Thinking about getting dental veneers? This guide covers the basics. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror wishing your teeth were whiter, more even, or a bit straighter – you’re not alone.
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic procedure that people consider for teeth restoration and to improve the appearance of their teeth. With the guidance of a trusted dentist at a professional dental office like Studio Smiles NYC, veneers can provide a natural-looking solution for different cosmetic concerns, including chipped teeth and small gaps.
What are Dental Veneers and Why Do People Choose Them?
Dental veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can change the color and size of teeth, shape them, and also help to restore the aesthetic of natural tooth enamel. They can also be used for minor corrections, to hide imperfections such as a chipped or cracked tooth, or to remove dental plaque. These shells are custom-made to fit your mouth, ensure natural-looking teeth, and protect underlying tooth enamel.
Common Reasons People Choose Veneers
People choose spacing veneers for different reasons. Some want to fix discoloration that does not respond well to teeth whitening, while others want to correct chipped, worn, or uneven teeth. Additionally, veneers can help improve spacing, such as minor misalignment or small gaps between teeth.
Are Dental Veneers Right for Everyone’s Oral Health?
Although spacing veneers can be very effective for improving teeth and achieving white teeth, they may not be suitable for every situation. According to the American Dental Association, good gum tissue health and a stable bite are important considerations for this treatment.
Also, people with active cavities or gum disease may need to address these issues before considering dental veneers. You can schedule a consultation with our dentist, and they will assess your oral and general health to ensure veneers are a safe option for you.
The Two Main Types of Dental Veneers
There are two common types of veneers that are relatively comparable. These are porcelain veneers and composite veneers. While both can improve teeth, they differ in material, durability, and cost. Let’s explain both briefly.
Porcelain Veneers for a Natural Looking Smile
Also called extremely strong porcelain, these are created from high-quality veneers. They are known for their natural translucency, which closely mimics natural tooth enamel, giving a natural-looking smile. Once bonded, permanent veneers provide a long-term solution for improving the appearance of teeth.
Types of Porcelain Veneers
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
These are long-lasting and durable. They involve removing enamel for a custom fit. Veneers are permanent and deliver natural color with shades ranging across natural tooth tones. They are a good choice to shape teeth and for major teeth makeovers or slight corrections.
No Prep Veneers
These are also known as minimal prep veneers because they require slight enamel scraping, which preserves the structure of your teeth.
Snap On Veneers
These are removable veneers and are sometimes called pop on veneers. Removable veneers fit snugly over existing teeth without bonding, and are a great temporary treatment to enhance your new smile.
Composite Veneers
Also known as composite resin veneers, these are made from resin composite materials. They can be applied directly to the back teeth in a single visit or fabricated in a dental lab. While they are less durable than porcelain, they are more affordable and require minimal enamel scraping. This makes them suitable for no prep veneers or temporary veneers.
What’s the Difference between Porcelain Veneers and Composite Resin Veneers?
Dental porcelain generally lasts longer and resists stains from foods and drinks better than its composite counterpart. Composite may require more maintenance over time, but can often be repaired more easily if chipped. However, the choice depends on your new smile goals, good gum tissue health, and how long you want the veneers to last. You can discuss with our dentist to know the resilience comparable of both in relation to your expectations.
Which Veneer Option Might be a Better Fit for You?
Deciding between extremely strong porcelain and composite for your teeth involves considering cost, durability, and your current smile. Dental porcelain tends to offer a more permanent solution with stronger stain resistance, while composite may be a preferred option because it is less invasive and a temporary fix.
Consulting with a skilled dentist at Studio Smiles NYC ensures your chosen option aligns with your oral and general health needs and aesthetic goals.
What is the Process of Getting Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneer placement on the teeth usually starts with a dental consultation and a review of dental health. Next, a thin layer of tooth enamel is gently removed to allow a perfect fit. Impressions and images of your current smile are taken and sent to a skilled dental laboratory for fabrication.
Next, custom-made shells are bonded to your teeth with dental cement. During the few weeks it takes for the lab to complete your veneers, some patients may be fitted with temporary veneers.
How long do the Dental Procedures take?
The process generally takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on the number of teeth and the complexity of the case. Permanent veneers require skilled dental laboratory fabrication, which adds to the timeline compared to composite, which can often be done in a single appointment.
What to Expect After Your Veneers Placement
After placement, veneers may feel slightly different at first. The patient often notices a minor change in bite or sensitivity to temperature. These sensations usually fade as your teeth adjust. Following our dentist’s instructions for care and maintenance helps to protect both the veneers and natural tooth enamel.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Usually Last?
Dental porcelain can last 10-15 years, or even longer with proper care. Composites typically have a shorter lifespan but can still provide an effective cosmetic solution for many years. Good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like biting crunchy foods or grinding habits help to extend the life of your veneers. \
How do you Maintain your Veneers?
Maintaining your dental veneers includes gentle brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular checkups. Also, avoid excessive pressure from grinding or chewing hard foods, and you may use night guards, especially if you have grinding habits.
Final Thoughts
Veneers are primarily a cosmetic procedure and do not treat underlying dental disease. Before choosing this procedure, it is important to understand the types available, long-term maintenance, and realistic expectations to enable you to make an informed decision. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified dentist at Studio Smiles NYC to get started on the journey to improving your oral health.
FAQs
Can Veneers Stain or Chip Over Time?
While porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than composite, no veneer is completely immune to damage. Composite veneers are more prone to staining from foods and drinks, but can be repaired more easily. Regular checkups can help detect any issues early.
Are Dental Veneers Considered Permanent?
Traditional permanent veneers require enamel removal, which makes them a long-lasting but not fully reversible option. Composite can sometimes be adjusted or replaced more easily, depending on the situation.
What is the Difference Between No Prep Veneers and Traditional Veneers?
No prep veneers require little or no enamel scraping, which preserves natural tooth enamel. Traditional permanent veneers involve the removal of a thin layer of enamel to enable a custom fit.