What are Veneers?

What are Veneers?

Jun 01, 2022

When you have dental imperfections like cracks, chips, and discoloration, the dentist will probably recommend dental veneers in Bronxville, NY, to fix them and restore the appearance of the teeth.

What are Teeth Veneers, and How Do They Work?

Teeth veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells fixed on the tooth’s surface to fix the imperfections and change your smile. These restorations treat several dental problems like chipped, broken, smaller-than-average teeth, and discolored teeth.

The veneers can be used to fix only one tooth or multiple, depending on the affected teeth, to create an even smile.

What are the Types of Teeth Veneers?

Dental veneers are mostly made of two materials– porcelain and composite.

  • Porcelain veneers

Porcelain tooth veneers are commonly used because they are tooth-colored and resemble your natural teeth. They are stain-resistant and durable and can last for a decade or more.

  • Composite veneers

These veneers are made of composite resin, quickly applied to the teeth. These veneers are considered minimally invasive because fewer teeth are removed for application. Additionally, they can be applied for one dental visit. However, these shells are not as durable and last only 5 to 7 years.

The veneers also differ in the preparation process, and you can get no-prep veneers.

  • No-prep veneers

These veneers take less time and are less invasive than the porcelain and composite ones. The no-prep veneers do not require enamel reshaping, which means they preserve the integrity of the teeth.

How Are the Teeth Veneers Applied to the Teeth?

The dental veneer process typically requires two dental visits. The dentist will grind the teeth’ enamel to allow for the placement of the veneers, which is an irreversible procedure. The tooth reshaping depends on the dental problem and the number of teeth affected. However, the veneers procedure depends on the type of material you choose to repair your smile.

The dentist will reshape the teeth, get an impression of the tooth, and send it to the lab to make the permanent versions for porcelain veneers. The entire veneer process will take about three to four weeks to complete.

The composite veneers are fixed on one dental visit, and you do not need temporary veneers to cover the teeth. The dentist will etch the enamel before applying the thin composite material layer. Additional layers are then applied to achieve the intended look, and a curing light is used to harden the resin.

How to Prepare for Your Veneer Appointment?

Before the veneers are fixed, you will have a preliminary consultation with the dentist. He will discuss the treatment process and the type of veneer ideal for you. At times, you may need other treatment before the veneers are applied. An x-ray evaluates the teeth and looks for signs of decay, cavities, or gum disease.

How Much Do the Veneers Cost?

Veneers are cosmetic procedures and therefore are not covered by insurance. You can expect to part with $925 and $2500 per veneered tooth. This cost is affected by the type of veneer, the severity of the dental problem, and the dentist’s expertise.

What is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?

The difference between these two restorations comes down to the thickness. The veneers are thinner than the crown, meaning only a small amount of enamel is reshaped to accommodate the veneers.

How to Care for the Veneered Teeth?

The recovery process of the veneers is not long; once the veneers are cemented on, you can eat and chew immediately. You may, however, experience rough spots from the extra cement that wears down after several days.

The veneers last from 5 to 20 years but can take precautions to lengthen the lifespan like:

  • Avoid biting on ice and fingernails, which can damage the veneers
  • Use mouthguards to protect the teeth if you grind and clench the teeth or playing contact sports
  • Do not use the front teeth to bite or chew hard foods
  • Get regular dental visits to monitor the condition of the veneers

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Bronxville Dentistry for more information about dental veneers and what you can expect.

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