5 Benefits of Dental Veneers
The dental veneer market is large and growing. This cosmetic oral procedure is popular because:
- Small cosmetic issues could be addressed with veneers
- It is non-invasive
- Care is low maintenance
- Instant results are possible
- Veneers look and feel natural
If you are self-conscious about your smile, call us at 914-941-1639 to determine what options are suitable for you.
What Can Veneers Fix?
A dental veneer is a thin shell that covers a tooth. Think of it as a sticker to mask small aesthetic challenges. A porcelain or composite resin facade could address:
- a structurally sound tooth that is discolored but unable to be treated with teeth whitening
- a small gap between teeth where braces would be overkill
- a small chip
- a tooth that is slightly smaller or misshapen relative to adjacent teeth in the smile area
If there are structural issues, gum disease or cavities, more expansive dental treatment might be required. Otherwise, minor issues within the “smile zone”, typically the top front eight teeth, are good candidates for a non-invasive procedure like veneers.
Are Veneers Painful or Hard to Care For?
There are a few different types of veneers, including:
- composite
- porcelain
- no-prep
- pop-on or removable
Composite resin and porcelain options are permanent. Either material begins with removing a thin layer of enamel to prepare the tooth surface for bonding and fit. Also, a tooth-colored resin could be applied to produce an aesthetic result. Both options are non-porous and do not stain easily.
Permanent veneers usually require two dental visits. The first is to:
- shave up to a half millimeter of enamel
- get a dental impression to prepare custom-made covers
- apply temporary veneers while your permanent ones are being printed
The second visit is to:
- fit your permanent veneers
- make any necessary size or color adjustments for a perfect look and feel
In comparison to porcelain, composites are less expensive and usually require less tooth enamel removal. They typically last 7 – 10 years. Porcelain veneers are strong and have the most natural-looking surface. They tend to last 10 – 15 years.
Some patients experience heightened sensitivity to cold or hot food and beverages for a brief period post procedure. With time, this sensitivity diminishes or goes away. If not, schedule a follow-up with your dentist.
Removable veneers can be like retainers in the sense that they can be put on or off at any time. This product looks great but may impact eating or alter speaking. Lumineers are an example of a removable option. No-prep veneers do not require local anesthetics and can sometimes be completed in a single visit.
Dental veneers shield your natural teeth from consumed food and beverages. To keep them clean, follow good oral hygiene such as brushing twice daily, using antibacterial mouthwash, flossing regularly, and keeping your routine dental cleanings and exams. Refrain from stressing your teeth from chewing ice or using them as a tool, such as a bottle opener. Wear a mouth guard if you play any type of sport where there may be contact.
Do Veneers Feel Like Natural Teeth?
The material used to create veneers are selected to closely resemble and function like natural teeth. Stick to a good oral hygiene routine and avoid staining food and beverages and your veneers will last for years. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, they might be considered elective and not be covered by insurance. In comparison to orthodontics, bridges or crowns, veneers are painless and offer instant results.
Contact Us to Learn More
Would you like to know more about veneers or other cosmetic options? Schedule a visit with Drs. Ehrmann or Kim to determine the best way to achieve your smile makeover. Read what other patients have to say about their experience with us:
At Briarcliff Dental Care, we offer a variety of options in our family dentistry practice and look forward to working with you and other family members in achieving your oral health goals!
