If you want to radically transform your smile in a short time, veneers are ideal. While veneers aren't well-suited for everyone, if your teeth and gums are in good shape but you're unhappy with how they look, veneers are one of the best cosmetic solutions available. If you're thinking about getting veneers to improve your smile, here's what you should know.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers are used to cover over cosmetic flaws in your natural teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are thin resin or porcelain shells that curve over the bottoms and sides of your teeth to give them a natural appearance. Porcelain veneers not only look natural, but are also long-lasting, strong, and stain-resistant.
Porcelain veneers are designed by your dentist and then fabricated by a skilled technician at a dental laboratory. Your veneers are painstakingly shaded and sized to match the rest of your teeth, ensuring that they blend in seamlessly.
What can veneers correct?
Veneers are a versatile solution that can be used to correct a wide range of aesthetic imperfections, including:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Uneven lengths or shapes
- Gaps between two teeth
- Minor tooth misalignments
- Abnormal wear caused by jaw clenching or grinding
- Stains and discoloration
What happens when you get veneers?
We start by taking digital impressions of your teeth and bite so that we can construct a 3D model of your smile on our computer. This model is used to create your custom-made veneers and predict how they will interact with the rest of your teeth when you bite and chew.
You'll return to our office once the dental lab fabricates your veneers and sends them to us, then we will bond them to your teeth. A very small portion of enamel is removed, then a bonding solution is used to attach the veneers. Your dentist will use a specialized light to cure, or harden, the bonding, then you can leave our office and enjoy your beautiful new smile!
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Many patients mistakenly believe that before a veneer can be applied, all of their natural tooth's enamel must be removed. This isn’t true; only a small portion of your enamel is removed to make room for the veneers to fit comfortably, and this has no effect on the health or overall structure of your teeth.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years, or even longer with proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings. Although the veneers themselves are not vulnerable to cavities, the teeth under them can still suffer tooth decay, so brush twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day to minimize this risk.
Learn more about veneers
If you’re considering veneers and you’d like to learn more about them, contact us today at 212-532-1400 .