Porcelain veneers make spectacular smiles possible
It may be surprising to learn that in a recent national survey, nearly half of American adults pointed to a person’s smile as the feature they remember most after first meeting them. It’s no surprise then that so many adults look towards cosmetic dental treatments to enhance the look of their teeth. Porcelain veneers is one cosmetic dental upgrade that can help to make smiles all the more memorable. These thin cosmetic covers are bonded to the front of discolored, mildly crooked, gapped and worn teeth to safely and effectively create a stunningly whiter, brighter and more symmetrical smile. The talented cosmetic dentists at SmilesNY in New York City use porcelain veneers to assist patients achieve a magnificent smile and gain a newfound sense of self-confidence.
The power of porcelain
Customized cosmetic veneers are composed of porcelain or a resin material. Most dentists prefer the former, as porcelain better resists staining and typically is longer lasting than resin. Unlike dental bonding, veneers lack a tendency to crack. One of the most impressive of porcelain veneers features is their ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, especially in the way that they reflect light, which causes them to gleam like real teeth that have been professionally cleaned.
With veneers, you have the ability to select which of your existing teeth you wish to replace. Some New York City patients need only one veneer, such as those who injure a tooth in a fall or other accident. Others, who suffer from extensive tooth decay or damage, may require a full set of porcelain veneers to cover multiple teeth.
Am I a good candidate for veneers?
Porcelain veneers are effective in their ability to camouflage numerous aesthetic dental issues. Patients who desire to improve the shape, color, size and even length of their teeth often opt for veneers. They can also be used to correct crooked, chipped and misshapen teeth, fill in gaps and hide those that are severely stained or discolored. Before being considered for porcelain veneers, the doctors at SmilesNY in New York City will assess your overall oral health, making sure that no signs of cavities or periodontal disease are present. They will also work to address and correct all existing dental issues to help ensure the best possible outcome after porcelain veneers are placed. Those who clench or grind their teeth will need to seek treatment to break this habit before getting dental veneers as this may increase the likelihood that the thin porcelain shells will crack.
How veneers work
When it is determined that you are an excellent candidate for porcelain veneers, impressions of your teeth will be created in our office, located in the heart of New York City. Those impressions will be sent to a dental lab where specially trained and skilled technicians will use high-quality porcelain to carefully craft your custom veneers. Upon completion, you will return to our office for an appointment. A small amount of enamel will be removed from the front of your teeth, creating a smooth surface to which the veneers can adhere. Once secured, the doctor will make small adjustments to ensure that they fit well and are comfortable in your mouth before polishing the veneers.
The recovery process
Unlike other dental procedures, the placing of porcelain veneers during a single office visit typically does not require the use of anesthesia. However, that can vary depending upon a patient’s other dental issues. Normal daily activities can be resumed immediately following the procedure, although some patients may experience sensitivity to cold and hot foods for a few days.
The doctors at SmilesNY remind that it may take some time for patients to adjust for the feel of their new bite. Whenever the bite or position of teeth are altered, the brain requires several days to register the changes. Contact our office if you detect any high spots or other bite problems so that an appointment for an adjustment can be promptly scheduled. Your speech may be slightly affected for the first few days following the placement of porcelain veneers, however you should adapt quickly to the new length and thickness of your teeth. You may also notice an increase in salivation, which should subside in about a week.
The lifespan of veneers
Patients in New York City who have struggled for years with their smile can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the durability of porcelain veneers makes them a long-lasting dental solution. A bonding cement is used to strongly adhere the veneers to the teeth and is set with a special UV light. Typically, veneers last for up to two decades as long as patients properly maintain them. Annual dental exams should occur so that the teeth and gums, as well as the veneers themselves, can be examined.
As with natural teeth, be sure to brush porcelain veneers twice daily and use dental floss, as poor dental hygiene can result in gum disease and recession that could expose the borders of veneers and render them vulnerable to chipping or detaching from the teeth. When selecting a toothpaste to use, opt for gel-style products versus pastes. Avoid those that contain hydrogen peroxide, which may damage the surface of veneers, as well as baking soda as its grittiness can lessen the color and sheen. Meanwhile, whitening toothpastes should also be avoided as they are usually unnecessary and may negatively impact the appearance of veneers.
Watch what you eat. Biting into hard foods such as raw apples and carrots as well as meat cuts on the bone can result in damage to veneers, while those that contain excessive coloring can cause stains. Finally, avoid excessive alcohol intake via beverages as well as mouthwashes, as it can cause a softening of the bonding composites that hold porcelain veneers to the natural teeth.
On the path to a new smile
Besides addressing a host of dental issues, porcelain veneers have the ability to transform patients’ smiles and provide them the confidence they need to take on the world. To learn whether veneers are a good fit for you, contact the New York City office of SmilesNY and schedule an appointment with one of the doctors on our team, who are affiliated with numerous prestigious professional boards and organizations. They are happy to evaluate your dental health and begin you on the journey toward achieving a new-and-improved you.