Veneers are a fantastic way to improve your smile. They are thin porcelain coverings that are bonded to teeth to give them a more classically shaped look. Veneers are a popular choice of cosmetic dental treatment for teeth that are stained, chipped, or misshapen.
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At Scarsdale Smiles, Dr. Cox uses high-quality materials to create durable, long lasting veneers
The procedure is minimally invasive and safe for the teeth
Veneers can cover up a wide array of cosmetic imperfections
Veneers are a great solution to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Porcelain veneers are generally sturdy and can last between 10 to 15 years, and oftentimes much longer, with proper care. It's up to the wearer to maintain them with proper hygiene and to protect them in order to increase their lifespan. Depending on the type of wear or damage they incur, veneers may need cosmetic repair or full replacement in time.
What kinds of habits can shorten the life of your veneers? As a matter of fact, the same ones that can damage your natural teeth. Veneers can chip and crack like natural teeth, so biting down on hard foods – such as ice and hard foods – as well as inedible items can result in a damaged surface
During your consultation with Dr. Alexander Cox, he will examine your mouth and take x-rays of your teeth. This is to check for signs of tooth decay or gum disease that would rule you out as a candidate for veneers.
Veneers may not be the best option for you if you have extensive damage to your teeth or a significantly crooked grin. In the latter case, orthodontic treatment may be recommended before receiving veneers.
During the first procedural appointment, we will need to remove .5 mm of enamel from your teeth, the same thickness as the veneers. This preparatory step ensures that the veneers will adhere to the teeth and won’t protrude outward.
This is painless because we administer local anesthesia to numb the area. An impression is then taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab that will create your veneers. The impressions will serve as a guide for the look of your smile and the way your bite fits together.
Your veneers will be ready in about 2-3 weeks, so you will likely be given a temporary set in the meantime. Once your official veneers are ready, you will return for a second appointment to test how they fit over your teeth. If no adjustments need to be made, they will be bonded to your teeth.
Your teeth will first need to be cleaned to ensure they aren’t harboring any bacteria that could become trapped behind the veneers. Your enamel will then be roughened slightly to help encourage and strengthen the bonding process. The veneers will then be cemented onto your teeth and cured with UV light.
Yes and no. The removal of your enamel is a permanent procedure, and doing so means that you will always need to cover and protect your natural teeth. Trimming the enamel makes your teeth more susceptible to damage and decay if they are left uncovered and they will also be noticeably worn down. In this sense, choosing to get veneers is a permanent commitment.
However, the veneers themselves are temporary and usually last for 10-15 years depending on the patient’s oral hygiene, lifestyle, and maintenance habits.
There aren’t any special tools or extra cleaning procedures necessary to care for your veneers. However, meticulous oral hygiene will keep your teeth and veneers healthy, pearly white, and free from complications.
Though veneers cover up your teeth, they don’t fix any problems that are lingering behind them. You are still susceptible to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. To avoid these issues, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and thoroughly floss at least once a day.
Only use a soft-bristle toothbrush, as anything harder will be too abrasive. Veneers can still become damaged, chipped, and stained just like your natural teeth, so avoid excessive consumption of staining foods and drinks, as well as smoking, which can cause discoloration over time.
Do not chew on hard or sticky foods, ice, objects, or use your teeth as tools, as this increases the risk of damaging your veneers. Veneers are typically placed on the front visible teeth so try to chew with your back molars.
A good candidate for veneers is someone who wishes to improve the appearance of their teeth due to discoloration, minor chipping or cracking, small gaps, or slightly crooked teeth. However, severely misaligned teeth, a misaligned jaw that causes an improper bite, large gaps, and overcrowded teeth may not be the best candidates for veneers.
If the patient wants veneers, they may need to get braces or Invisalign first. It is also important that their teeth are free from decay and gum disease, and that their overall oral health is in good condition.
Since we need to shave a small amount of enamel off of the teeth, it is also important that you have healthy and strong tooth enamel. If you grind your teeth, you are not a great candidate for veneers because you can accidentally chip or break your veneers, unless you wear a nightguard.
The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for veneers is to come in for a consultation. Contact us at Scarsdale Smiles today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander Cox.
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