Porcelain Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth that are stained, badly shaped, or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly and help you achieve a beautiful smile!
Please call Marc B. Gainor, DMD, MAGD Phone Number 212-246-1333 for any questions about dental veneers or to schedule an appointment.
Will They Look Like Normal Teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
How Durable Are Porcelain Veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Gainor will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
The Procedure
This procedure will require three appointments:
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Gainor will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.
Preparation
The second appointment will take one to three hours. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the added thickness. Approximately one half of a millimeter of tooth is removed. This may require little or no local anesthesia.
Then a mold is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication. In some cases, temporary veneer will be placed at this time. The permanent veneer should be ready in approximately one to two weeks.
Bonding
At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Gainor will first place the veneer on your teeth with water or glycerin to check the fit and color. At this point, the color of the veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is determined and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleaned with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement. This appointment takes approximately one to two hours.
Care & Follow-Up
Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.
Maintenance Of Your New Veneers
Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by doing so. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will insure the best aesthetic success of your veneer.
You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate in one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists, please call the office.
If you are a known clencher (bruxer), please be sure to let us know. Dr. Gainor may recommend a nightguard or bite appliance for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Smile?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!
Dental Veneers Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental veneers cost?
The final cost of dental veneers depends on how many veneers you have placed and the materials used. Dr. Marc Gainor, D.M.D., M.A.G.D. uses porcelain veneers to enhance and correct his patients’ smiles. They are more durable and last longer than composite resin veneers. While porcelain is a bit more expensive, it lasts longer and resembles your natural teeth more closely.
How long do teeth veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last more than ten years, with some lasting for decades.
Do dental veneers damage your teeth?
Porcelain veneers do not damage your teeth. Although we remove a thin layer of your tooth enamel to make room for the veneers and ensure they bond securely. This does not harm the teeth because we only remove an extremely thin layer and then cover the area with the veneer. The veneers are attached with a biocompatible bonding cement to ensure complete adhesion that lasts for years. The result is teeth that are more protected from environmental stressors and staining than they were before the veneers were added.
What are the advantages of veneers?
- Veneers look and feel like your natural teeth.
- Porcelain veneers do not stain, so they stay white and bright.
- Veneers can correct minor imperfections such as chipped teeth or gaps between teeth.
- Veneers are a non-invasive and inexpensive way to improve your smile.
- Dental veneers do not require special care; brush them like you do your natural teeth.
- You can use veneers on just your front, visible teeth for a cost-effective way to improve your smile.
Do veneers require special care?
If you clench or grind your teeth, veneers may not be the best option for improving your smile. If you floss daily and brush your teeth twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste, your veneers will last for years. However, you should not bite your fingernails or chew ice, as these habits can lead to cracks or chips in your veneers. You should also have a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year.
Are veneers good for your teeth?
Dental veneers can improve your appearance if you have stained, cracked, or chipped teeth while protecting the teeth from additional damage.
Are veneers permanent?
They are not considered a permanent solution, but they last for years. While you may lose a veneer after ten years or more, some people have veneers that last a lifetime. Porcelain is a highly durable material and is not prone to chipping, splitting, or cracking.
Dr. Gainor can answer any of your questions about porcelain dental veneers and how they can give you a dazzling smile. Please call Marc B. Gainor, DMD, MAGD Phone Number 212-246-1333 to make an appointment at our New York, New York office to learn more about dental veneers and start the process toward a whiter, brighter smile today.