down teeth
- Stained teeth that can’t be helped by whitening or bleaching
- Misshapen teeth
- Large gaps in between your teeth
If your teeth are rotting or require a complete replacement, then porcelain veneers are probably not the solution. You cannot simply mask rotting teeth, and so you might require a solution like dental implants. Your dentist can help you determine the best path forward for your situation.
The Process of Placing Veneers
Placing porcelain veneers is simple and involves the following steps:
- We remove about one millimeter of enamel from each tooth’s surface. This creates space for placing the veneers.
- Next, we take an impression of the teeth and form a mold.
- Then, we send the mold with detailed instructions to the dental laboratory. Your custom restorations are created for the best appearance, fit, bite and speech function.
- After about a week, and once the veneers are prepared, we will bond them to your teeth. We create a strong bond and ensure the veneers will endure.
Throughout the process, we strive to keep you comfortable. Patients typically only need two visits to receive their veneers. During the first visit, we remove the enamel and take the moldings. We then place the veneers during the second visit.
Veneers are Permanent
Porcelain veneers are irreversible because we must remove some of the enamel on the front of your teeth in order to apply the veneer. If they somehow fall off, then they will need to be replaced.
Fortunately, they’re also extremely durable, which means they will last a long time. For most patients, this is a very good thing. If you’re going to invest in dental work, it’s nice to know that it will last.
Some patients are concerned, however, that it’s an irreversible procedure. You must decide if you’re happy with that because, once the veneers are bonded to the tooth, you won’t be able to take them off. Fortunately, we design and place the veneers in such a way that our patients love the way their veneers look and they don’t want to remove them!
Bad Habits can Damage Veneers
Although veneers are strong, they can be damaged by bad habits like grinding teeth, chewing ice, or biting your fingernails. If you struggle with those habits, you’ll need to change them. Talking to your dentist is a good start. We have plenty of tips and tricks to help. We can even provide a dental guard to prevent damage to your veneers if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
We Offer Porcelain Veneers
The last thing you need to know is that we have extensive experience in providing patients with porcelain veneers. Dr. Bram is a leading cosmetic dentist in New York, and passionate about working with patients to give them a great smile.
If you’re thinking about porcelain veneers and you’re in or near the Bayside, NY area, then contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll discuss your needs, answer your questions, and work to create the smile you’ve always wanted.
