Do you wish your smile had a “wow factor”? Not willing to undergo a lengthy or invasive treatment plan to get the smile you want? Consider porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are one of the most preferred solutions in cosmetic dentistry, with the ability to make drastic improvements to the appearance of your smile in very minimal time.
Porcelain veneers are considered among the most conservative aesthetic restorations available. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded on the front surface of your existing teeth. A single veneer or multiple veneers can be placed depending on your needs and goals. Veneers can permanently cover up a wide range of aesthetic dental flaws without invasive techniques.
Still unsure or curious about getting porcelain veneers? We understand. Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions about cosmetic dental veneers to help you feel more confident about your smile makeover decision.
Do Cosmetic Veneers Really Look Natural?
It is common for patients to worry that their veneers will look unnaturally white or too noticeable to others. This is an unfortunate misconception. Modern veneers are seamlessly customized to match the thickness, shape and natural color of your existing teeth. They are very thin and even offer the same light refraction qualities as real teeth. The celebrity smiles you see in Hollywood are often smiles that have been created with the help of porcelain veneers.
What Cosmetic Flaws Can Dental Veneers Solve?
Porcelain dental veneers can solve imperfections that you were born with as well as those that occurred over time. In fact, they are known for their remarkable versatility and ability to address the following smile flaws:
- Repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Close uneven gaps between teeth
- Lengthen short or stubby teeth
- Improve the shape a tooth
- Mask severely stained teeth
- Conceal slight tooth misalignment
Is It Painful to Get Veneers?
Like most major dental procedures, cosmetic veneers are applied after a patient has received a local anesthetic. While veneers are not considered invasive, this eliminates any discomfort during the procedure. If you are feeling especially anxious about your procedure, don’t hesitate to ask for sedation dentistry.
Are Veneers Permanent?
To ensure a strong bond between the veneer and your existing tooth, a very small portion of your tooth must be filed down before a veneer can be placed. This allows your veneer to function like normal teeth and be a permanent solution for a more confident smile. This minimal reshaping of your tooth also means that your veneers are irreversible.
Are Veneers Only Used for Aesthetics?
While the primary goal of most veneers is to enhance and improve the overall appearance of your smile, dental veneers can also be used towards the back of your mouth to fill out cheeks and rebuild molars.
Can Veneers Be Used as Instant Orthodontics?
Not everyone qualifies, but patients with mild misalignment on the front teeth may be able to get veneers instead of undergoing orthodontic treatment. Since veneers don’t actually move your teeth, it is important that there are no bite issues or severe orthodontic concerns that need to be addressed.
How Long Does It Take to Get Cosmetic Veneers?
A highlighted advantage of choosing porcelain veneers is the speedy timetable. In most cases, patients can achieve a natural-looking and more confident smile in just two short office visits. Veneers are perfect for those that are short on time or need a stunning smile before an upcoming event.
Will My Veneers Require Extra Care?
In general, you can care for your veneers just like natural teeth. While your veneers are stain-resistant and not able to decay, you still have natural teeth underneath your veneers that must be kept clean and healthy. Keep in mind that your veneers can’t withstand ice chomping, opening packages and teeth grinding without suffering damage.
Am I a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
The most accurate way to determine whether or not you qualify for veneers is to schedule a consult with a reputable cosmetic dentist. At Group Health Dental, we have enhanced countless smiles with beautiful, customized veneers. We will carefully examine your current concerns and talk about how veneers can create a more attractive smile for you. For additional questions or to schedule your porcelain veneers consultation, call our New York office today.
