If you're self-conscious about chips, cracks, stains, or gaps in your teeth, porcelain veneers can offer a reliable and long-lasting solution. These ultra-thin ceramic shells are fixed to the surfaces of your teeth to conceal flaws while maintaining a natural appearance.Â
At Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island, Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser provide custom veneers to help patients restore confidence in their smiles. With over 200 5-star reviews, they and their team are known for delivering expert cosmetic dentistry care in a welcoming environment.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth. Veneers are the ultimate restoration for:
- Revitalizing the surface of a tooth
- Concealing chips
- Covering badly stained, discolored teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Masking alignment problems
- Covering cracks or wear
Veneers can also provide an alternative to orthodontic work.
Porcelain Before & After
What Are Porcelain Veneers Made Of?
Dr. Glasser uses only dental porcelain for veneers. Dental porcelain closely resembles the translucence and slight light reflection of natural tooth enamel. It also makes strong, highly stain-resistant veneers.
Porcelain Veneer Candidates
If you have any of the above-listed cosmetic problems with your teeth, porcelain veneers offer a great solution without the time and expense of more involved procedures, such as orthodontics. Despite their many benefits, it's important to note that veneers are only a cosmetic solution and are applied to healthy teeth. Issues such as decay or gum disease must be addressed first.
Additionally, it's essential for anyone considering porcelain veneers to understand that this is a long-term commitment. Once the enamel is shaved from the front surfaces of your teeth, it is gone for good. That means those teeth will always require covering with a veneer.
Once your current set reaches its lifespan, you'll also need to have another set of veneers placed.
The Procedure
Porcelain veneer placement will require three appointments.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
This initial appointment enables you to take an active role in designing a new smile. Our dentists will discuss the corrective abilities and limitations of this procedure and help you plan the changes you would like to make.
Preparation
The second appointment will last approximately one hour.
Although the porcelain veneers are very thin, the teeth receiving them are lightly buffed to compensate for the added thickness of the veneers. The tooth is typically reduced by approximately one-half of a millimeter. This portion of the procedure may be performed with little or no local anesthesia.
Next, the dentist takes an impression of the teeth and sends it to the lab to create the custom veneer. A temporary veneer can be placed if the patient is uncomfortable with the appearance of their natural teeth. The veneer is usually ready within one to two weeks.
Bonding
At your third appointment, your dentist will initially hold the veneers in place with water or glycerin to determine that they are a perfect fit and color. The color of the veneer can still be adjusted at this time by altering the shade of the cement used to adhere it.
Once the color is finalized, chemicals are applied to the tooth to optimize the bonding. Dental cement is then used between the teeth and the veneer, and a special light quickly hardens the cement. You can expect this visit to take between one and two hours.
Will My Porcelain Veneers Look Like Normal Teeth?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory to resemble the patient's natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable. They are truly among the best of the restorative options when it comes to their similarity in appearance to healthy tooth enamel. Since veneers are so thin, light shines through them, helping them blend in beautifully with natural teeth.
What to Expect After Getting Your Veneers
You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold after the placement of your veneers. This is caused by the reduction of enamel on the prepared teeth.
Sensitivity is a very common residual effect that typically dissipates in one to two weeks. If the issue persists beyond that time, please contact the office.
Maintaining Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers require minimal maintenance. All that is necessary is twice-daily brushing for two minutes with non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing once a day. Simply treat your veneers like your natural teeth.
If you clench your teeth and have been diagnosed with bruxism, please inform your dentist. They may recommend wearing a soft night guard to minimize the stress placed on your teeth while you sleep.
Why Choose Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island?
Patients in Nassau County trust Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island for porcelain veneers because of the skilled care provided by Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser.
Dr. Dean Glasser brings decades of experience in cosmetic and implant dentistry and is known for his precision and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Renee Glasser's warm, patient-focused approach and background in community health ensure each visit is comfortable and personalized.Â
Together, they deliver veneers that look natural and complement your features. Their shared dedication to advanced techniques and ongoing education makes them a trusted choice for a more confident, lasting smile.
FAQs
Mild sensitivity or soreness is normal post-procedure and usually subsides shortly after. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any tenderness.
If you have concerns about pain or anxiety, talk to your provider about additional comfort options before treatment begins.
Porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and crowns can all improve the appearance of your teeth. However, they differ in durability, appearance, and the extent to which the tooth is altered.
Veneers are thin shells that cover the tooth's front surface and are ideal for aesthetic corrections. Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin for minor repairs but isn't as durable or stain-resistant. Crowns cover the full tooth and are better for restoring teeth with significant structural damage.
Veneers offer a balance between aesthetics and function. This makes them a popular choice for enhancing smiles without extensive tooth reduction.
There are no hard and fast rules here, but common sense should prevail. Although porcelain veneers are quite hard and durable, they can be broken. They can also be detached (although they can be cemented back onto the tooth if found).
With this information in mind, it's wise not to bite into overly sticky foods, such as caramel apples or chewy candy. Chewing on bones is risky, as is biting into other very hard foods. Rather than biting them, break them up or cut them into smaller pieces.
You don't need to worry about drinking coffee or red wine in moderation, as porcelain veneers are far more resistant to staining than your natural tooth enamel.
Your porcelain veneers can last from seven to 20 years. The lifespan can be dictated by changes in the underlying teeth or the surrounding gum tissue. Usually, if a veneer detaches, it can be rebonded.
Patients must remember that this procedure is a lifetime commitment, as it involves removing a slight amount of enamel to make room for the veneers. When your current veneers reach the end of their lifespan, you'll need to have a new set placed.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but they do not respond to whitening treatments like natural teeth do.
If discoloration occurs – usually due to surface staining or bonding material darkening – it cannot be corrected with over-the-counter or professional whitening products. Instead, your dentist may recommend professional polishing or, in cases of significant discoloration, replacing the veneer.
To help preserve your veneers' color, maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid frequent exposure to dark-colored foods and drinks. Regular dental cleanings also keep your veneers looking bright and fresh.
When selecting the ideal shade for your porcelain veneers, consider your aesthetic preferences and natural features.
Many patients opt for a shade that looks naturally white rather than overly bright or artificial. Digital imaging or shade guides can help you preview different options.
If you want to whiten your natural teeth, complete that process first. That way, the veneers can be matched accordingly for a seamless appearance.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To learn more about porcelain veneers or find out if you're a good candidate, book a consultation at our Melville office today. Call 631-423-6767 or click here to submit our contact form.
