Smile with Veneers On

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of the teeth to enhance one’s appearance and smile. These are used to change the color, shape, length, or size of the teeth and fix several different dental complaints. While some get one veneer in case of a broken or chipped tooth, others may get six to eight veneers to get an even, symmetrical smile. The front eight teeth of the upper jaw are most commonly fixed with veneers.

Types of Veneers

Two of the most commonly chosen veneer types are described below. Discuss with your dentist the type of veneer that would best suit your tooth condition and issue.

Porcelain Veneers: These veneers are custom-made in the lab and made to fit on a single tooth. They are strong, last long, and don’t stain easily. They can be made to match the natural color of the patient’s teeth. Very little tooth enamel would be removed in order to place a porcelain veneer when compared to crowns and caps.

Composite Resin Veneers: This type of veneer is made from a filling material of the color of the tooth that is made to bond with the tooth. These veneers cost less than porcelain veneers and are not as strong as porcelain veneers but can be repaired quickly and easily. They can be fitted easily and may sometimes take only a single visit to the dentist. Less tooth enamel would have to be removed to place a composite resin veneer.

Why Do You Need Veneers?

In most cases, dental veneers are used for cosmetic reasons to give a brighter smile with a set of perfectly aligned white teeth. A few of the most common reasons for getting veneers are:

• Unusually shaped teeth
• Severe discoloration that cannot be fixed with whitening
• Small teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth

How are Veneers Placed?

Getting a veneer may take about two to three trips to the dentist. This is how the treatment unfolds:

• During the first visit, the patient explains their desire. The dentist examines the teeth manually and sometimes uses X-rays and impressions. He or she will then suggest the most suitable type of dental veneer.
• The dentist will then reshape the tooth surface to perfectly accommodate the veneer. Then, he or she will take an impression and send the model to the dental laboratory to have the veneer prepared. Temporary veneers may be provided in the meantime.
• The tooth is prepared to be cemented with the veneer by undergoing cleaning, polishing, and etching. Then, a special cement is applied to the veneer and fixed to the tooth. A special light beam is then used to stimulate the chemicals in the cement to ensure a proper fit. Any excess cement on the teeth is cleaned, and the bite is adjusted if needed.
• Veneers are long-lasting dental appliances and can withstand wear and tear for about a decade. They provide a natural appearance of a tooth - instilling the wearer with new-found confidence with a brand-new smile.

Do you wish to replace your dark teeth with white veneers? Or do you have a chipped or misshapen tooth that needs fixing? Call us at (718) 447-4510 or schedule an appointment with us today for a consultation.