DentAlign NYC Can Answer Your Questions About Veneers
We all want to have a smile we’re proud to show. DentAlign NYC is here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer numerous dental services to help both the health and appearance of your smile. One of our most popular cosmetic services is the placement of dental veneers at our New York City office. Veneers can help to brighten dull teeth, correct misshapen teeth, and more. Our team can help you enhance your teeth and give you the stunning smile you’ve always wanted. Veneers are an excellent solution for many cosmetic issues. We understand you likely have questions about this treatment process and the results you can achieve, which is why we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and provided the answers here. Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.
WHAT ARE DENTAL VENEERS?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment used to enhance the appearance of the smile. They are essentially thin, durable shells made from a tooth-colored material, which are then bonded to the surface of the natural teeth in order to improve their appearance. Patients often choose to get veneers if they have discolored, misshapen, chipped, uneven, or irregularly spaced teeth.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT VENEER OPTIONS?
Yes, there are two different types of veneer options. You can choose to get porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers. The decision about which option to get is ultimately up to you and will depend on your budget and individual needs. Many people will choose porcelain veneers because they often last longer and produce the most natural appearance once placed. On the other hand, composite resin veneers are a popular choice because they are more cost-effective. However, they will not last as long as porcelain veneers.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF PLACING VENEERS?
The process of placing veneers is performed in multiple steps and requires three separate visits to the dentist before it is fully completed. In most cases, the entire process can be completed within two to three weeks of the first appointment. The process will include the following steps:
- Consultation: You’ll start with a consultation with your dentist. During this first appointment you’ll discuss any goals or concerns, and the dentist can explain how veneers will help you reach those goals. Your dentist may also take X-rays or impressions of your teeth at this time.
- Prepare Teeth: Next the teeth that are to receive veneers will have to be prepared. To do so, a small amount of the tooth structure is removed to make room for the veneer. The dentist will then take an impression of the teeth after they are prepped.
- Temporary Veneers: Once the teeth are fully prepped, we’ll place temporary veneers before you leave the appointment. This will ensure your teeth look presentable until it is time to place the permanent veneers.
- Final Bonding of Veneers: At your final appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed, and the final permanent porcelain veneers will be bonded to the teeth. The veneer process is simpler if you choose to get composite veneers instead of porcelain.
HOW MANY VENEERS WILL I NEED?
Your dentist will help you determine how many veneers you will need to produce the best results. It’s usually best to place an even number of veneers for optimal appearance, so many people choose only two, four, eight, ten, or twelve. In many situations, six veneers are not recommended because making changes to the canines without changing the premolars produces a drastic and unnatural look.
HOW LONG WILL VENEERS LAST?
Veneers typically last between five and ten years but can last even longer with appropriate care. As long as you maintain your veneers with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist, you can expect them to look beautiful for many years. You should plan to have professional cleanings every six months as well as a yearly exam to ensure the best results. Veneers are very strong and should not break under normal daily circumstances. The main reason you may need to replace your veneers is if you experience gum recession and require new veneers to cover the roots.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR VENEERS?
Most patients will make a good candidate for dental veneers. They are a great cosmetic solution if you have stained or chipped teeth or teeth that are misaligned or unevenly spaced. Patients who want to completely makeover their smiles often choose veneers to reach that goal. Once bonded in place, the veneers will cover up any imperfections. On the other hand, if you have extensive tooth decay you won’t make a good candidate for veneers until you fully address the decay. You also may not want to get veneers if you grind your teeth, as this can damage the veneers if you don’t wear a night guard.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR MY VENEERS?
The best way to care for your veneers is the same as how you would care for your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes. You should also floss daily and wear a bite guard at night to protect the veneers. In addition, you’ll want to continue seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. As far as your daily habits, you can help protect the veneers by avoiding incredibly hard foods that could damage the veneers when you bite them.
HOW MUCH DO VENEERS COST?
The cost of veneers will vary greatly depending on which type of veneers you choose and how many veneers you need. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite resin veneers, but will often last longer, making them a worthwhile investment. Our team can give you an estimated cost for your veneers once we learn more about your goals and needs.
ARE THERE FOODS I SHOULD AVOID ONCE I HAVE VENEERS?
For the most part, you can eat all the foods you normally would with veneers. However, in the days following the placement of the veneers, you’ll want to stick mainly to soft foods, until you get used to the new bite position the veneers create. Though you’ll be able to eat almost anything, you’ll want to stay away from especially hard or chewy foods, like ice, hard candies, nuts, popcorn, etc.
HOW DO VENEERS COMPARE TO CROWNS?
Many people compare veneers vs. crowns when they are looking for a way to improve the aesthetics of their smile. Both veneers and crowns can be used to restore and improve the look of natural teeth. The primary difference between the two is that crowns cover the entire tooth whereas veneers are adhered to the front of the tooth. Your dentist can help you decide which option will best align with your needs and goals.
